How far is Bismarck, ND from Stanley, ND?
The driving distance from Bismarck, ND to Stanley, ND is about 163.2 miles (262.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128.4 miles (206.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 20m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in North Dakota, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Likely
Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bismarck and Stanley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bismarck and Stanley.
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1
Start on East Rosser Avenue
1308 ft · 47 sec · East Rosser Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North 9th Street
2947 ft · 54 sec · North 9th Street
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3
Turn right onto East Boulevard Avenue
69 m · 4 sec · East Boulevard Avenue
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4
Continue on State Street
3.3 mi · 6 min · State Street
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5
Keep slight right to continue on State Street
49.1 mi · 55 min · State Street
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6
Continue straight
4 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue straight
51.1 mi · 59 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward US 2, US 52, US 83 Byp: Williston
1174 ft · 29 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto US Highway 2
2.1 mi · 3 min · US Highway 2
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10
Continue on US-2 W
1823 ft · 31 sec · US-2 W
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11
Continue on US Highway 2
10.3 mi · 12 min · US Highway 2
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12
Keep slight left
40.7 mi · 46 min
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13
Turn right onto State Highway 8
2530 ft · 43 sec · State Highway 8
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14
Continue on 6th Avenue Southeast
2805 ft · 49 sec · 6th Avenue Southeast
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15
Turn right onto Main Street
1695 ft · 31 sec · Main Street
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16
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue Southeast
15 m · 2 sec · 2nd Avenue Southeast
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Avenue Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bismarck and Stanley.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
State Street
Continue straight
51.1 mi · 00h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Rain Likely leaving Bismarck and Light Rain near Stanley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bismarck to Stanley?
The road trip is about 163.2 miles (262.7 km) and usually takes 03h 10m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Max is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.5 miles from Bismarck and 81.7 miles from Stanley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128.4 miles (206.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.72 one way or $43.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Likely around Bismarck and Light Rain near Stanley.
Stop Ideas Near Max
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Food Distribution Center - Our Savior Lord's Food Pantry - City Hall
Garrison City Auditor
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Max.
Minot, ND
Minot station
Stanley
Rugby station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bismarck and Stanley. Straight-line distance: 128.37 mi (206.59 km).
#1 Bismarck
The capital of North Dakota.
| Population | 74,018 |
| Coordinates | 46.8083300, -100.7837400 |
| Altitude | 514 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Stanley
City in North Dakota
| Population | 2,708 |
| Coordinates | 48.3172400, -102.3904500 |
| Altitude | 684 |
| Country | United States |
End: Stanley (-102.39045, 48.31724)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 263 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.72 | $43.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.50 | $48.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.81 | $53.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.55 | $61.10 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in North Dakota · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.