How far is Saint Cloud, MN from Detroit Lakes, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Cloud, MN to Detroit Lakes, MN is about 135.8 miles (218.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 16m 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 38m.
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 Morrison County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Cloud and Detroit Lakes.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Cloud and Detroit Lakes.
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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 left
38 mi · 43 min
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9
Turn straight
8.5 mi · 10 min
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10
Continue straight
10.9 mi · 12 min
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11
Turn slight right
20 m · 2 sec
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
30 m · 2 sec
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13
Exit the roundabout
29 m · 1 sec
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14
Turn straight
44.3 mi · 51 min
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15
Turn left onto Washington Avenue
781 ft · 27 sec · Washington Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Cloud and Detroit Lakes.
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 straight
44.3 mi · 00h 51m
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 Sunny leaving Saint Cloud and Partly Sunny near Detroit Lakes.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Cloud to Detroit Lakes?
The road trip is about 135.8 miles (218.5 km) and usually takes 02h 38m 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?
Motley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.8 miles from Saint Cloud and 68 miles from Detroit Lakes.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.4 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 1:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.10 one way or $34.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Saint Cloud and Partly Sunny near Detroit Lakes.
Stop Ideas Near Motley
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 Motley.
Staples
St. Cloud
Detroit Lakes
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Cloud and Detroit Lakes. Straight-line distance: 118.38 mi (190.51 km).
#1 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Detroit Lakes
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 9,255 |
| Coordinates | 46.8171800, -95.8453300 |
| Altitude | 418 |
| Country | United States |
End: Detroit Lakes (-95.84533, 46.81718)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 218 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $17.10 | $34.19 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $18.78 | $37.56 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $21.04 | $42.08 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $23.30 | $46.60 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.