Origin
Rochester, MN
Afternoon in Rochester on Sunday
Local time
4:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rochester, MN to Minneapolis, MN
Drive Time
1h 46m
Distance
83.4 mi
134 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 38m
★
6 AM
1h 46m
8 AM
2h 2m
10 AM
1h 52m
12 PM
1h 50m
3 PM
1h 52m
5 PM
2h 1m
8 PM
1h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rochester, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Connecting Rochester and Minneapolis, this 83.4-mile trip is a straightforward journey through the Minnesota Midwest. You can expect to reach your destination in approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes, making it an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stay. With a fuel budget of about $12, the route is both efficient and budget-friendly. You will primarily utilize US 52, MN 55, and Hiawatha Avenue to complete the transit. Whether you are heading north for business or leisure, this drive offers a practical connection between two of Minnesota's most significant hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
41.7 miles from Rochester, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 50m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 91% of your travel occurring on higher-speed roads. You will spend the bulk of your time on US 52, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 65.8 miles. Expect a consistent, efficient pace as you transition from the highway stretches into the city via MN 55 and Hiawatha Avenue. The drive feels purposeful and direct, serving as a reliable transit corridor rather than a winding backroads exploration. You should be prepared for a steady, focused experience behind the wheel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 52 is the longest continuous segment at about 65.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 52 and MN 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 83.4 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67 miles (MN 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.3 miles (MN 55): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
1.1 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 52 North, US 63 North, US 14 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 52 North, US 63 North, US 14 West
8
67 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
|
MN 55
Keep slight left at fork onto MN 55 toward MN 55 West: Minneapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 121
Toward MN 55 West: Minneapolis
8
76.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 31m in
|
MN 55
Take the exit onto MN 55 toward MN 55 West: Minnehaha Avenue, Hiawatha Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 115
Toward MN 55 West: Minnehaha Avenue, Hiawatha A...
8
76.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m in
|
MN 55
Keep slight right at fork onto MN 55 toward MN 55 West: Hiawatha Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward MN 55 West: Hiawatha Avenue
8
82.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, University of Minnesota, West Bank
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, Universit...
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 52 | 65.8 mi | 1h 16m |
| MN 55 | 9.7 mi | 13m |
| Hiawatha Avenue | 4.9 mi | 9m |
| 2nd Street Southwest | 0.7 mi | 2m |
| Washington Avenue South | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| South 3rd Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South 7th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 3rd Street Southwest | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 52
— 65.8 mi, about 1h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rochester, MN and Minneapolis, MN.
1
Start on 5th Avenue Southwest
403 ft
·
15 sec
·
5th Avenue Southwest
2
Turn right onto 3rd Street Southwest
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
3rd Street Southwest
3
Turn right onto 7th Avenue Southwest
404 ft
·
15 sec
·
7th Avenue Southwest
4
Turn left onto 2nd Street Southwest
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
2nd Street Southwest
Use the none lane.
5
Turn right onto 17th Avenue Southwest
150 ft
·
3 sec
·
17th Avenue Southwest
Use the right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward US 52 North, US 63 North, US 14 West
Use the slight left lane.
7
Merge onto US 52; US 14; US 63
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
US 52; US 14; US 63
8
Continue on US 52; US 63
17 mi
·
19 min
·
US 52; US 63
Use the none lane.
9
Continue on US 52
9.1 mi
·
10 min
·
US 52
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 52
40 mi
·
45 min
·
US 52
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto MN 55
9.3 mi
·
12 min
·
MN 55
Exit 121
Toward MN 55 West: Minneapolis
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto MN 55
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
MN 55
Exit 115
Toward MN 55 West: Minnehaha Avenue, Hiawatha Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto MN 55
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
MN 55
Toward MN 55 West: Hiawatha Avenue
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto MN 55
4.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Hiawatha Avenue
Use the left / none lanes.
15
Continue on South 7th Street
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
South 7th Street
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
Toward 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, University of Minnesota
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
459 ft
·
7 sec
Toward 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, University of Minnesota, West Bank
Use the none lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
Toward 3rd Street
Use the slight left lane.
19
Continue on South 3rd Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
South 3rd Street
20
Turn right onto Chicago Avenue South
409 ft
·
16 sec
·
Chicago Avenue South
21
Turn left onto CR 152
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Washington Avenue South
Use the none lane.
22
Arrive at destination
CR 152
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short drive, you have the advantage of total flexibility in your departure time. Since the trip takes less than two hours, you likely will not need to plan for any formal stops, allowing you to head straight through to your destination. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Rochester, as $12 covers the average cost of the trip but won't leave much room for detours. For the smoothest transition into Minneapolis, pay close attention to local traffic patterns as you merge onto Hiawatha Avenue. Enjoy the convenience of a route that gets you from point A to point B without any unnecessary complexity.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 41.7 miles from Rochester, MN, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.8 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 41.7 miles or 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Minneapolis, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rochester, MN so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Rochester, MN
This is one driving day of about 83.4 miles and 1h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Rochester, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US 52 for about 65.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 41.7 mi from Rochester, MN · 50m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
42 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 41.7 miles from Rochester, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 52 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.8 miles.
Arriving in Minneapolis, MN
The final approach into Minneapolis, MN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Minneapolis, MN.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.93 one way
$23.86 round trip
$3.63/gal
25.4 MPG avg
29 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.92 | $12.87 | $25.75 |
| premium | $4.39 | $14.42 | $28.84 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $18.53 | $37.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25 | 0 | $8.76 | $4.00 |
| Efficient EV | 20.9 | 0 | $7.30 | $3.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 33.4 | 0 | $11.68 | $5.34 |
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Minneapolis, MN
Afternoon in Minneapolis on Sunday
Local time
4:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 46m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Rochester, MN to Minneapolis, MN covers 83.4 miles and takes about 1h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 52, MN 55, Hiawatha Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 41.7 miles from Rochester, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.93 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 83.4 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67 miles (MN 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.3 miles (MN 55): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Rochester, MN to Minneapolis, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Minneapolis, MN
More from Rochester, MN
More trips to Minneapolis, MN
Explore more options from Rochester, MN or browse trips ending in Minneapolis, MN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MN road trips.
Explore maps for Rochester, MN or Minneapolis, MN on MapSof.net.