How far is Elbow Lake, MN from Saint Cloud, MN?
The driving distance from Elbow Lake, MN to Saint Cloud, MN is about 98.3 miles (158.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 92.4 miles (148.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 55m 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 57m.
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 Todd County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elbow Lake and Saint Cloud.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elbow Lake and Saint Cloud.
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1
Start on Central Avenue
10 m · 3 sec · Central Avenue
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2
Turn right onto State Highway 79
1327 ft · 27 sec · State Highway 79
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3
Continue on 2nd Street Northeast
1055 ft · 21 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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4
Continue on Viking Trail
3.1 mi · 5 min · Viking Trail
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5
Turn straight onto State Highway 79
8.5 mi · 12 min · State Highway 79
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6
Take the ramp right
1245 ft · 30 sec
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7
Merge slight left
75.1 mi · 1 hr 20 min
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8
Take the exit slight left toward CR 75: Saint Cloud
1.1 mi · 2 min
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9
Continue on County Road 75
5.8 mi · 8 min · County Road 75
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10
Continue on Division Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Division Street
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11
Turn left onto 44th Avenue North
1978 ft · 46 sec · 44th Avenue North
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12
Turn right onto 3rd Street Northeast
2 mi · 4 min · 3rd Street Northeast
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13
Turn right onto 16th Avenue North
124 m · 17 sec · 16th Avenue North
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14
Turn left onto 2nd Street North
2749 ft · 1 min · 2nd Street North
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15
Turn right onto 8th Avenue North
77 m · 16 sec · 8th Avenue North
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16
Turn left onto Courthouse Square
2 m · 1 sec · Courthouse Square
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Courthouse Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elbow Lake and Saint Cloud.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
State Highway 79
Merge slight left
75.1 mi · 01h 20m
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.
Chance Light Rain leaving Elbow Lake and Rain Showers Likely near Saint Cloud.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elbow Lake to Saint Cloud?
The road trip is about 98.3 miles (158.2 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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?
West Union is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49 miles from Elbow Lake and 49.3 miles from Saint Cloud.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92.4 miles (148.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.9 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 2:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.38 one way or $24.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Elbow Lake and Rain Showers Likely near Saint Cloud.
Stop Ideas Near West Union
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 West Union.
Staples
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elbow Lake and Saint Cloud. Straight-line distance: 92.41 mi (148.72 km).
#1 Elbow Lake
City in and county seat of Grant County, Minnesota, United Statesn
| Population | 1,144 |
| Coordinates | 45.9941300, -95.9767200 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
End: Saint Cloud (-94.16249, 45.5608)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 158 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $12.38 | $24.77 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $13.61 | $27.21 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $15.24 | $30.48 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $16.88 | $33.76 |
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 · Apr 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.