How far is Detroit Lakes, MN from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance from Detroit Lakes, MN to Fargo, ND is about 45.9 miles (73.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.8 miles (72.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 00m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 00m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Clay County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Detroit Lakes and Fargo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Detroit Lakes and Fargo.
-
1
Start on Washington Avenue
734 ft · 26 sec · Washington Avenue
-
2
Turn left
43.6 mi · 55 min
-
3
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
2.1 mi · 4 min · 1st Avenue North
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4
Turn right onto Roberts Street North
29 m · 4 sec · Roberts Street North
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5
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Roberts Street North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Detroit Lakes and Fargo.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
43.6 mi · 00h 55m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Detroit Lakes and Rain Showers near Fargo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Detroit Lakes to Fargo?
The road trip is about 45.9 miles (73.8 km) and usually takes 01h 00m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Hawley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.9 miles from Detroit Lakes and 23 miles from Fargo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.8 miles (72.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.88 one way or $13.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Detroit Lakes and Rain Showers near Fargo.
Stop Ideas Near Hawley
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Hawley.
Detroit Lakes
Fargo
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Detroit Lakes and Fargo. Straight-line distance: 44.83 mi (72.14 km).
#1 Detroit Lakes
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 9,255 |
| Coordinates | 46.8171800, -95.8453300 |
| Altitude | 418 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fargo
City in North Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 4 |
| Coordinates | 46.8771900, -96.7898000 |
| Altitude | 276 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fargo (-96.7898, 46.87719)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 74 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.25 | $6.88 | $13.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.72 | $7.64 | $15.28 |
| Premium | $5.26 | $8.52 | $17.05 |
| Diesel | $6.14 | $9.95 | $19.91 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Minnesota · Oct 15, 2026