Brainerd, MN Road Trips
Drivers starting from Brainerd, MN have 6 mapped routes to choose from, making it a small but connected base in the Midwest. Most drives stay under 115 miles, making this area well-suited for day trips and weekend getaways. Most routes from Brainerd, MN head south, giving the route network a clear directional lean.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Trip Routes
8
Longest Drive
136.9 mi
Saint Paul, MN
Quickest Drive
1h 17m
Saint Cloud, MN
Plan Around Brainerd, MN
Popular Incoming Routes
Useful if Brainerd, MN is the arrival point and you want the strongest routes into the city first.
Continue From Brainerd, MN
Good next legs if this city is only one stop in a longer road trip.
Trips from Brainerd, MN
Driving from Brainerd, MN
On average, trips departing from Brainerd, MN run 115 miles with a drive time of roughly 2h 19m. The majority of routes are short drives — quick enough to finish before lunch and be back for dinner. The longest mapped route runs 137 miles (2h 45m), while the shortest is just 64 miles.
Popular Destinations
The most popular drives from Brainerd, MN include Saint Paul, MN (136.9 mi, 2h 45m), Edina, MN (129.9 mi, 2h 38m), Minneapolis, MN (127.1 mi, 2h 36m), Plymouth, MN (118.2 mi, 2h 23m), and Maple Grove, MN (114 mi, 2h 17m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.
Planning & Costs
Regular gas in MN currently averages around $3.57 per gallon. For the typical 115-mile trip from Brainerd, MN, budget about $16 in fuel one way, assuming 25 MPG. Longer hauls and premium fuel will cost proportionally more.
With an average drive under three hours, you have plenty of flexibility — leave whenever it suits you. The majority of destinations are to the south. Morning starts help you avoid the midday heat on longer drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 6 mapped routes leaving Brainerd, MN and 2 routes heading into Brainerd, MN, covering 8 total connections. Distances range from 64 to 137 miles.
The longest mapped route from Brainerd, MN covers 137 miles and takes approximately 2h 45m. Shorter options start at just 64 miles.
The average route from Brainerd, MN runs about 115 miles with a drive time of roughly 2h 19m. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.
At current gas prices (about $3.57/gallon for regular), the average 115-mile trip from Brainerd, MN costs roughly $16 in fuel one way, based on 25 MPG. Your actual cost depends on your vehicle's efficiency.
The most popular road trip destinations from Brainerd, MN include Saint Paul, MN, Edina, MN, Minneapolis, MN and Plymouth, MN. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.
Brainerd, MN by the Numbers
Recent demographic snapshot from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Population
14,474
Median Income
$53,705
Median Home Value
$178,600
Median Age
36.1
Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-year (public domain). See our methodology for details.
How Much Time Do You Have?
Pick your one-way drive time and see where you can go from Brainerd, MN.
No routes in this time range.
destinations from Brainerd, MN.
Trips to Brainerd, MN
Nearby Hubs
Other cities within driving distance of Brainerd, MN that also have route pages.
Escape Planner
Where to go from Brainerd, MN?
Curated day trips, weekend getaways, and overnight routes — grouped by how much time you have and the kind of trip you want.
Drives from Brainerd, MN in your inbox
Monthly note with new routes, weekend drive ideas, and seasonal picks for MN. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Browse more MN road trips or choose a route from Brainerd, MN above.