Origin
South Saint Paul, MN
Evening in South Saint Paul on Wednesday
Local time
5:58 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
43m
Distance
31.9 mi
51 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
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
Maple Grove, MN
Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking to travel between South Saint Paul and Maple Grove, expect a straightforward 31.9-mile journey that typically takes about 43 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, as it is short enough to handle without any overnight stops. Budget roughly $5 for fuel, which keeps this drive very budget-friendly for a quick commute or local errand. You will navigate through the Midwest, moving across the metropolitan area with efficiency. Because this is a highway-focused drive, it serves as a practical link between these two Minnesota cities rather than a leisurely vacation path.
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
16 miles from South Saint Paul, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 23m into the drive .
Expect a drive that prioritizes speed and directness, with 86% of your time spent on highways. You will rely on US 10, Concord Street North, and the Lafayette Freeway to move through the region. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 24 miles on US 10, giving you a consistent pace once you clear local traffic. While the route feels like a standard metropolitan highway experience, the transition from local roads to the freeway system happens quickly. It is a functional drive designed to get you from point A to point B without unnecessary complexity.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 10 and Concord Street North. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.5 miles in near US 10.
Focused - lots of decisions in a short distance, but it is over quickly
This is a short but busy drive. With 12 decision points packed into just 31.9 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 43m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 5.5 miles (US 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.6 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Take the exit onto US 10 toward I 35E North, US 10 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward I 494 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward CR 10: Bass Lake Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Turn right onto CR 10 / Bass Lake Road
Lane positioning matters here
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 10 | 24 mi | 29m |
| Concord Street North | 2.9 mi | 6m |
| Lafayette Freeway | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| I 494 | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| US 52 | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Bass Lake Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| I 94 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| John E Carroll Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between South Saint Paul, MN and Maple Grove, MN.
Start on Concord Exchange North
Turn right onto CH 14
Turn left onto Concord Street North
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 52
Keep slight right at fork onto US 52
Merge onto I 94; US 10
Take the exit onto US 10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
Continue on US 10
Take the exit
Continue on I 494
Take the exit
Turn right onto CR 10
Arrive at destination
Since this 43-minute trip is quite short, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. However, keeping an eye on local traffic patterns is wise given the heavy reliance on major highways. You will not need to plan for any formal stops along the way, allowing you to complete the 31.9 miles in one go. Make sure your fuel tank is ready for the $5 cost before you head out, as the highway sections do not offer many opportunities for quick errands. Use the 24-mile stretch on US 10 to maintain a steady speed, but stay alert for the transition onto the Lafayette Freeway.
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.
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 31.9 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 16 miles or 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maple Grove, MN than in the middle of the route.
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 31.9 miles and 43m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 16 mi from South Saint Paul, MN · 23m into the drive
A short stop after about 31.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 16 miles from South Saint Paul, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Maple Grove, 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.
Regular Gas
$4.75 one way
$9.49 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.07 | $5.12 | $10.23 |
| premium | $4.53 | $5.69 | $11.38 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $7.04 | $14.09 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 11.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 9.6 | 0 | $3.35 | $1.53 |
| Efficient EV | 8 | 0 | $2.79 | $1.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 12.8 | 0 | $4.47 | $2.04 |
Gas CO2
11 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (64% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Evening in South Saint Paul on Wednesday
Local time
5:58 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Destination
Evening in Maple Grove on Wednesday
Local time
5:58 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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