How far is Maple Grove, MN from Carlton, MN?
The driving distance from Maple Grove, MN to Carlton, MN is about 140.9 miles (226.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 120.6 miles (194.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 11m 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 35m.
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 Pine County, Minnesota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Maple Grove and Carlton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Maple Grove and Carlton.
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1
Start on Bass Lake Road
1 km · 1 min · Bass Lake Road
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2
Turn left onto I 494 North
96 m · 10 sec
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3
Keep slight left to continue on I 494 North
1772 ft · 45 sec
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4
Merge slight left
1 mi · 1 min
-
5
Keep slight right to continue on I 94 East, I 694 East
2523 ft · 36 sec
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6
Merge slight left
6.3 mi · 8 min
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7
Keep slight left
6.5 mi · 7 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 35W North
1038 ft · 27 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
3 mi · 4 min
-
10
Keep slight left
16.7 mi · 18 min
-
11
Keep slight left
103 mi · 1 hr 50 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward MN 210: Cromwell, Carlton
1367 ft · 36 sec
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13
Turn right
2.4 mi · 4 min
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14
Turn right onto County Highway 1
21 m · 2 sec · County Highway 1
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · County Highway 1
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Maple Grove and Carlton.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 35W North
Keep slight left
103 mi · 01h 50m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Maple Grove and Partly Sunny then Light Rain Likely near Carlton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Maple Grove to Carlton?
The road trip is about 140.9 miles (226.8 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Pine City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.5 miles from Maple Grove and 70.5 miles from Carlton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 120.6 miles (194.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.3 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 1:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.74 one way or $35.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Maple Grove and Partly Sunny then Light Rain Likely near Carlton.
Stop Ideas Near Pine City
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 Pine City.
St. Cloud
Saint Paul Union Depot
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Maple Grove and Carlton. Straight-line distance: 120.62 mi (194.12 km).
#1 Maple Grove
The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 72,881 |
| Coordinates | 45.0724600, -93.4557900 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carlton
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 1,081 |
| Coordinates | 46.6638300, -92.4249100 |
| Altitude | 330 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carlton (-92.42491, 46.66383)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 227 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $17.74 | $35.48 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $19.49 | $38.97 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $21.83 | $43.66 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $24.17 | $48.35 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.