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Trip from Granite Falls, MN to Eagan, MN

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 43m

Distance

126.3 mi

203 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 33m ★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 5m
10 AM
2h 51m
12 PM
2h 49m
3 PM
2h 52m
5 PM
3h 4m
8 PM
2h 37m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Granite Falls, MN, MN

Granite Falls, MN

Tom Fisk

city in Minnesota, United States

Eagan, MN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Granite Falls to Eagan is 126.3 miles and takes about 2h 43m via US 212, MN 5, and Cedar Avenue South, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive connecting two points within Minnesota, making it a convenient one-day trip. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained roads, so if you're looking for a no-fuss journey between these two Midwestern locations, this route should fit the bill. Plan for minimal time on the road, leaving plenty of time for your destination.

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

63.2 miles from Granite Falls, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 212 109.3 mi 2h 18m
MN 5 9.2 mi 11m
Cedar Avenue South 3.1 mi 3m
Diffley Road 2.7 mi 5m
Granite Street 0.3 mi <1m
Pilot Knob Road 0.2 mi <1m
9th Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 212 — 109.3 mi, about 2h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Granite Falls, MN and Eagan, MN.

1

Start on CR 22

46 ft · 6 sec · 9th Avenue
2

Turn left onto CR 22

0.3 mi · 49 sec · Granite Street
3

Turn left onto US 212; MN 23

72 mi · 1 hr 34 min · US 212; MN 23
4

Enter roundabout onto US 212

156 ft · 2 sec · US 212
5

Continue on US 212

10 mi · 11 min · US 212
6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 212

27 mi · 32 min · US 212
Use the straight lane.
7

Take the exit onto MN 5

0.2 mi · 17 sec · MN 5
Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto MN 5

9.0 mi · 11 min · MN 5
Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 2C Toward MN 77 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward MN 77 South: Killebrew Drive Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Toward MN 77 South
12

Merge onto MN 77

3.1 mi · 3 min · Cedar Avenue South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Exit 4 Toward CR 30: Diffley Road Use the slight right lane.
14

Turn left onto CR 30

0.7 mi · 1 min · Diffley Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
15

Enter roundabout onto CR 30

84 ft · 1 sec · Diffley Road
16

Continue on CR 30

2.0 mi · 3 min · Diffley Road
17

Turn right onto CR 31

0.1 mi · 41 sec · Pilot Knob Road
18

Continue on CR 31

513 ft · 9 sec · Pilot Knob Road
19

Arrive at destination

CR 31

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 43 minutes, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize your time at your destination. With only 126.3 miles, you won't need extensive stops, but it's wise to be aware of fuel options. Keep an eye out for opportunities to refuel, especially before embarking on the 109.3-mile stretch on US 212, to ensure a smooth journey. Plan for one brief stop to break up the drive and stay refreshed.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63.2 miles from Granite Falls, MN, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 109.3 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 28 miles or 37m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 63.2 miles or 1h 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 2h 12m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eagan, MN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Granite Falls, 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 Granite Falls, MN

This is one driving day of about 126.3 miles and 2h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Granite Falls, 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 US 212 for about 109.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Lester Prairie, MN, MN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lester Prairie, MN

63 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

Renville, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Gaylord, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.2 miles from Granite Falls, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 212 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 109.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Teresa's Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Eagan, Minnesota

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16514409147

Visit website

Teresa's Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Eagan, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16514409147

Visit website

Sovereign Grounds

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+16128256157

Visit website

Ruby's Roost Bakery & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

Final third 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Victoria, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

Visit website

Mallards Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately

Shakopee, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19528557779

Visit website

Nawal Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Burnsville, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+19524566701

Crema Coffee + Cream

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16128747477

Visit website

Munkabeans Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Hopkins, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+19529389056

Visit website

Eagan Community Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Eagan, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+16516755550

Visit website

Missing Pieces Escape Games

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Edina, Minnesota

Hours: 12–7:30 pm

+19526588974

Visit website

Splash Valley Water Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Apple Valley, Minnesota

+19529532300

Visit website

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 109.6 and 123 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
109.6 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in | MN 5

Take the exit onto MN 5 toward I 494 East, MN 5 East

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. Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East
8
109.8 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in | MN 5

Keep slight left at fork onto MN 5 toward I 494 East, MN 5 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East
7
118.8 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in

Take the exit toward MN 77 South

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 2C Toward MN 77 South
8
119.1 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MN 77 South: Killebrew Drive

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward MN 77 South: Killebrew Drive
7
123 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in

Take the exit toward CR 30: Diffley Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 4 Toward CR 30: Diffley Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.80 one way

$37.59 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.07 $20.25 $40.51
premium $4.53 $22.54 $45.07
diesel $5.61 $27.89 $55.77

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 37.9 0 $13.26 $6.06
Efficient EV 31.6 0 $11.05 $5.05
EV Truck/SUV 50.5 0 $17.68 $8.08

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 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.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Granite Falls, MN

Morning in Granite Falls on Tuesday

Local time

7:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Eagan, MN

Morning in Eagan on Tuesday

Local time

7:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

30°F

Mostly Clear

WNW 10 to 15 mph 0% chance 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

27 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

2h 43m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is predominantly a highway experience, with 94% of the journey utilizing major roads. Expect a fairly consistent pace for much of the trip, particularly during the longest stretch of 109.3 miles on US 212. As you progress, the route transitions from US 212 to MN 5, and finally to Cedar Avenue South as you approach Eagan. While largely highway-focused, the shift in road numbers signals the approach to your destination and a potential increase in local traffic.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 109.3 mi on US 212.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 212 and MN 5. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 109.6 miles in near MN 5.

Driving Effort 8/10

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 126.3 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 109.6 miles (MN 5): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles (MN 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Eagan, MN

Full guide →

Founded 1860

Eagan is a city of 69,000 people (2021) in Minnesota on the south bank of the Minnesota River, upstream from the confluence with the Mississippi River. It is a suburb in the southern part of the Twin Cities region.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 43m. Total distance: 126.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 109.3 miles on US 212. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Eagan, 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: at 109.6 miles (MN 5): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles (MN 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Eagan, MN before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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