How far is Detroit Lakes, MN from Saint Cloud, MN?
The driving distance from Detroit Lakes, MN to Saint Cloud, MN is about 135.6 miles (218.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 28m 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 02h 14m.
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.
Township in Morrison County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Detroit Lakes and Saint Cloud.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Detroit Lakes and Saint Cloud.
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1
Start on Washington Avenue
734 ft · 32 sec · Washington Avenue
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2
Turn right
44.3 mi · 51 min
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward the route
31 m · 2 sec
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4
Exit the roundabout
20 m · 1 sec
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5
Turn straight onto Ash Avenue Northwest
7.3 mi · 8 min · Ash Avenue Northwest
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6
Continue on West Mason Avenue
78.4 mi · 1 hr 30 min · West Mason Avenue
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7
Keep slight left
4.3 mi · 5 min
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8
Turn right onto East Saint Germain Street
1.2 km · 2 min · East Saint Germain Street
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9
Continue on Veterans Bridge
809 ft · 23 sec · Veterans Bridge
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10
Continue on 1st Street North
1165 ft · 29 sec · 1st Street North
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11
Continue on 2nd Street North
120 m · 14 sec · 2nd Street North
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12
Turn left onto 8th Avenue North
77 m · 16 sec · 8th Avenue North
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13
Turn left onto Courthouse Square
2 m · 1 sec · Courthouse Square
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Courthouse Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Detroit Lakes and Saint Cloud.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West Mason Avenue
Continue on West Mason Avenue
78.4 mi · 01h 30m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Detroit Lakes and Mostly Sunny near Saint Cloud.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Detroit Lakes to Saint Cloud?
The road trip is about 135.6 miles (218.2 km) and usually takes 02h 14m 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?
Motley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.8 miles from Detroit Lakes and 67.8 miles from Saint Cloud.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.2 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 2:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.06 one way or $34.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Detroit Lakes and Mostly Sunny near Saint Cloud.
Stop Ideas Near Motley
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 Motley.
Staples
St. Cloud
Detroit Lakes
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Detroit Lakes and Saint Cloud. Straight-line distance: 118.38 mi (190.51 km).
#1 Detroit Lakes
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 9,255 |
| Coordinates | 46.8171800, -95.8453300 |
| Altitude | 418 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
End: Courthouse Square (-94.162653, 45.560988)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 218 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $17.06 | $34.12 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $18.74 | $37.48 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $20.99 | $41.99 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $23.25 | $46.50 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.