If you are planning to travel between Afton and Woodbury, expect a 153.1-mile journey that takes approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes. This route functions perfectly as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize I-35, State Highway 73, and I-35E to complete the transit across the Midwest. With a fuel budget of about $22, this drive is quite economical for a solo traveler or a small group. Because the trip is straightforward and efficient, it serves as a reliable option for those looking to move between these Minnesota points with minimal fuss. Keep in mind that the itinerary is designed for a direct, highway-focused experience rather than a leisurely sightseeing tour.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
76.6 miles from Afton, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 35
82.2 mi
1h 28m
State Highway 73
22.9 mi
38m
I 35E
17.5 mi
18m
I 694
10.1 mi
12m
1st Street
3.6 mi
4m
Saint Croix Trail South
3.4 mi
5m
Saint Croix Trail North
1 mi
1m
MN 73
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 82.2 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Afton, MN and Woodbury, MN.
1
Start on CH 18
80 ft·7 sec·Afton Boulevard
2
Turn left onto CH 18; CH 21
2.9 mi·4 min·Saint Croix Trail South
Use the straight lane.
3
Enter roundabout onto CH 18
99 ft·1 sec·Saint Croix Trail South
4
Continue on CH 18
0.4 mi·48 sec·Saint Croix Trail South
Use the straight lane.
5
Enter roundabout onto CH 18
104 ft·2 sec·Saint Croix Trail North
6
Continue on CH 18
0.4 mi·41 sec·Saint Croix Trail North
Use the straight lane.
7
Enter roundabout onto CH 18
116 ft·2 sec·Saint Croix Trail North
8
Continue on CH 18
0.6 mi·1 min·Saint Croix Trail North
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn left
8.8 mi·9 min
Toward I 94 West, US 12 West, MN 95 South: Saint PaulUse the left lane.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 249Toward I 694 North, I 494 SouthUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward I 694 NorthUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 694
10 mi·12 min·I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·31 sec
Exit 47Toward I 35E North: DuluthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 35E
18 mi·18 min·I 35E
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
82 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 35
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·49 sec
Toward MN 73: Moose Lake
17
Turn left onto MN 73
0.9 mi·1 min·MN 73
18
Enter roundabout onto State Highway 73
132 ft·8 sec·State Highway 73
19
Continue on State Highway 73
0.8 mi·1 min·State Highway 73
20
Continue on MN 73; CR 61
0.7 mi·1 min·Arrowhead Lane
21
Turn left onto MN 27; MN 73
0.5 mi·1 min·Folz Boulevard
22
Continue on MN 27; MN 73
22 mi·37 min·State Highway 73
23
Turn left onto MN 210
3.6 mi·4 min·1st Street
24
Turn right onto CR 127
0.2 mi·27 sec·Gisler Road
25
Arrive at destination
CR 127
Trip Plan
Since this 3-hour journey is easily manageable in one sitting, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You only need to plan for one scheduled stop, which is ideal for refueling or stretching your legs mid-trip. To optimize your travel, try to avoid peak traffic hours on I-35E, as this will help you maintain your estimated 3-hour and 7-minute arrival time. Keep your $22 fuel estimate in mind when planning your budget, and consider filling up before you hit the longest 82.2-mile stretch to ensure you aren't searching for stations during the most remote part of the drive. Embracing the simplicity of this route allows you to focus on a stress-free arrival at your destination.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.6 miles from Afton, MN, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.2 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 34 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.6 miles or 1h 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Woodbury, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Afton, 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 Afton, MN
This is one driving day of about 153.1 miles and 3h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Afton, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 35 for about 82.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 23.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|CH 18; CH 21 / Saint Croix Trail South
Turn left onto CH 18; CH 21 / Saint Croix Trail South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
4.3 mi into trip|~7m in
Turn left toward I 94 West, US 12 West, MN 95 South: Saint Paul
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 94 West, US 12 West, MN 95 South: Sain...
8
13.1 mi into trip|~17m in
Take the exit toward I 694 North, I 494 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 249
Toward I 694 North, I 494 South
7
13.4 mi into trip|~17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 694 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 694 North
7
23.9 mi into trip|~31m in
Take the exit toward I 35E North: Duluth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 47
Toward I 35E North: Duluth
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.78 one way
$45.57 round trip
$3.78/gal25.4 MPG avg54 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.07
$24.55
$49.10
premium
$4.53
$27.32
$54.63
diesel
$5.61
$33.80
$67.61
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
45.9
0
$16.08
$7.35
Efficient EV
38.3
0
$13.40
$6.12
EV Truck/SUV
61.2
0
$21.43
$9.80
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Afton, MN
Late night
in Afton on Sunday
Local time
3:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Woodbury, MN
Late night
in Woodbury on Sunday
Local time
3:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°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
17 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 7m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is defined by its efficiency, with 87% of the total distance spent on major highways. You should prepare for a consistent, interstate-focused experience that prioritizes speed over winding local roads. The longest uninterrupted portion of your drive occurs on I-35, where you will cover 82.2 miles without needing to exit. While the transition between regional highways keeps the pace steady, the overall profile is geared toward drivers who prefer a predictable, high-speed environment. Expect a utilitarian drive that transitions smoothly from one major artery to the next as you navigate through Minnesota.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.2 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and State Highway 73. 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 18; CH 21 / Saint Croix Trail South.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 153.1 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: near the start (CH 18; CH 21 / Saint Croix Trail South): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 7m. Total distance: 153.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 82.2 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Woodbury, MN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (CH 18; CH 21 / Saint Croix Trail South): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Woodbury, MN, but most travelers stay overnight.
