Trip from Saint Cloud, MN to South Saint Paul, MN

Q: What are the main roads on this route?

The main roads are I 94, I 694, Voyageur Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

Q: Is this a good same-day trip?

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Q: Where should I stop halfway?

The midpoint is about 40.3 miles from Saint Cloud, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

Q: How much does gas cost for this trip?

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.01 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Q: What is the best time to leave?

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

Q: What towns show up on signs driving from Saint Cloud, MN to South Saint Paul, MN?

The route from Saint Cloud, MN to South Saint Paul, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 38m

Distance

80.7 mi

130 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min

4 AM

1h 31m ★

6 AM

1h 38m

8 AM

1h 53m

10 AM

1h 43m

12 PM

1h 42m

3 PM

1h 44m

5 PM

1h 52m

8 PM

1h 34m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city on tripoint of Benton, Sherburne and Stearns Counties in Minnesota, United States

Saint Cloud, MN

Wikimedia Commons

South Saint Paul, MN

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

The drive from Saint Cloud, MN to South Saint Paul, MN covers 80.7 miles and takes about 1h 38m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 94, I 694, Voyageur Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 52.3 miles on I 94. At current regular gas prices, budget about $12.01 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

40.3 miles from Saint Cloud, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 38m. Total distance: 80.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 1h 38m highway drive covering 80.7 miles, with most of the trip on I 94 and I 694. The longest continuous stretch is about 52.3 miles on I 94.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 94 is the longest continuous segment at about 52.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 694. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 57.9 miles in near I 694.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 80.7 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 57.9 miles (I 694): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 69.6 miles (US 10 / Voyageur Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.1 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

57.9 mi into trip | ~1h 8m in | I 694

Keep slight left at fork onto I 694

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

69.6 mi into trip | ~1h 21m in | US 10 / Voyageur Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 / Voyageur Highway toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 46 Toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul

75.1 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in | US 10

Keep slight left at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 107A Toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th...

75.6 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in | US 52

Take the exit onto US 52 toward US 52

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 242D Toward US 52

77.5 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in

Take the exit toward MN 156: Concord Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 129A Toward MN 156: Concord Street

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 94	52.3 mi	57m
I 694	11.7 mi	12m
Voyageur Highway	5.5 mi	6m
Roosevelt Road	3.9 mi	6m
Concord Street	3 mi	6m
Lafayette Freeway	1.5 mi	2m
Washington Memorial Drive	0.7 mi	1m
US 10	0.6 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 94 — 52.3 mi, about 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Saint Cloud, MN and South Saint Paul, MN.

Start on Courthouse Square

270 ft · 13 sec · Courthouse Square

Turn right onto 1st Street North

215 ft · 14 sec · 1st Street North

Turn left onto 9th Avenue North

399 ft · 13 sec · 9th Avenue North

Turn right onto West Saint Germain Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Saint Germain Street

Turn left onto Washington Memorial Drive

0.7 mi · 1 min · Washington Memorial Drive

Turn left onto CR 75

3.9 mi · 6 min · Roosevelt Road

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Merge onto I 94

52 mi · 57 min · I 94

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 694

12 mi · 12 min · I 694

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10

5.5 mi · 6 min · Voyageur Highway

Exit 46 Toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 10

0.6 mi · 36 sec · US 10

Exit 107A Toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Take the exit onto US 52

0.3 mi · 38 sec · US 52

Exit 242D Toward US 52 Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto US 52

1.5 mi · 2 min · Lafayette Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Exit 129A Toward MN 156: Concord Street Use the slight right lane.

Turn left onto MN 156

3.0 mi · 6 min · Concord Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn right onto CH 14

184 ft · 9 sec · John E Carroll Avenue

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto Concord Exchange North

74 ft · 1 sec · Concord Exchange North

Arrive at destination

Concord Exchange North

Trip Plan

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 40.3 miles from Saint Cloud, MN, or about 49m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.3 miles.

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 18 miles or 24m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 40.3 miles or 49m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 20m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Saint Paul, MN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Saint Cloud, MN so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Saint Cloud, MN

This is one driving day of about 80.7 miles and 1h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Saint Cloud, MN.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 52.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 40.3 mi from Saint Cloud, MN · 49m into the drive

city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Maple Grove, MN

40 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Clear Lake, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Maple Grove, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 40.3 miles from Saint Cloud, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in South Saint Paul, MN

The final approach into South Saint Paul, MN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Cafe Astoria

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Paul, Minnesota

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.9

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16513409471

Visit website

Forepaugh's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Paul, Minnesota

1.5 mi

Crasqui Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Paul, Minnesota

1.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Abogados Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Paul, Minnesota

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 74.9

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

District Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Cloud, Minnesota

2.1 mi

Heights Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

2.7 mi

Cafe Astoria

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16513409471

Visit website

Forepaugh's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $100 or ab mile 74.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 3:30–10:30 pm

+16516663636

Visit website

Crasqui Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 74.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 4–8 pm

+19526005578

Visit website

Adagio's Pizza Factory

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 63.4

New Brighton, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16512373486

Visit website

Maynard's Restaurant of Rogers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 40.3

Rogers, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+17634280700

Visit website

Don Goyo Restaurant Columbia Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.4

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17637880299

Visit website

Lynde’s Restaurant & Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51.9

Osseo, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17634243696

Visit website

Phoever ❤️ Vietnamese Cuisine & Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.4

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+17632088754

Visit website

Abogados Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 74.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

District Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 5.8

St Cloud, Minnesota

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+13203422040

Visit website

Heights Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 63.4

Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16123149027

Visit website

Makwa Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.2

Roseville, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16513007946

Visit website

yellowbird coffee bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 74.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+16514937134

Visit website

Luminary Coffeehouse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 74.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

Visit website

Walden Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 63.4

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

PILLLAR Forum Cafe & Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 63.4

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+16128754140

Visit website

Minnesota Children's Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 74.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+16512256000

Visit website

Union Depot

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 74.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+16512022700

Visit website

Granite City Jump

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

St Cloud, Minnesota

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+13203422148

Visit website

Playground Plaza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 51.9

Maple Grove, Minnesota

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17632283833

Visit website

Summerland Family Fun Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

Hours: Closed

+13202510940

Visit website

Center For Lost Objects

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 74.9

St Paul, Minnesota

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+16515042356

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.01 one way

$24.02 round trip

$3.78/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.07	$12.94	$25.88
premium	$4.53	$14.40	$28.80
diesel	$5.61	$17.82	$35.64

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	24.2	$8.47	$3.87
Efficient EV	20.2	$7.06	$3.23
EV Truck/SUV	32.3	$11.30	$5.16

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (68% 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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Saint Cloud, MN

Evening in Saint Cloud on Thursday

Local time

6:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

South Saint Paul, MN

Evening in South Saint Paul on Thursday

Local time

6:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

2 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 38m on the road

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Saint Cloud, MN to South Saint Paul, MN covers 80.7 miles and takes about 1h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 94, I 694, Voyageur Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 40.3 miles from Saint Cloud, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.01 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.