The Mill
Near the end, right off the route
Albany, Minnesota
Hours: 6 am–3 pm
+13208456455
Visit websiteCompiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology
Drive Time
2h 59m
Distance
148.5 mi
239 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cormorant, MN
Daniil Komov
Saint Cloud, MN
Wikimedia Commons
This 148.5-mile drive from Cormorant, MN to Saint Cloud, MN, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, it's an economical journey through the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes major highways, making it a straightforward drive. You'll experience a highway-focused profile for the most part, with about 73% of the journey on interstates. It's a practical choice for a quick trip between these two Minnesota locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
74.2 miles from Cormorant, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 59m. Total distance: 148.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Straightforward navigation.
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 148.5-mile route, with 73% of your travel on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 55.8 miles on I 94, offering a chance to settle in. While primarily interstate, the inclusion of US 59 and South Broadway suggests a transition into more local thoroughfares as you approach your destination. This blend means you'll experience both efficient highway travel and a gradual shift in scenery and pace.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US 59. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 13.7 miles in near US 59 / South Broadway.
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Cormorant, MN to Saint Cloud, MN is easy. At 2h 59m with 73% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 13.7 miles (US 59 / South Broadway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 137.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 145.5 miles (44th Avenue North): Navigation decision point.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Enter roundabout onto US 59 / South Broadway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Take the exit toward CR 75: Saint Cloud
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Turn left onto 44th Avenue North
Navigation decision point
Turn right onto 3rd Street Northeast
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto 2nd Street North
Navigation decision point
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Cormorant, MN to Saint Cloud, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Cr 75: Saint Cloud along the way.
Cr 75: Saint Cloud
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 55.8 mi | 59m |
| US 59 | 51.6 mi | 55m |
| South Broadway | 13.7 mi | 15m |
| County Road 75 | 5.8 mi | 8m |
| East Lake Lizzie Road | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| West Prairie Avenue | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| South Shore Drive | 2.5 mi | 6m |
| 3rd Street Northeast | 2 mi | 3m |
Step-by-step road directions between Cormorant, MN and Saint Cloud, MN.
Start on CR 5
Continue on CH 9
Turn right onto CH 9
Turn left onto South Pelican Drive
Continue on South Pelican Drive
Turn right onto South Shore Drive
Continue on 215th Avenue
Turn right onto US 59
Continue on US 59
Continue on US 59
Continue on US 59
Take the exit onto US 59
Continue on I 94; MN 27
Take the exit
Continue on CR 75
Continue on CR 75
Turn left onto 44th Avenue North
Turn right onto 3rd Street Northeast
Turn right onto 16th Avenue North
Turn left onto 2nd Street North
Turn right onto 8th Avenue North
Turn left onto Courthouse Square
Arrive at destination
Given the short 2 hour and 59 minute duration, this 148.5-mile trip from Cormorant to Saint Cloud is perfectly suited for a single day. You have the flexibility to leave when you're ready, but consider an early start to maximize your time in Saint Cloud. While the fuel cost is a modest $22, it's always wise to top off your tank before leaving Cormorant, as the longest stretch without a significant change in road is 55.8 miles. With only one recommended stop factored in, you can easily complete this journey with minimal interruptions.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 33 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 74.2 miles or 1h 31m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Cloud, MN than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Cormorant, MN so your first major turns are already loaded.
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Cormorant, MN
This is one driving day of about 148.5 miles and 2h 59m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 74.2 mi from Cormorant, MN · 1h 31m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 74.2 miles from Cormorant, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Saint Cloud, MN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Saint Cloud, MN.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Coffee Stop
Albany, Minnesota
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 6 am–3 pm
+13208456455
Lakes Fika
Lake Park, Minnesota
District Coffee
St Cloud, Minnesota
Near the end, right off the route
Albany, Minnesota
Hours: 6 am–3 pm
+13208456455
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Lake Park, Minnesota
Hours: 8 am–2 pm
+12185322399
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St Cloud, Minnesota
Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm
+13203422040
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
Hours: 7 am–1 pm
Early in the drive, short detour
Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Hours: 6 am–6 pm
+12189985111
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, ~9 min detour
Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Hours: 7 am–4:30 pm
+12189981221
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St Cloud, Minnesota
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+13203422148
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Sauk Rapids, Minnesota
Hours: Closed
+13202510940
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Alexandria, Minnesota
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13207633160
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Regular Gas
$22.10 one way
$44.20 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.07 | $23.81 | $47.63 |
| premium | $4.53 | $26.50 | $52.99 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.79 | $65.57 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 52 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.6 | 0 | $15.59 | $7.13 |
| Efficient EV | 37.1 | 0 | $12.99 | $5.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 59.4 | 0 | $20.79 | $9.50 |
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Cormorant on Friday
Local time
1:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Saint Cloud on Friday
Local time
1:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Cormorant, MN or browse trips ending in Saint Cloud, MN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MN road trips.