How far is Minneapolis, MN from Brainerd, MN?
The driving distance from Minneapolis, MN to Brainerd, MN is about 126.8 miles (204.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.4 miles (169.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 09m 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 34m.
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 Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minneapolis and Brainerd.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minneapolis and Brainerd.
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1
Start on Washington Avenue South
1977 ft · 1 min · Washington Avenue South
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2
Turn left onto North 1st Avenue
130 m · 18 sec · North 1st Avenue
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3
Turn right onto North 3rd Street
127 m · 16 sec · North 3rd Street
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4
Take the ramp straight toward I 94 West
1.8 mi · 4 min
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5
Merge slight left
12.3 mi · 15 min
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6
Continue on I-94 W
17.1 mi · 19 min · I-94 W
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7
Keep slight right to continue on MnRoad Mainline
6 mi · 6 min · MnRoad Mainline
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8
Take the exit slight right
2016 ft · 53 sec
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9
Turn right onto Pine Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Pine Street
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10
Continue on State Highway 25
540 ft · 19 sec · State Highway 25
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11
Turn left onto County Road 11
1.1 km · 54 sec · County Road 11
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12
Continue on Park Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi · 2 min · Park Boulevard Southeast
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13
Continue on 165th Avenue Southeast
1.8 mi · 2 min · 165th Avenue Southeast
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14
Turn left
54.4 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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15
Keep slight right
27.4 mi · 32 min
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16
Turn right onto State Highway 210
1.6 km · 2 min · State Highway 210
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17
Continue on West Washington Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · West Washington Street
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18
Turn right onto South 6th Street
7 m · 1 sec · South 6th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minneapolis and Brainerd.
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
54.4 mi · 01h 04m
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.
Sunny leaving Minneapolis and Sunny near Brainerd.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Brainerd?
The road trip is about 126.8 miles (204.1 km) and usually takes 02h 34m 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?
Saint Cloud is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.4 miles from Minneapolis and 63.4 miles from Brainerd.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.4 miles (169.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.4 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 1:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.99 one way or $31.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Minneapolis and Sunny near Brainerd.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Cloud
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 Saint Cloud.
St. Cloud
Saint Paul Union Depot
Staples
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minneapolis and Brainerd. Straight-line distance: 105.42 mi (169.65 km).
#1 Minneapolis
The largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis is a major center for business, finance, and culture.
| Population | 433,111 |
| Coordinates | 44.9799700, -93.2638400 |
| Altitude | 253 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Brainerd
City in Minnesota
| Population | 13,449 |
| Coordinates | 46.3580200, -94.2008300 |
| Altitude | 371 |
| Country | United States |
End: Brainerd (-94.20083, 46.35802)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 204 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $15.99 | $31.98 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $17.57 | $35.13 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $19.68 | $39.35 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $21.79 | $43.58 |
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.