How far is Saint Paul, MN from Forest Lake, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Paul, MN to Forest Lake, MN is about 25.9 miles (41.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 23.7 miles (38.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 04m 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 32m.
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.
City in the U.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Paul and Forest Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Paul and Forest Lake.
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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
Take the exit slight right toward I 35E North, I 694 East
2496 ft · 35 sec
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9
Merge slight left
1.3 km · 60 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North: Duluth
17.3 mi · 19 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward CR 2: Forest Lake
1134 ft · 28 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on CR 2
53 m · 7 sec
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13
Turn right onto West Broadway Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · West Broadway Avenue
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Lake Street South
4 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
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15
Exit the roundabout onto Lake Street South
15 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Paul and Forest Lake.
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 35E North
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North: Duluth
17.3 mi · 00h 19m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Saint Paul and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Forest Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Paul to Forest Lake?
The road trip is about 25.9 miles (41.7 km) and usually takes 00h 32m 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?
North Oaks is a useful midpoint, sitting about 12.9 miles from Saint Paul and 12.9 miles from Forest Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 23.7 miles (38.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.2 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.25 one way or $6.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Saint Paul and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Forest Lake.
Stop Ideas Near North Oaks
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
Ham Lake City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to North Oaks.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Paul and Forest Lake. Straight-line distance: 23.7 mi (38.14 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 Forest Lake
City in Washington County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 21,285 |
| Coordinates | 45.2788600, -92.9852200 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Forest Lake (-92.98522, 45.27886)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 42 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $3.25 | $6.50 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $3.57 | $7.14 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $4.00 | $7.99 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $4.43 | $8.85 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.