How far is Saint Cloud, MN from Ely, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Cloud, MN to Ely, MN is about 235.3 miles (378.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 194.9 miles (313.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 46m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Unincorporated community in Carlton County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Cloud and Ely.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Cloud and Ely.
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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
747 ft · 21 sec · 1st Street North
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5
Turn right onto 5th Avenue North
1190 ft · 39 sec · 5th Avenue North
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6
Turn left onto 2nd Street South
980 ft · 31 sec · 2nd Street South
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7
Continue on Granite City Crossing
888 ft · 22 sec · Granite City Crossing
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8
Continue on 3rd Street Southeast
14.6 mi · 18 min · 3rd Street Southeast
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
35 m · 1 sec
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10
Exit the roundabout
32.7 mi · 37 min
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11
Turn left
1.6 mi · 2 min
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12
Continue on Forest Avenue East
17.7 mi · 20 min · Forest Avenue East
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13
Take the exit left toward Interstate 35 North: Duluth
36.2 mi · 39 min · Veterans' Evergreen Memorial Drive
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14
Continue straight
20.6 mi · 22 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward MN 33: Cloquet, Iron Range
2915 ft · 58 sec
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
39 m · 2 sec
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17
Exit the roundabout
18.9 mi · 25 min
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18
Take the exit straight
1929 ft · 30 sec
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19
Merge slight right
37.4 mi · 43 min
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20
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
34 m · 1 sec
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21
Exit the roundabout
10.3 mi · 14 min
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22
Take the exit slight right toward MN 169: Ely
2825 ft · 44 sec
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23
Continue on State Highway 169
14.4 mi · 20 min · State Highway 169
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24
Continue on Highway 169
28.6 mi · 40 min · Highway 169
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Sheridan Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Cloud and Ely.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
MN 33
Merge slight right
37.4 mi · 00h 44m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Saint Cloud and Chance Rain Showers near Ely.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Cloud to Ely?
The road trip is about 235.3 miles (378.7 km) and usually takes 04h 46m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Atkinson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 117.5 miles from Saint Cloud and 117.8 miles from Ely.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 194.9 miles (313.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.62 one way or $59.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 73.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Saint Cloud and Chance Rain Showers near Ely.
Stop Ideas Near Atkinson
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 Atkinson.
Duluth (Greyhound Station), Minnesota
Duluth (University of Minnesota), Minnesota
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Cloud and Ely. Straight-line distance: 194.94 mi (313.73 km).
#1 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ely
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 3,325 |
| Coordinates | 47.9032400, -91.8670900 |
| Altitude | 436 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ely (-91.86709, 47.90324)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 379 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $29.62 | $59.25 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $32.54 | $65.09 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $36.45 | $72.91 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $40.37 | $80.74 |
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.