Brookings to Elk River: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Brookings from Elk River?

The distance from Brookings to Elk River is 172.6 miles (277.7 km) as the crow flies. Elk River is located ENE of Brookings. By car, the driving distance is approximately 215.7 miles, taking about 4h 20min. A direct flight would take roughly 51min. Both are located in United States — Brookings in South Dakota and Elk River in Minnesota.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Brookings and Elk River. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.