Trip from Tyler, MN to Saint Paul, MN

Drive Time

3h 59m

Distance

184.4 mi

297 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Saint Paul, MN

Thomas Parker

Trip Overview

Traveling from Tyler to Saint Paul spans 184.4 miles across the Minnesota landscape, making for a straightforward trek that typically takes about 3 hours and 59 minutes. Because this is a relatively short distance, you can easily complete the journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $26 on fuel for the trip, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. You will primarily utilize US 212 and State Highway 19, which serve as the backbone of your transit through the Midwest. It is an ideal route for those looking to get from the southwestern part of the state to the capital efficiently. Whether you are heading out for business or a visit, the lack of required stops makes this a manageable and direct drive.

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

92.2 miles from Tyler, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .

Drive Character

This journey is a highway-focused drive, with 90% of your travel spent on major routes. You will find yourself navigating long stretches of open road, with your longest uninterrupted segment covering 50.3 miles on US 212. Expect a consistent pace as you transition between these primary roads, which offer a predictable experience compared to winding backroads. The character of the drive remains steady, moving you efficiently through the region while minimizing the need for frequent turns. Being behind the wheel here is about steady cruising and maintaining momentum as you head toward Saint Paul.

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

There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

US 212 is the longest continuous segment at about 50.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 212 and State Highway 19. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 164.4 miles in near MN 5.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 184.4 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 164.4 miles (MN 5): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.7 miles (MN 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.2 miles (MN 5 / John A. Johnson Memorial Highway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

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

164.4 mi into trip | ~3h 30m in | MN 5

Take the exit onto MN 5 toward I 494 East, MN 5 East

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East

164.7 mi into trip | ~3h 30m in | MN 5

Keep slight left at fork onto MN 5 toward I 494 East, MN 5 East

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East

175.2 mi into trip | ~3h 43m in | MN 5 / John A. Johnson Memorial Highway

Take the exit onto MN 5 / John A. Johnson Memorial Highway toward MN 5: Terminal 1

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 1A Toward MN 5: Terminal 1

178.5 mi into trip | ~3h 47m in

Take the exit toward Edgcumbe Road, Shepard Road, River Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Edgcumbe Road, Shepard Road, River Boule...

178.6 mi into trip | ~3h 48m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Shepard Road, River Boulevard

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward Shepard Road, River Boulevard

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Tyler, MN to Saint Paul, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Fairfax along the way.

Fairfax

70.2 mi in | ~1h 31m | via MN 19

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 212	50.3 mi	1h
State Highway 19	34.4 mi	43m
MN 19	31.3 mi	42m
State Highway 23	22.3 mi	27m
State Highway 15	12.6 mi	15m
MN 5	10.7 mi	13m
West Bridge Street	7.2 mi	10m
Shepard Road	5.1 mi	8m

Longest stretch: US 212 — 50.3 mi, about 1h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on CR 7

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Strong Street

Continue on CR 7

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Tyler Street

Turn left onto US 14

4.4 mi · 5 min · US Highway 14

Continue on US 14

0.5 mi · 40 sec · Garfield Street

Continue on US 14

0.2 mi · 18 sec · US Highway 14

Take the exit onto US 14/MN 23

0.2 mi · 27 sec · US 14/MN 23

Turn right onto MN 23

22 mi · 27 min · State Highway 23

Turn right onto MN 19; MN 68

0.5 mi · 53 sec · East College Drive

Continue on MN 19; MN 68

13 mi · 16 min · State Highway 19

Continue on MN 19

21 mi · 26 min · State Highway 19

Continue on MN 19; MN 67

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Bridge Street

Keep slight left at fork onto MN 19

6.6 mi · 9 min · West Bridge Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn slight right onto MN 19

31 mi · 42 min · MN 19

Toward MN 19: Morton, Fairfax

Turn left onto MN 15

13 mi · 15 min · State Highway 15

Turn right onto US 212

13 mi · 15 min · US 212

Enter roundabout onto US 212

156 ft · 2 sec · US 212

Continue on US 212

10 mi · 11 min · US 212

Keep slight right at fork onto US 212

27 mi · 32 min · US 212

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit onto MN 5

0.2 mi · 17 sec · MN 5

Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto MN 5

10 mi · 13 min · MN 5

Toward I 494 East, MN 5 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto MN 5

2.2 mi · 2 min · John A. Johnson Memorial Highway

Exit 1A Toward MN 5: Terminal 1 Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on MN 5

1.2 mi · 1 min · Fort Road

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

197 ft · 4 sec

Toward Edgcumbe Road, Shepard Road, River Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

223 ft · 5 sec

Toward Shepard Road, River Boulevard Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto Gannon Road

285 ft · 7 sec · Gannon Road

Turn left onto Shepard Road

5.1 mi · 8 min · Shepard Road

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto Eagle Parkway

0.2 mi · 44 sec · Eagle Parkway

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto Exchange Street South

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Exchange Street South

Use the right lane.

Turn straight onto Kellogg Boulevard West

0.2 mi · 52 sec · Kellogg Boulevard West

Turn left onto Wabasha Street North

214 ft · 9 sec · Wabasha Street North

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

Wabasha Street North

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 184.4-mile trip, aim to depart in the morning to avoid any potential traffic as you approach the Saint Paul area. Since the route only requires a single stop to keep you refreshed, plan to stretch your legs at the midway point to break up the four-hour duration. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout the drive, as the $26 estimate assumes steady highway speeds. Because the route is short, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule. A great strategy for this specific route is to utilize that one planned stop for a full vehicle check, ensuring you arrive at your destination without any mechanical worries.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 92.2 miles from Tyler, MN, or about 2h 1m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.3 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 80 miles or 1h 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 92.2 miles or 2h 1m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 14m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Tyler, 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 Tyler, MN

This is one driving day of about 184.4 miles and 3h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Tyler, MN.

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

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on US 212 for about 50.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 92.2 mi from Tyler, MN · 2h 1m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Albertville, MN

92 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

Osceola County, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Albertville, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 92.2 miles from Tyler, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Saint Paul, MN

The final approach into Saint Paul, 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 Paul, MN.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.38 one way

$52.75 round trip

$3.63/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$3.92	$28.47	$56.93
premium	$4.39	$31.89	$63.77
diesel	$5.64	$40.97	$81.93

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 64.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	55.3	$19.36	$8.85
Efficient EV	46.1	$16.13	$7.38
EV Truck/SUV	73.8	$25.82	$11.80

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Tyler, MN

Afternoon in Tyler on Sunday

Local time

2:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Saint Paul, MN

Afternoon in Saint Paul on Sunday

Local time

2:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

38°F

Albertville, MN

92 mi in

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

4 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

3h 59m 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 Tyler, MN to Saint Paul, MN covers 184.4 miles and takes about 3h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 212, State Highway 19, MN 19. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 92.2 miles from Tyler, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.38 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.