Waseca, MN to Woodbury, MN is 212 miles and takes about 4h 17m via I 35/I 35E/State Highway 73, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, specifically Minnesota, making it a straightforward drive. Given the mostly highway profile and relatively short duration, this route is well-suited for a single day of travel. You'll find the driving experience is predominantly on major highways, which generally means efficient travel between these two points. Plan for this to be a practical, no-fuss transit.
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
106 miles from Waseca, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 35
113.5 mi
2h 1m
I 35E
42.4 mi
50m
State Highway 73
22.9 mi
38m
State Highway 13
9 mi
12m
Morristown Boulevard
7.8 mi
9m
State Highway 60
5.4 mi
6m
1st Street
3.6 mi
4m
North State Street
1.7 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 113.5 mi, about 2h 1m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 64 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,652 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~234 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
19.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 99 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 Waseca, MN and Woodbury, MN.
1
Start on MN 13
1.7 mi·3 min·North State Street
2
Continue on MN 13
9.0 mi·12 min·State Highway 13
3
Turn right onto MN 60
5.4 mi·6 min·State Highway 60
4
Continue on MN 60
7.8 mi·9 min·Morristown Boulevard
5
Continue on MN 60; I 35 ALT
1.1 mi·1 min·Highway 60 West
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
7
Merge onto I 35
31 mi·33 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
16 mi·18 min·I 35E
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E
2.7 mi·4 min·I 35E
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E
0.4 mi·35 sec·I 35E
11
Merge onto I 35E; I 94
350 ft·5 sec·Purple Heart Memorial Highway
12
Take the exit onto I 35E
5.2 mi·6 min·I 35E
Exit 242BToward I 35E North, US 10 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
0.3 mi·19 sec·US 10
Exit 113-114Toward US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·35 sec
Exit 114Toward I 35E North, I 694 EastUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 694
0.8 mi·59 sec·I 694
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E
18 mi·19 min·I 35E
Toward I 35E North: DuluthUse the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
82 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 35
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·49 sec
Toward MN 73: Moose Lake
19
Turn left onto MN 73
0.9 mi·1 min·MN 73
20
Enter roundabout onto State Highway 73
132 ft·8 sec·State Highway 73
21
Continue on State Highway 73
0.8 mi·1 min·State Highway 73
22
Continue on MN 73; CR 61
0.7 mi·1 min·Arrowhead Lane
23
Turn left onto MN 27; MN 73
0.5 mi·1 min·Folz Boulevard
24
Continue on MN 27; MN 73
22 mi·37 min·State Highway 73
25
Turn left onto MN 210
3.6 mi·4 min·1st Street
26
Turn right onto CR 127
0.2 mi·27 sec·Gisler Road
27
Arrive at destination
CR 127
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour drive, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and avoid potential rush hour traffic as you approach Woodbury. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility; consider breaking up the longest stretch of 113.5 miles on I 35 with a quick fuel or rest break. The estimated fuel cost is $35, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before departing Waseca. Pay attention to the transition from I 35E to State Highway 73, as this indicates the shift from high-speed interstate to a different road type.
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 106 miles from Waseca, MN, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.5 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 47 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106 miles or 2h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 19m
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 Waseca, 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 Waseca, MN
This is one driving day of about 212 miles and 4h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Waseca, 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 113.5 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 56.6 and 82.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
56.6 mi into trip|~1h 8m in|I 35E
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
75.9 mi into trip|~1h 32m in|I 35E
Take the exit onto I 35E toward I 35E North, US 10 West
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.
Exit 242B
Toward I 35E North, US 10 West
9
81.1 mi into trip|~1h 39m in|US 10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 113-114
Toward US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
8
81.4 mi into trip|~1h 39m in
Take the exit toward I 35E North, I 694 East
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 114
Toward I 35E North, I 694 East
7
82.7 mi into trip|~1h 41m in|I 35E
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E toward I 35E North: Duluth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35E North: Duluth
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.81 one way
$71.61 round trip
$4.29/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.77
$39.80
$79.61
premium
$5.31
$44.29
$88.57
diesel
$6.18
$51.61
$103.23
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.2 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.6
0
$22.26
$10.18
Efficient EV
53
0
$18.55
$8.48
EV Truck/SUV
84.8
1
$29.68
$13.57
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Waseca, MN
Morning
in Waseca on Sunday
Local time
8:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Sunny
SSW 10 to 20 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:49AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Aberdeen SD
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:24AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Destination
Woodbury, MN
Morning
in Woodbury on Sunday
Local time
8:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Sunny
SW 10 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:49AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Aberdeen SD
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:24AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen 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
3 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
4h 17m 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?
This drive is largely on highways, with 93% of the 212 miles taking place on major roadways like I 35 and I 35E. You'll experience a substantial stretch of 113.5 miles on I 35, offering consistent cruising. State Highway 73 accounts for the remaining portion, marking the transition away from the main interstate system. Expect a high number of exits and merges as you navigate the highway segments.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 113.5 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and I 35E. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 56.6 miles in near I 35E.
Driving Effort9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 212 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 56.6 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 75.9 miles (I 35E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.1 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 17m. Total distance: 212 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 113.5 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 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. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 56.6 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 75.9 miles (I 35E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.1 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Woodbury, MN, but most travelers stay overnight.
