How far is Saint Cloud, MN from Empire, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Cloud, MN to Empire, MN is about 97.4 miles (156.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 83.8 miles (134.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 51m 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 55m.
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.
The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Cloud and Empire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Cloud and Empire.
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1
Start on Courthouse Square
82 m · 14 sec · Courthouse Square
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2
Turn right onto 1st Street North
66 m · 15 sec · 1st Street North
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3
Turn left onto 9th Avenue North
122 m · 13 sec · 9th Avenue North
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4
Turn right onto West Saint Germain Street
2899 ft · 1 min · West Saint Germain Street
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5
Turn left onto Washington Memorial Drive
1.1 km · 2 min · Washington Memorial Drive
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6
Turn left onto Roosevelt Road
3.9 mi · 6 min · Roosevelt Road
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7
Take the ramp straight
2008 ft · 49 sec
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8
Merge slight left
52.3 mi · 57 min
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9
Keep slight left
11.7 mi · 13 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on Voyageur Highway
5.5 mi · 7 min · Voyageur Highway
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11
Keep slight left to continue on US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street
2918 ft · 37 sec
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 52
1604 ft · 39 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Lafayette Freeway
13.3 mi · 17 min · Lafayette Freeway
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14
Keep slight right to continue on Rochester
7.7 mi · 9 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward CR 66 West
32 m · 3 sec
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16
Turn right onto 200th Street East
2172 ft · 44 sec · 200th Street East
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 200th Street East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Cloud and Empire.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Roosevelt Road
Merge slight left
52.3 mi · 00h 57m
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.
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny leaving Saint Cloud and Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Cloud to Empire?
The road trip is about 97.4 miles (156.7 km) and usually takes 01h 55m 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?
Maple Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.7 miles from Saint Cloud and 48.8 miles from Empire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 83.8 miles (134.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.6 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 2:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.28 one way or $24.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny around Saint Cloud and Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Stop Ideas Near Maple Grove
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
St. Louis Park City Hall
Champlin Utility Billing
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Maple Grove.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Red Wing station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Cloud and Empire. Straight-line distance: 83.75 mi (134.78 km).
#1 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Empire
Township in Dakota County, Minnesota
| Population | 3,071 |
| Coordinates | 44.6591300, -93.0146600 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
End: Empire (-93.01466, 44.65913)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 157 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $12.28 | $24.55 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $13.49 | $26.98 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $15.11 | $30.22 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $16.73 | $33.46 |
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 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.