Origin
Nisswa, MN
Late night in Nisswa on Sunday
Local time
3:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Nisswa, MN to Saint Paul, MN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 59m
Distance
148.2 mi
239 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 48m
★
6 AM
3h 0m
8 AM
3h 22m
10 AM
3h 8m
12 PM
3h 5m
3 PM
3h 9m
5 PM
3h 21m
8 PM
2h 53m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Nisswa, MN
Tom Fisk
Saint Paul, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 147.6-mile journey from Nisswa, MN to Saint Paul, MN will take approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes of driving time. It's a straightforward, single-day trip with an estimated fuel cost of $21, making it an economical option. You'll primarily navigate local roads, indicated by a 0% highway share and a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. This route is ideal for a single-day excursion, offering a practical way to travel between two points within the Midwest region. Plan for at least one stop along the way to break up the drive.
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
74.1 miles from Nisswa, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 10 | 54.6 mi | 1h 3m |
| MN 371 | 40.4 mi | 48m |
| I 94 | 28 mi | 31m |
| I 694 | 11.7 mi | 12m |
| Voyageur Highway | 5.5 mi | 6m |
| 165th Avenue Southeast | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Broadway Street East | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Park Boulevard Southeast | 1.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 10
— 54.6 mi, about 1h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nisswa, MN and Saint Paul, MN.
1
Start on this road
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
2
Turn right
137 ft
·
12 sec
3
Turn left onto South Main Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
South Main Street
4
Enter roundabout onto CR 18
14 ft
·
0 sec
·
County Road 18
5
Continue on CR 18
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
County Road 18
6
Turn left onto MN 371
6.8 mi
·
8 min
·
MN 371
7
Keep slight right at fork onto MN 371
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
MN 371
8
Keep slight right at fork onto MN 371
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
MN 371
9
Keep slight right at fork onto MN 371
32 mi
·
38 min
·
MN 371
10
Merge onto US 10
28 mi
·
32 min
·
US 10
Use the right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
26 mi
·
30 min
·
US 10
12
Turn right onto 165th Avenue Southeast
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
165th Avenue Southeast
13
Continue on Park Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Park Boulevard Southeast
14
Continue on County Road 11
0.7 mi
·
57 sec
·
County Road 11
15
Turn right onto MN 25
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
State Highway 25
16
Continue on MN 25
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Pine Street
17
Turn left onto CR 75
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway Street East
18
Turn right onto CR 18
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Fenning Avenue
19
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
20
Merge onto I 94
28 mi
·
31 min
·
I 94
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 694
12 mi
·
12 min
·
I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Voyageur Highway
Exit 46
Toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
US 10
Exit 107A
Toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward 10th Street, Wacouta Street
25
Keep slight right at fork
409 ft
·
10 sec
Toward 10th Street
Use the slight right lane.
26
Continue on 10th Street East
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
10th Street East
27
Turn left onto Robert Street North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Robert Street North
28
Turn right onto Kellogg Boulevard East
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
Kellogg Boulevard East
29
Turn right onto Wabasha Street North
162 ft
·
5 sec
·
Wabasha Street North
30
Arrive at destination
Wabasha Street North
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour and 32-minute duration and 147.6-mile distance, this trip is easily manageable in one day. To best enjoy the 'turn-heavy local drive,' consider departing earlier in the morning to avoid potential local traffic, especially as you approach Saint Paul. With a fuel cost estimated at $21, it's an affordable trip, but still be mindful of fuel levels, particularly since you'll be on local roads. Make sure to utilize the one recommended stop for a break, perhaps around the halfway point, to stay refreshed for the many turns ahead.
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 74.1 miles from Nisswa, MN, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.6 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 33 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 74.1 miles or 1h 29m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Paul, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Nisswa, 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 Nisswa, MN
This is one driving day of about 148.2 miles and 2h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Nisswa, 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 10 for about 54.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 74.1 miles from Nisswa, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 205 decision points cluster between mile 129.7 and 147.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
129.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
|
I 694
Keep slight left at fork onto I 694
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
141.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
|
US 10 / Voyageur Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 / Voyageur Highway toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 46
Toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul
9
146.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m in
|
US 10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 107A
Toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th...
6
147 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m in
Take the exit toward 10th Street, Wacouta Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward 10th Street, Wacouta Street
8
147.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 56m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 10th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 10th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.05 one way
$44.11 round trip
$3.78/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.07 | $23.76 | $47.53 |
| premium | $4.53 | $26.44 | $52.89 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.72 | $65.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.9 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 | 44.5 | 0 | $15.56 | $7.11 |
| Efficient EV | 37.1 | 0 | $12.97 | $5.93 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 59.3 | 0 | $20.75 | $9.48 |
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Saint Paul, MN
Late night in Saint Paul on Sunday
Local time
3:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°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
1 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
2h 59m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 147.6-mile route, meaning you'll be making frequent turns rather than cruising on high-speed highways. With a 0% highway share, this drive is entirely on local roads like South Main Street and County Road 18. There isn't a 'longest stretch' noted, suggesting consistent engagement with navigating through various local areas. The road character will likely involve passing through smaller communities and varied landscapes as you make your way south.
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: 54.6 mi on US 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 10 and MN 371. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 129.7 miles in near I 694.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 148.2 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 129.7 miles (I 694): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 141.4 miles (US 10 / Voyageur Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146.9 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 2h 59m. Total distance: 148.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 59m 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 54.6 miles on US 10. 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 Saint Paul, 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 129.7 miles (I 694): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 141.4 miles (US 10 / Voyageur Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146.9 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Saint Paul, 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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