How far is Fargo, ND from Detroit Lakes, MN?
The driving distance from Fargo, ND to Detroit Lakes, MN is about 45.9 miles (73.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.8 miles (72.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 59m 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 00h 59m.
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.
Rain Showers
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fargo and Detroit Lakes.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fargo and Detroit Lakes.
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1
Start on Roberts Street North
29 m · 13 sec · Roberts Street North
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2
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
2.1 mi · 4 min · 1st Avenue North
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3
Turn left onto Center Avenue
43.6 mi · 55 min · Center Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Washington Avenue
734 ft · 24 sec · Washington Avenue
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5
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fargo and Detroit Lakes.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Center Avenue
Turn left onto Center Avenue
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.
Rain Showers leaving Fargo and Mostly Cloudy near Detroit Lakes.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fargo to Detroit Lakes?
The road trip is about 45.9 miles (73.8 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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 Fargo and 23 miles from Detroit Lakes.
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 $6.71 one way or $13.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Fargo and Mostly Cloudy near Detroit Lakes.
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 Fargo and Detroit Lakes. Straight-line distance: 44.83 mi (72.14 km).
#1 Fargo
City in North Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 4 |
| Coordinates | 46.8771900, -96.7898000 |
| Altitude | 276 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Detroit Lakes
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 9,255 |
| Coordinates | 46.8171800, -95.8453300 |
| Altitude | 418 |
| Country | United States |
End: Detroit Lakes (-95.84533, 46.81718)
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 | $4.14 | $6.71 | $13.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.62 | $7.48 | $14.95 |
| Premium | $5.12 | $8.29 | $16.58 |
| Diesel | $6.01 | $9.73 | $19.46 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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