This 158-mile drive from Montevideo to Blaine, Minnesota, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete. You'll navigate local roads like North 8th Street, Black Oak Avenue, and North 17th Street, with no significant highway travel. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $23. Given its relatively short distance and local road focus, this route offers a straightforward trip within the Midwest region. It's a manageable drive that allows for flexibility in your schedule.
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
69.9 miles from Montevideo, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MN 7
82.4 mi
1h 46m
highway 7 West
16.1 mi
20m
195th Avenue
10.3 mi
13m
MN 100
9.4 mi
11m
Highway 65 Northeast
6.3 mi
8m
Minnesota State Highway 7
6 mi
9m
State Highway 7 East
4.5 mi
6m
I 694
1.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
MN 7
— 82.4 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Montevideo, MN and Blaine, MN.
1
Start on Eureka Avenue
59 ft·8 sec·Eureka Avenue
2
Turn left onto North 8th Street
275 ft·13 sec·North 8th Street
3
Turn right onto Black Oak Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Black Oak Avenue
4
Turn left onto North 17th Street
426 ft·11 sec·North 17th Street
5
Turn right onto MN 7
33 mi·42 min·MN 7
6
Enter roundabout onto MN 7
156 ft·2 sec·195th Avenue
7
Continue on MN 7
0.1 mi·8 sec·195th Avenue
8
Continue on MN 7
7.9 mi·9 min·MN 7
9
Continue on MN 7
10 mi·13 min·195th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
10
Continue on MN 7
16 mi·20 min·highway 7 West
11
Continue on MN 7; MN 22
0.6 mi·1 min·4th Avenue Northwest
12
Continue on MN 7; MN 22
4.5 mi·6 min·State Highway 7 East
13
Continue on MN 7; CR 4
11 mi·14 min·MN 7; CR 4
14
Enter roundabout onto MN 7
130 ft·2 sec·MN 7
15
Continue on MN 7
9.0 mi·11 min·MN 7
16
Enter roundabout onto MN 7
125 ft·2 sec·MN 7
17
Continue on MN 7
2.5 mi·3 min·MN 7
18
Enter roundabout onto MN 7
185 ft·3 sec·MN 7
19
Continue on MN 7
5.8 mi·7 min·MN 7
20
Enter roundabout onto MN 7
139 ft·2 sec·MN 7
21
Continue on MN 7
13 mi·17 min·MN 7
Use the straight lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto MN 7
6.0 mi·9 min·Minnesota State Highway 7
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward MN 100 NorthUse the right lane.
24
Merge onto MN 100
9.4 mi·11 min·MN 100
Toward CR 5Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 694 East
26
Merge onto I 694
1.9 mi·2 min·I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Exit 38Toward MN 65: Central AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on MN 65
0.4 mi·25 sec·Central Avenue Northeast
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on MN 65
6.3 mi·8 min·Highway 65 Northeast
Use the left lane.
30
Arrive at destination
MN 65
Trip Plan
With a duration of just under 2.5 hours, this 158-mile trip is ideal for a single-day excursion, offering plenty of flexibility. You can choose to leave in the morning and arrive before lunchtime, or depart later in the day. Plan for one stop, which should be sufficient for a break given the moderate distance. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, with an estimated cost of $23, and consider topping off before you leave Montevideo to ensure a smooth journey. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means paying close attention to navigation, especially as you transition between North 8th Street, Black Oak Avenue, and North 17th Street.
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 69.9 miles from Montevideo, MN, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.4 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 31 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.9 miles or 1h 31m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Blaine, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Montevideo, 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 Montevideo, MN
This is one driving day of about 139.7 miles and 3h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Montevideo, 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 MN 7 for about 82.4 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 0 and 132.7 — 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|North 8th Street
Turn left onto North 8th Street
Navigation decision point
6
114.5 mi into trip|~2h 30m in|MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7
Keep slight left at fork onto MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
120.5 mi into trip|~2h 39m in
Take the exit toward MN 100 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward MN 100 North
6
120.7 mi into trip|~2h 40m in|MN 100
Merge onto MN 100 toward CR 5
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CR 5
7
132.7 mi into trip|~2h 55m in
Take the exit toward MN 65: Central Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 38
Toward MN 65: Central Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.79 one way
$41.58 round trip
$3.78/gal25.4 MPG avg49 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.07
$22.40
$44.80
premium
$4.53
$24.93
$49.85
diesel
$5.61
$30.84
$61.69
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
41.9
0
$14.67
$6.71
Efficient EV
34.9
0
$12.22
$5.59
EV Truck/SUV
55.9
0
$19.56
$8.94
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Montevideo, MN
Late night
in Montevideo on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Blaine, MN
Late night
in Blaine on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
47°F
Jordan, MN
70 mi in
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
20 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 5m 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?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 158-mile journey, as indicated by the 0% highway share. The route is characterized by frequent changes in direction rather than long, uninterrupted stretches. While the data doesn't specify a longest uninterrupted stretch, the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests a more engaged driving experience, typical of navigating through smaller towns and rural areas. This means you'll be more actively steering and managing your speed as you progress from Montevideo towards Blaine.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.4 mi on MN 7.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MN 7 and highway 7 West. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North 8th Street.
Driving Effort7/10
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 139.7 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: near the start (North 8th Street): Navigation decision point; at 114.5 miles (MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Montevideo, MN to Blaine, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Cr 5 along the way.
Cr 5
120.7 mi in|~2h 40m|via MN 100
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 5m. Total distance: 139.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 82.4 miles on MN 7. 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 Blaine, 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 (North 8th Street): Navigation decision point; at 114.5 miles (MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Blaine, MN, but most travelers stay overnight.
