Traveling from Ely to Plymouth covers 255.4 miles of Minnesota scenery, typically taking around 4 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is a manageable length, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via Main Street, US 53 South, and Speaker Irvin N, transitioning from the northern reaches of the state down toward the Twin Cities metro area. Budgeting approximately $37 for fuel should cover your needs for this one-way trip. Since the entire route stays within the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel, though the character of the road shifts as you move away from the wilderness of Ely toward the suburban landscape of Plymouth.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
125.8 miles from Ely, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 35
109.7 mi
1h 57m
US 53
42 mi
50m
MN 1
21.5 mi
29m
West Sheridan Street
20.1 mi
28m
MN 33
19.7 mi
26m
I 35W
14.7 mi
16m
Speaker Irvin N. Anderson Memorial Highway
5.5 mi
7m
I 694
4.9 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 109.7 mi, about 1h 57m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,069 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,531
Quietest
1 AM
~82 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
25.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ely, MN and Plymouth, MN.
1
Start on MN 1; MN 169
20 mi·28 min·West Sheridan Street
2
Continue on MN 1; MN 169
1.4 mi·2 min·Main Street
3
Turn straight onto MN 1; MN 169
21 mi·29 min·MN 1; MN 169
Use the straight lane.
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward US 53 South: Virginia
5
Continue on MN 169
0.3 mi·21 sec·MN 169
Toward US 53 South: Virginia
6
Merge onto US 53
5.5 mi·7 min·Speaker Irvin N. Anderson Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on US 53
4.6 mi·6 min·US 53
Use the straight lane.
8
Enter roundabout onto US 53
114 ft·1 sec·US 53
9
Continue on US 53
37 mi·43 min·US 53
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit onto MN 33
15 mi·18 min·MN 33
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on MN 33
3.9 mi·7 min·MN 33
Use the straight lane.
12
Enter roundabout onto MN 33
77 ft·1 sec·MN 33
Toward I 35 South
13
Continue on MN 33
0.5 mi·40 sec·MN 33
Toward I 35 South
14
Merge onto I 35
110 mi·1 hr 57 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35W
15 mi·16 min·I 35W
Toward I 35W: MinneapolisUse the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 26CToward I 694 WestUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto I 694
4.9 mi·6 min·I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 35AToward MN 100Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on MN 100
3.3 mi·4 min·MN 100
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 12AToward CR 9: 42nd AvenueUse the straight / right lanes.
21
At end of road, turn left onto CR 9
4.8 mi·8 min·42nd Avenue North
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto CR 61
1.6 mi·2 min·Northwest Boulevard
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto MN 55
0.3 mi·28 sec·MN 55
24
Arrive at destination
MN 55
Trip Plan
Given the four-hour duration, planning for at least one strategic stop will help break up the drive and keep you refreshed. Since the route relies on local roads rather than fast-moving highways, leave with plenty of flexibility in your schedule to account for potential traffic or slower speeds. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight, especially since the turn-heavy nature of the route is easier to navigate when you have full visibility. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the first half of the trip to ensure you stay within your $37 estimated budget. A helpful tip for this specific route is to prioritize your GPS navigation settings for local roads, as the turn-heavy profile requires clear directions to avoid missing key transitions between Main Street and US 53 South.
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 125.8 miles from Ely, MN, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 109.7 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 55 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.8 miles or 2h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Plymouth, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ely, 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 Ely, MN
This is one driving day of about 251.7 miles and 5h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Ely, 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 109.7 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 43 and 244.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
43 mi into trip|~1h in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 53 South: Virginia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 53 South: Virginia
7
220.8 mi into trip|~4h 23m in|I 35W
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35W toward I 35W: Minneapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 35W: Minneapolis
7
235.5 mi into trip|~4h 39m in
Take the exit toward I 694 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 26C
Toward I 694 West
7
240.9 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Take the exit toward MN 100
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 35A
Toward MN 100
7
244.8 mi into trip|~4h 51m in
Take the exit toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 12A
Toward CR 9: 42nd Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.80 one way
$75.61 round trip
$3.82/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$40.82
$81.63
premium
$4.60
$45.59
$91.19
diesel
$4.80
$47.53
$95.05
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.5
0
$26.43
$12.08
Efficient EV
62.9
0
$22.02
$10.07
EV Truck/SUV
100.7
1
$35.24
$16.11
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Ely, MN
Evening
in Ely on Saturday
Local time
8:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Patchy Smoke
N 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:03AM CDT by NWS Grand Forks ND
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 12:53PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Destination
Plymouth, MN
Evening
in Plymouth on Saturday
Local time
8:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
88°F
Sunny
NNW 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:03AM CDT by NWS Grand Forks ND
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 12:53PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
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
7 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
5h 4m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a mindless cruise on a sprawling interstate. With 0% of this route classified as highway, you will spend your time navigating local roads that demand more active attention from the driver. The route transitions through various road types, requiring you to stay alert through frequent changes in direction and pace. Because this is not a high-speed interstate haul, you should anticipate a more technical experience behind the wheel. Prepare for a steady, hands-on drive that keeps you engaged with the road surface and local traffic patterns throughout the entire 255.4-mile journey.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 109.7 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and US 53. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 43 miles in.
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 15 significant decision points across 251.7 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 43 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 220.8 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 235.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Ely is a town of 3,400 people (2019) in Northeastern Minnesota. Ely is best known as a popular entry point for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the International Wolf Center, and the North American Bear Center.
Top landmarks
•State Theater — movie theater in Ely, Minnesota, United States
•Pioneer Mine — mine in Ely, United States of America
Plymouth is a city located in the heart of Minnesota. This city is a place that has a good solid community and friendly people. Plymouth has a lot to offer both its residents and its travelers. They are known for having affordable housing, low crime rates and most importantly an active outdoor culture. Plymouth was also Money Magazine's best place to live in 2008. If Plymouth was ranked as the number one place to live, it must be a really great place to travel to as well.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 4m. Total distance: 251.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 109.7 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Plymouth, 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. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 43 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 220.8 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 235.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Plymouth, MN before the return drive.
