How far is Saint Paul, MN from Detroit Lakes, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Paul, MN to Detroit Lakes, MN is about 209.3 miles (336.8 km), with a travel time of about 04h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 185.1 miles (297.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 13m 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 04h 06m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Paul and Detroit Lakes.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Paul and Detroit Lakes.
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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
-
18
Keep slight left
38 mi · 43 min
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19
Turn straight
8.5 mi · 10 min
-
20
Continue straight
10.9 mi · 12 min
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21
Turn slight right
20 m · 2 sec
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22
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
30 m · 2 sec
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23
Exit the roundabout
29 m · 1 sec
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24
Turn straight
44.3 mi · 51 min
-
25
Turn left onto Washington Avenue
781 ft · 27 sec · Washington Avenue
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Paul and Detroit Lakes.
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 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.
Partly Sunny leaving Saint Paul and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Detroit Lakes.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Paul to Detroit Lakes?
The road trip is about 209.3 miles (336.8 km) and usually takes 04h 06m 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?
Gregory is a useful midpoint, sitting about 104.5 miles from Saint Paul and 104.8 miles from Detroit Lakes.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 185.1 miles (297.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.2 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 8:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.37 one way or $52.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 65.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Saint Paul and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Detroit Lakes.
Stop Ideas Near Gregory
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 Gregory.
St. Cloud
Staples
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Paul and Detroit Lakes. Straight-line distance: 185.09 mi (297.87 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 Detroit Lakes
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 9,255 |
| Coordinates | 46.8171800, -95.8453300 |
| Altitude | 418 |
| Country | United States |
End: Detroit Lakes (-95.84533, 46.81718)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 337 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $26.37 | $52.75 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $28.98 | $57.95 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $32.46 | $64.91 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $35.94 | $71.89 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.