How far is Saint Cloud, MN from Forest Lake, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Cloud, MN to Forest Lake, MN is about 80.8 miles (130.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 60.3 miles (97.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 09m 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 34m.
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.
City in Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Cloud and Forest Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Cloud and Forest Lake.
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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
41.2 mi · 44 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward MN 610 East
12.9 mi · 15 min
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10
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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11
Take the exit slight left toward I 35W North: Duluth
1.3 km · 2 min
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12
Merge slight left
15.8 mi · 17 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward CR 2: Forest Lake
1134 ft · 28 sec
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14
Keep slight right to continue on CR 2
53 m · 7 sec
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15
Turn right onto West Broadway Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · West Broadway Avenue
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Lake Street South
4 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
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17
Exit the roundabout onto Lake Street South
15 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Cloud and Forest Lake.
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
41.2 mi · 00h 44m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Saint Cloud and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Forest Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Cloud to Forest Lake?
The road trip is about 80.8 miles (130.1 km) and usually takes 01h 34m 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?
Rogers is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.4 miles from Saint Cloud and 40.5 miles from Forest Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 60.3 miles (97.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.5 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 3:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.17 one way or $20.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Saint Cloud and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Forest Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Rogers
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 Rogers.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Red Wing station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Cloud and Forest Lake. Straight-line distance: 60.32 mi (97.08 km).
#1 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Forest Lake
City in Washington County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 21,285 |
| Coordinates | 45.2788600, -92.9852200 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Forest Lake (-92.98522, 45.27886)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 130 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $10.17 | $20.34 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $11.17 | $22.35 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $12.52 | $25.03 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $13.86 | $27.72 |
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.