How far is Saint Louis Park, MN from Elk River, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Louis Park, MN to Elk River, MN is about 32.2 miles (51.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.8 miles (43.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 21m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 40m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Louis Park and Elk River.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Louis Park and Elk River.
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1
Start on the route
1823 ft · 26 sec
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2
Take the exit slight right toward CR 25 East
1054 ft · 26 sec
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3
Merge slight left onto Minnesota State Highway 7
144 m · 9 sec · Minnesota State Highway 7
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4
Take the exit slight right toward MN 100 North
1036 ft · 25 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto CR 5
6.6 mi · 8 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward CR 81 North
1735 ft · 42 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto County Road 81
48 m · 2 sec · County Road 81
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8
Continue on Bottineau Boulevard
3.3 mi · 5 min · Bottineau Boulevard
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9
Take the exit right toward I 94 West, I 694 West
1683 ft · 43 sec
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10
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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11
Continue on I-94 W
8.7 mi · 10 min · I-94 W
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12
Take the exit slight right toward MN 101, CR 81, MN 101 North: Rogers, Elk River
1499 ft · 37 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on MN 101 North Bypass
1.3 km · 55 sec · MN 101 North Bypass
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14
Merge slight left
6.4 mi · 7 min
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15
Continue on US Highway 169
2675 ft · 35 sec · US Highway 169
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16
Take the exit slight right
663 ft · 16 sec
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17
Keep slight left
134 m · 11 sec
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18
Turn left onto Main Street Northwest
1 km · 1 min · Main Street Northwest
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19
Turn right onto Jackson Avenue Northwest
80 m · 7 sec · Jackson Avenue Northwest
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jackson Avenue Northwest
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Louis Park and Elk River.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I-94 W
Continue on I-94 W
8.7 mi · 00h 10m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Saint Louis Park and Mostly Sunny near Elk River.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Louis Park to Elk River?
The road trip is about 32.2 miles (51.9 km) and usually takes 00h 40m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Maple Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.2 miles from Saint Louis Park and 16.2 miles from Elk River.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.8 miles (43.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.4 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.00 one way or $10.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Saint Louis Park and Mostly Sunny near Elk River.
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 Louis Park and Elk River. Straight-line distance: 26.79 mi (43.11 km).
#1 Saint Louis Park
The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 48,821 |
| Coordinates | 44.9483000, -93.3480100 |
| Altitude | 274 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elk River
City in Sherburne County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 25,601 |
| Coordinates | 45.3038500, -93.5671800 |
| Altitude | 273 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elk River (-93.56718, 45.30385)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 52 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.38 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Mid-grade | $4.82 | $5.50 | $11.00 |
| Premium | $5.35 | $6.10 | $12.20 |
| Diesel | $6.35 | $7.24 | $14.48 |
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 · Sep 23, 2026