How far is Saint Cloud, MN from Grand Marais, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Cloud, MN to Grand Marais, MN is about 254.3 miles (409.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 236.2 miles (380.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 21m 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 05h 10m.
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.
City in Carlton County, Minnesota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Cloud and Grand Marais.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Cloud and Grand Marais.
-
1
Start on Courthouse Square
2 m · 2 sec · Courthouse Square
-
2
Turn right onto 8th Avenue North
77 m · 14 sec · 8th Avenue North
-
3
Turn right onto 2nd Street North
120 m · 10 sec · 2nd Street North
-
4
Continue on 1st Street North
747 ft · 21 sec · 1st Street North
-
5
Turn right onto 5th Avenue North
1190 ft · 39 sec · 5th Avenue North
-
6
Turn left onto 2nd Street South
980 ft · 31 sec · 2nd Street South
-
7
Continue on Granite City Crossing
888 ft · 22 sec · Granite City Crossing
-
8
Continue on 3rd Street Southeast
14.6 mi · 18 min · 3rd Street Southeast
-
9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
35 m · 1 sec
-
10
Exit the roundabout
32.7 mi · 37 min
-
11
Turn left
1.6 mi · 2 min
-
12
Continue on Forest Avenue East
17.7 mi · 20 min · Forest Avenue East
-
13
Take the exit left toward Interstate 35 North: Duluth
36.2 mi · 39 min · Veterans' Evergreen Memorial Drive
-
14
Continue straight
43 mi · 49 min
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward MN 61 North
593 ft · 13 sec
-
16
Merge slight left
23.5 mi · 32 min
-
17
Continue on 7th Avenue
1.2 mi · 3 min · 7th Avenue
-
18
Turn straight onto Highway 61
82.8 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Highway 61
-
19
Turn right onto West 1st Street
16 m · 2 sec · West 1st Street
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Cloud and Grand Marais.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Highway 61
Turn straight onto Highway 61
82.8 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Saint Cloud and Rain near Grand Marais.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Cloud to Grand Marais?
The road trip is about 254.3 miles (409.2 km) and usually takes 05h 10m 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?
Scanlon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 126.9 miles from Saint Cloud and 127.3 miles from Grand Marais.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 236.2 miles (380.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.1 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 6:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.01 one way or $64.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 79.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Saint Cloud and Rain near Grand Marais.
Stop Ideas Near Scanlon
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 Scanlon.
Duluth (Greyhound Station), Minnesota
Duluth (University of Minnesota), Minnesota
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Cloud and Grand Marais. Straight-line distance: 236.28 mi (380.25 km).
#1 Saint Cloud
City in Minnesota
| Population | 68,510 |
| Coordinates | 45.5608000, -94.1624900 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Grand Marais
City in Minnesota, U.
| Population | 1,341 |
| Coordinates | 47.7504500, -90.3342700 |
| Altitude | 188 |
| Country | United States |
End: Grand Marais (-90.33427, 47.75045)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 409 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $32.01 | $64.03 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $35.17 | $70.34 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $39.40 | $78.79 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $43.63 | $87.26 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.