How far is West Co on Rapids, MN from Thief River Falls, MN?
The driving distance from West Co on Rapids, MN to Thief River Falls, MN is about 280.8 miles (451.9 km), with a travel time of about 05h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 244.6 miles (393.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 00m 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 30m.
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.
Rain Showers Likely
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Co on Rapids and Thief River Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Co on Rapids and Thief River Falls.
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1
Start on West River Road
2.3 mi · 4 min · West River Road
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward East Hayden Lake Road
32 m · 2 sec · East Hayden Lake Road
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3
Exit the roundabout onto East Hayden Lake Road
1652 ft · 37 sec · East Hayden Lake Road
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4
Turn right onto Jefferson Highway North
1.4 mi · 3 min · Jefferson Highway North
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5
Turn left onto West Main Street
3031 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward West Main Street
45 m · 3 sec · West Main Street
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7
Exit the roundabout onto West Main Street
133 m · 9 sec · West Main Street
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward US 10 West, US 169 North
9 m · 1 sec
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9
Exit the roundabout onto US 10 West, US 169 North
681 ft · 17 sec
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10
Merge slight left
79.1 mi · 1 hr 36 min
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11
Keep slight left
38 mi · 43 min
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12
Turn straight
8.5 mi · 10 min
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13
Continue straight
10.9 mi · 12 min
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14
Turn slight right
20 m · 2 sec
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
30 m · 2 sec
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16
Exit the roundabout
29 m · 1 sec
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17
Turn straight
44.9 mi · 52 min
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18
Turn right
85 mi · 1 hr 37 min
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19
Turn left
147 m · 6 sec
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20
Merge slight left
9.4 mi · 12 min
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 3rd Street East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Co on Rapids and Thief River Falls.
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 right
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving West Co on Rapids and Partly Sunny near Thief River Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Co on Rapids to Thief River Falls?
The road trip is about 280.8 miles (451.9 km) and usually takes 05h 30m 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 140.3 miles from West Co on Rapids and 140.6 miles from Thief River Falls.
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 36.2 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 6:00 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $42.10 one way or $84.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 88.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around West Co on Rapids and Partly Sunny near Thief River Falls.
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 West Co on Rapids and Thief River Falls. Straight-line distance: 244.61 mi (393.66 km).
#1 West Co on Rapids
A city in Anoka County, Minnesota.
| Population | 62,528 |
| Coordinates | 45.1596900, -93.3496700 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Thief River Falls
City in Pennington County, Minnesota, USA
| Population | 8,688 |
| Coordinates | 48.1191400, -96.1811500 |
| Altitude | 345 |
| Country | United States |
End: Thief River Falls (-96.18115, 48.11914)
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 01m |
| 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 | $4.25 | $42.10 | $84.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.72 | $46.74 | $93.47 |
| Premium | $5.26 | $52.15 | $104.29 |
| Diesel | $6.14 | $60.89 | $121.77 |
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 15, 2026