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If you’re standing in downtown Minneapolis and looking toward the east, you’re basically looking at St. Paul. They call them the Twin Cities for a reason, but honestly, they aren’t identical twins. They’re more like those siblings who live in the same house but refuse to share a bedroom. People always ask how far is minneapolis from st paul like it’s a long-distance trek, but the reality is way more interesting than just a number on a map.
The literal, "as the crow flies" distance between the two city halls is about 9 miles.
If you’re driving, it’s closer to 10 or 12 miles depending on which bridge you take over the Mississippi River. You can do the drive in 15 minutes if the traffic gods are smiling on you. But let’s be real. If you’re trying to hit I-94 at 5:15 PM on a Tuesday when it’s snowing, that 10-mile trip might as well be a cross-country voyage.
How Far Is Minneapolis From St Paul by Car and Light Rail?
Most people think of the distance in terms of I-94. That’s the main artery. It connects the two downtowns directly. On a clear day with no Vikings or Wild games happening, you can zip between them in roughly 14 to 18 minutes. It’s barely enough time to finish a podcast episode.
But distance isn't just about miles. It's about time.
The METRO Green Line changed the game for anyone who hates parking. This light rail line runs right down University Avenue. It connects Target Field in Minneapolis all the way to Union Depot in St. Paul. It’s about 11 miles of track. It takes roughly 45 to 50 minutes because it stops at the University of Minnesota and several neighborhoods along the way. It's not the fastest way to move, but it’s definitely the most consistent. No traffic jams on the tracks.
Breaking Down the Commute
- Driving via I-94: Roughly 10 miles. Takes 15–30 minutes depending on the hour.
- The "Secret" Route (Highway 280): A lot of locals use this to bypass the worst of the I-94/I-35W mess.
- The Green Line: 11 miles. 48 minutes end-to-end.
- The 94 Express Bus: This is the hidden gem. It takes about 20 minutes and uses the HOV lanes.
Why the Distance Feels Longer Than It Is
There is a psychological gap between these two cities that is way wider than the 9 miles of asphalt. For decades, people in Minneapolis rarely went to St. Paul, and vice versa. It’s a "one or the other" kind of vibe.
Minneapolis is the flashy one. It’s got the glass skyscrapers, the Fortune 500 companies like Target, and a nightlife that actually stays up past 10 PM. It’s built on a grid. It’s easy to navigate once you get the hang of the one-way streets.
St. Paul is different. It’s the state capital. It feels older, more European, with winding streets that don't always make sense. They say Minneapolis was designed by planners and St. Paul was designed by a drunk Irishman following a wandering cow. I’ve lived here for years and I still get lost near the Cathedral.
The Mississippi River is the physical barrier, but the culture is what really separates them. St. Paul is quiet, historic, and filled with "old money" vibes on Summit Avenue. Minneapolis is the "Mini Apple," constantly reinventing itself.
Navigating the Twin Cities Like a Local
If you are visiting, don't just stick to one side. You've got to see both to understand the region.
You can start your morning with a walk around Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. Then, hop in the car and 20 minutes later, you’re eating a Juicy Lucy at the Nook or Shamrocks in St. Paul. It is remarkably easy to bounce between the two if you avoid the peak rush hours (7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM).
Parking is usually cheaper in St. Paul, by the way. Just a little pro tip.
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The Rivalry That Keeps the Cities Apart
Believe it or not, back in the day, these two cities actually fought over census numbers. In 1890, they both tried to kidnap census takers to inflate their population counts so they could claim to be the bigger "twin." That level of pettiness is legendary.
Even the sports teams play into it. The St. Paul Saints (minor league) play just 10 miles away from the Minnesota Twins (major league). It’s a short distance, but they feel like different worlds.
When people ask how far is minneapolis from st paul, they usually want to know if they can stay in one and visit the other. The answer is a resounding yes. You can even bike it. The Midtown Greenway and various river trails make it a beautiful, though sweaty, hour-long ride.
Quick Travel Facts
- MSP Airport Location: It's actually smack in the middle, technically in Bloomington/Fort Snelling. It’s about 12 miles from both downtowns.
- The Best Bridge: The Ford Parkway bridge offers the best views of the river if you aren't in a rush.
- Winter Travel: Double the travel time. Always. If there is an inch of snow, that 15-minute drive becomes 45 minutes of white-knuckled sliding.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you're planning a move or just a visit, don't let the "Twin" label fool you into thinking they are the same place.
First, download the Metro Transit app. It is the easiest way to buy a ticket for the Green Line or the express buses without fumbling with a kiosk.
Second, if you're driving, use a real-time GPS like Waze. The construction on I-94 is basically a permanent seasonal fixture in Minnesota. One day a lane is there, the next day it’s a crater.
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Third, pick a "home base" based on your vibe. If you want trendy bars and boutique hotels, stay in the North Loop of Minneapolis. If you want quiet, historic Bed & Breakfasts and a slower pace, look near Grand Avenue in St. Paul.
Basically, the distance is negligible, but the experience is totally different. You can experience both in a single day without ever feeling like you spent the whole time in a car.
Check the local event calendars for both the Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul) and Target Center (Minneapolis) before you head out. Traffic peaks sharply around stadium events, and since they are so close, a big concert in one city can actually slow down the highways in the other.
Plan your route around the river crossings, keep an eye on the weather, and you'll find that the 9-mile gap is one of the easiest "city-to-city" commutes in the country.