How far is Saint Cloud, MN from Cottonwood, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Cloud, MN to Cottonwood, MN is about 116.7 miles (187.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98.8 miles (159 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 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 02h 29m.
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, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Cloud and Cottonwood.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Cloud and Cottonwood.
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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 · 16 sec · 8th Avenue North
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3
Turn left onto 2nd Street North
2749 ft · 1 min · 2nd Street North
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4
Turn right onto 16th Avenue North
124 m · 16 sec · 16th Avenue North
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5
Turn left onto 3rd Street North
1.6 mi · 3 min · 3rd Street North
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6
Turn left onto MN-15 S
1862 ft · 36 sec · MN-15 S
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7
Turn right onto Division Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · Division Street
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8
Turn left onto 10th Avenue South
1423 ft · 35 sec · 10th Avenue South
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9
Turn right onto 2nd Street South
18 mi · 22 min · 2nd Street South
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10
Continue on 4th Street West
713 ft · 12 sec · 4th Street West
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11
Continue on 4th Street Southwest
1.4 km · 1 min · 4th Street Southwest
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12
Continue on MN 23
1.1 mi · 1 min · MN 23
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13
Continue straight
35.1 mi · 42 min
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14
Keep slight left to continue on US 71, MN 23
38.6 mi · 49 min
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15
Turn right
3.2 mi · 4 min
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16
Turn left onto State Highway 23/67
14.9 mi · 19 min · State Highway 23/67
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17
Turn right onto 390th Street
627 ft · 20 sec · 390th Street
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18
At the end of the road, turn left onto Barstad Road
3150 ft · 1 min · Barstad Road
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19
Turn right onto Main Street
139 m · 12 sec · Main Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Cloud and Cottonwood.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
US 71
Keep slight left to continue on US 71, MN 23
38.6 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers leaving Saint Cloud and Mostly Sunny near Cottonwood.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Cloud to Cottonwood?
The road trip is about 116.7 miles (187.8 km) and usually takes 02h 29m 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?
Willmar is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.3 miles from Saint Cloud and 58.4 miles from Cottonwood.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98.8 miles (159 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.9 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 1:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.70 one way or $29.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers around Saint Cloud and Mostly Sunny near Cottonwood.
Stop Ideas Near Willmar
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 Willmar.
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Cloud and Cottonwood. Straight-line distance: 98.81 mi (159.02 km).
#1 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cottonwood
City in Lyon County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 1,223 |
| Coordinates | 44.6088500, -95.6741900 |
| Altitude | 329 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cottonwood (-95.67419, 44.60885)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 188 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $14.70 | $29.41 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $16.15 | $32.31 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $18.10 | $36.19 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $20.04 | $40.08 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.