How far is Saint Cloud, MN from Brainerd, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Cloud, MN to Brainerd, MN is about 63.4 miles (102.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 55.1 miles (88.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 35m 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 17m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in Morrison County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Cloud and Brainerd.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Cloud and Brainerd.
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1
Start on Courthouse Square
2 m · 2 sec · Courthouse Square
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2
Turn right onto 8th Avenue North
77 m · 14 sec · 8th Avenue North
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3
Turn right onto 2nd Street North
120 m · 10 sec · 2nd Street North
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4
Continue on 1st Street North
1165 ft · 27 sec · 1st Street North
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5
Continue on Veterans Bridge
809 ft · 23 sec · Veterans Bridge
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6
Continue on East Saint Germain Street
1.2 km · 2 min · East Saint Germain Street
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7
Turn left
32.6 mi · 38 min
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8
Keep slight right
27.4 mi · 32 min
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9
Turn right onto State Highway 210
1.6 km · 2 min · State Highway 210
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10
Continue on West Washington Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · West Washington Street
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11
Turn right onto South 6th Street
7 m · 1 sec · South 6th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 6th Street
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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Saint Cloud and Sunny near Brainerd.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Cloud to Brainerd?
The road trip is about 63.4 miles (102.1 km) and usually takes 01h 17m 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?
Little Falls is a useful midpoint, sitting about 31.7 miles from Saint Cloud and 31.8 miles from Brainerd.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 55.1 miles (88.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.3 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 3:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.99 one way or $15.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Saint Cloud and Sunny near Brainerd.
Stop Ideas Near Little Falls
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 Little Falls.
St. Cloud
Staples
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Cloud and Brainerd. Straight-line distance: 55.12 mi (88.7 km).
#1 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| 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: 102 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $7.99 | $15.99 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $8.78 | $17.57 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $9.84 | $19.68 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $10.90 | $21.79 |
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 10, 2026