How far is Thief River Falls, MN from West Co on Rapids, MN?
The driving distance from Thief River Falls, MN to West Co on Rapids, MN is about 280.6 miles (451.6 km), with a travel time of about 05h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 244.6 miles (393.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 59m 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 05h 29m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
City in Wadena County, Minnesota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Thief River Falls and West Co on Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Thief River Falls and West Co on Rapids.
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1
Start on 3rd Street East
9.5 mi · 12 min · 3rd Street East
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2
Turn left
85 mi · 1 hr 37 min
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3
Turn left
44.9 mi · 52 min
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward the route
31 m · 2 sec
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5
Exit the roundabout
20 m · 1 sec
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6
Turn straight onto Ash Avenue Northwest
7.3 mi · 8 min · Ash Avenue Northwest
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7
Continue on West Mason Avenue
78.4 mi · 1 hr 30 min · West Mason Avenue
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8
Keep slight left
50.6 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Main Street, Greenhaven Road
843 ft · 21 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on Main Street, Greenhaven Road
42 m · 4 sec
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward West Main Street
30 m · 2 sec · West Main Street
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12
Exit the roundabout onto West Main Street
2991 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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13
Turn right onto South Ferry Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · South Ferry Street
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14
Turn left onto East Hayden Lake Road
1771 ft · 48 sec · East Hayden Lake Road
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward West River Road
17 m · 1 sec · West River Road
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16
Exit the roundabout onto West River Road
2.3 mi · 4 min · West River Road
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West River Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Thief River Falls and West Co on Rapids.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Longest stretch
Turn left
85 mi · 01h 37m
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 Thief River Falls and Rain Showers Likely near West Co on Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Thief River Falls to West Co on Rapids?
The road trip is about 280.6 miles (451.6 km) and usually takes 05h 29m 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?
Wadena is a useful midpoint, sitting about 140.2 miles from Thief River Falls and 140.4 miles from West Co on Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 244.6 miles (393.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 36 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 6:00 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $41.92 one way or $83.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 88 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Thief River Falls and Rain Showers Likely near West Co on Rapids.
Stop Ideas Near Wadena
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 Wadena.
Staples
Detroit Lakes
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Thief River Falls and West Co on Rapids. Straight-line distance: 244.61 mi (393.66 km).
#1 Thief River Falls
City in Pennington County, Minnesota, USA
| Population | 8,688 |
| Coordinates | 48.1191400, -96.1811500 |
| Altitude | 345 |
| Country | United States |
#2 West Co on Rapids
A city in Anoka County, Minnesota.
| Population | 62,528 |
| Coordinates | 45.1596900, -93.3496700 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Co on Rapids (-93.34967, 45.15969)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 452 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.23 | $41.92 | $83.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.69 | $46.44 | $92.88 |
| Premium | $5.25 | $51.96 | $103.91 |
| Diesel | $6.13 | $60.73 | $121.45 |
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 · Oct 14, 2026