How far is Saint Paul, MN from Elk River, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Paul, MN to Elk River, MN is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 33.9 miles (54.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 37m 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 00h 48m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Unincorporated community in Benton County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Paul and Elk River.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Paul and Elk River.
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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
3.9 mi · 5 min
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9
Take the exit slight right
2.8 mi · 4 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W North, US 10 West
1.4 mi · 2 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on US 10 West
4.2 mi · 5 min
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12
Keep slight left
19.8 mi · 23 min
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13
Turn left onto Main Street Northwest
851 ft · 28 sec · Main Street Northwest
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14
Turn right onto Jackson Avenue Northwest
80 m · 7 sec · Jackson Avenue Northwest
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jackson Avenue Northwest
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Paul and Elk River.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 10 West
Keep slight left
19.8 mi · 00h 23m
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.
Sunny leaving Saint Paul and 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 Paul to Elk River?
The road trip is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km) and usually takes 00h 48m 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?
Oak Park is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.3 miles from Saint Paul and 19.3 miles from Elk River.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 33.9 miles (54.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.7 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 4:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.85 one way or $9.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Saint Paul and Sunny near Elk River.
Stop Ideas Near Oak Park
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 Oak Park.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Paul and Elk River. Straight-line distance: 33.92 mi (54.59 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 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: 62 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $4.85 | $9.71 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $5.33 | $10.67 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $5.97 | $11.95 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $6.62 | $13.23 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.