Origin
South Saint Paul, MN
Evening in South Saint Paul on Wednesday
Local time
5:59 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from South Saint Paul, MN to Eden Prairie, MN
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
33m
Distance
24.4 mi
39 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 30m
★
6 AM
0h 33m
8 AM
0h 39m
10 AM
0h 35m
12 PM
0h 35m
3 PM
0h 35m
5 PM
0h 38m
8 PM
0h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Saint Paul, MN
Tom Fisk
Eden Prairie, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 24.4-mile drive from South Saint Paul to Eden Prairie in Minnesota is designed for a single day, taking approximately 33 minutes. With 89% of the journey on highways, you'll experience a quick transit through the Midwest. The estimated fuel cost is a budget-friendly $4, making this an economical option for a short trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, offering a direct path without many detours. Given its brief duration, it's ideal for a quick commute or a short errand run rather than an overnight adventure.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
12.2 miles from South Saint Paul, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 16m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this trip, with 89% of the 24.4 miles utilizing major roadways like I-494 and MN-5. You'll encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch for 20.2 miles on I-494, allowing for a consistent pace. The drive progresses through a mix of main roads, including Concord Street North initially, before transitioning to the faster pace of the interstate system. This route emphasizes efficiency and direct travel over leisurely scenic cruising.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 494 is the longest continuous segment at about 20.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 494 and MN 5. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CH 14 / John E Carroll Avenue.
Route Complexity
7/10
Focused - busy navigation packed into a short drive
This is a short but busy drive. With 10 decision points packed into just 24.4 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 33m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (CH 14 / John E Carroll Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.2 miles (I 494): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.5 miles (MN 5): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
CH 14 / John E Carroll Avenue
Turn right onto CH 14 / John E Carroll Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
3.2 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 494
Keep slight left at fork onto I 494
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
21.5 mi into trip
|
~27m in
|
MN 5
Take the exit onto MN 5 toward MN 5 West, US 212 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 11C
Toward MN 5 West, US 212 West
6
23.1 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Take the exit toward CR 60: Mitchell Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CR 60: Mitchell Road
5
23.9 mi into trip
|
~31m in
|
Scenic Heights Road
Turn right onto Scenic Heights Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 494 | 20.2 mi | 25m |
| MN 5 | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Concord Street North | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Mitchell Road | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Scenic Heights Road | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| John E Carroll Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Concord Exchange North | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 494
— 20.2 mi, about 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Saint Paul, MN and Eden Prairie, MN.
1
Start on Concord Exchange North
29 ft
·
2 sec
·
Concord Exchange North
2
Turn right onto CH 14
188 ft
·
9 sec
·
John E Carroll Avenue
3
Turn right onto CH 56
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Concord Street North
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 494 West
5
Merge onto I 494
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 494
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 494
18 mi
·
22 min
·
I 494
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 494; MN 5
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
I 494; MN 5
8
Take the exit onto MN 5
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
MN 5
Exit 11C
Toward MN 5 West, US 212 West
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward CR 60: Mitchell Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn left onto CR 60
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Mitchell Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Turn right onto Scenic Heights Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Scenic Heights Road
Use the right lane.
12
Arrive at destination
Scenic Heights Road
Trip Plan
For this short 33-minute drive covering 24.4 miles, you have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best, as no overnight stays are necessary. With a low fuel cost of around $4, you likely won't need frequent refueling stops, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Pay attention to highway signage for I-494 and MN-5 to ensure you stay on the most direct path. The longest stretch on I-494 is over 20 miles, so consider this when planning any brief diversions or if you need to adjust your speed.
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 12.2 miles from South Saint Paul, MN, or about 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 20.2 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 24 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 12.2 miles or 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eden Prairie, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving South Saint Paul, MN.
Day 1
Settle into the route from South Saint Paul, MN
This is one driving day of about 24.4 miles and 33m.
At 24.4 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on I 494 for about 20.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 12.2 mi from South Saint Paul, MN · 16m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 12.2 miles from South Saint Paul, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Eden Prairie, MN
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Eden Prairie, MN if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$3.63 one way
$7.26 round trip
$3.78/gal
25.4 MPG avg
9 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.07 | $3.91 | $7.83 |
| premium | $4.53 | $4.35 | $8.71 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $5.39 | $10.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$29–$54
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 8.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 7.3 | 0 | $2.56 | $1.17 |
| Efficient EV | 6.1 | 0 | $2.14 | $0.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 9.8 | 0 | $3.42 | $1.56 |
Gas CO2
9 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (67% 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
Eden Prairie, MN
Evening in Eden Prairie on Wednesday
Local time
5:59 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
18 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
33m 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 South Saint Paul, MN to Eden Prairie, MN covers 24.4 miles and takes about 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 494, MN 5, Concord Street North. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 12.2 miles from South Saint Paul, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.63 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 short but busy drive. With 10 decision points packed into just 24.4 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 33m.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (CH 14 / John E Carroll Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.2 miles (I 494): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.5 miles (MN 5): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from South Saint Paul, MN to Eden Prairie, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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