How far is Minneapolis, MN from Carlos, MN?
The driving distance from Minneapolis, MN to Carlos, MN is about 133.5 miles (214.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.8 miles (192.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 25m 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 42m.
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 Stearns County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minneapolis and Carlos.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minneapolis and Carlos.
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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 left
85.9 mi · 1 hr 32 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward CR 3, MN 27: Osakis, Westport
1236 ft · 37 sec
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9
Turn right onto State Highway 27
1.7 mi · 2 min · State Highway 27
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10
Turn left onto 1st Avenue East
1 km · 1 min · 1st Avenue East
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Nokomis Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · East Nokomis Street
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12
Continue on Douglas County Highway 82
4.6 mi · 6 min · Douglas County Highway 82
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13
Turn right onto Nelson Street South
1.4 km · 2 min · Nelson Street South
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14
Continue on County Road 9 Northeast
4.1 mi · 10 min · County Road 9 Northeast
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15
Continue on County Road 9 Northeast
2.3 mi · 6 min · County Road 9 Northeast
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16
Continue on Douglas Avenue
1990 ft · 60 sec · Douglas Avenue
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17
Turn left onto 2nd Street
21 m · 3 sec · 2nd Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minneapolis and Carlos.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I-94 W
Keep slight left
85.9 mi · 01h 32m
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 Mostly Sunny near Carlos.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Carlos?
The road trip is about 133.5 miles (214.8 km) and usually takes 02h 42m 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?
Luxemburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.6 miles from Minneapolis and 66.9 miles from Carlos.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.8 miles (192.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.7 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 1:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.81 one way or $33.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Minneapolis and Mostly Sunny near Carlos.
Stop Ideas Near Luxemburg
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 Luxemburg.
St. Cloud
Saint Paul Union Depot
Staples
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minneapolis and Carlos. Straight-line distance: 119.83 mi (192.84 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 Carlos
City in Douglas County, Minnesota
| Population | 2,130 |
| Coordinates | 45.9724600, -95.2922600 |
| Altitude | 418 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carlos (-95.29226, 45.97246)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 215 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $16.81 | $33.62 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $18.47 | $36.94 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $20.69 | $41.37 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $22.91 | $45.82 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.