How far is Saint Paul, MN from Brainerd, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Paul, MN to Brainerd, MN is about 137 miles (220.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 111.3 miles (179.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 32m 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 02h 46m.
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 Sherburne County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Paul and Brainerd.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Paul and Brainerd.
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1
Start on Wabasha Street North
1641 ft · 1 min · Wabasha Street North
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2
Turn right onto 7th Street East
1140 ft · 44 sec · 7th Street East
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3
Turn left onto Robert Street North
1071 ft · 40 sec · Robert Street North
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4
Turn right onto 11th Street East
137 m · 18 sec · 11th Street East
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North, US 10 West
1156 ft · 30 sec
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6
Continue straight
4.9 mi · 6 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
1620 ft · 20 sec
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8
Continue on I 694 West, US 10 West
18.5 mi · 23 min
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9
Continue on I-94 W
17.1 mi · 19 min · I-94 W
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10
Keep slight left
6 mi · 6 min
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11
Take the exit slight right
2016 ft · 53 sec
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12
Turn right onto Pine Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Pine Street
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13
Continue on State Highway 25
540 ft · 19 sec · State Highway 25
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14
Turn left onto County Road 11
1.1 km · 54 sec · County Road 11
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15
Continue on Park Boulevard Southeast
1.4 mi · 2 min · Park Boulevard Southeast
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16
Continue on 165th Avenue Southeast
1.8 mi · 2 min · 165th Avenue Southeast
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17
Turn left
54.4 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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18
Keep slight right
27.4 mi · 32 min
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19
Turn right onto State Highway 210
1.6 km · 2 min · State Highway 210
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20
Continue on West Washington Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · West Washington Street
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21
Turn right onto South 6th Street
7 m · 1 sec · South 6th Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Paul and Brainerd.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
54.4 mi · 01h 04m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Saint Paul and Chance Light Rain near Brainerd.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Paul to Brainerd?
The road trip is about 137 miles (220.5 km) and usually takes 02h 46m 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?
Clear Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.4 miles from Saint Paul and 68.5 miles from Brainerd.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 111.3 miles (179.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.7 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 12:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.24 one way or $34.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Saint Paul and Chance Light Rain near Brainerd.
Stop Ideas Near Clear Lake
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 Clear Lake.
St. Cloud
Saint Paul Union Depot
Staples
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Paul and Brainerd. Straight-line distance: 111.36 mi (179.21 km).
#1 Saint Paul
The second most populous city in Minnesota and the center of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.
| Population | 306,717 |
| Coordinates | 44.9444100, -93.0932700 |
| Altitude | 242 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Brainerd
City in Minnesota
| Population | 13,449 |
| Coordinates | 46.3580200, -94.2008300 |
| Altitude | 371 |
| Country | United States |
End: Brainerd (-94.20083, 46.35802)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 220 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $17.24 | $34.48 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $18.94 | $37.88 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $21.21 | $42.43 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $23.49 | $46.99 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.