How far is Bismarck, ND from Thompson, ND?
The driving distance from Bismarck, ND to Thompson, ND is about 245.6 miles (395.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 184.6 miles (297.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 25m 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 04h 12m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bismarck and Thompson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bismarck and Thompson.
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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
1 mi · 2 min · State Street
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5
Take the ramp right toward Fargo
49.7 mi · 48 min
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6
Continue straight
119.4 mi · 1 hr 54 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Lynchburg
1330 ft · 40 sec
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8
Turn left onto 153rd Avenue Southeast
2.1 mi · 5 min · 153rd Avenue Southeast
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9
At the end of the road, turn right onto 35th Street Southeast
2 mi · 2 min · 35th Street Southeast
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10
Continue on 5th Street North
603 ft · 22 sec · 5th Street North
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto State Highway 18
13.4 mi · 16 min · State Highway 18
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12
Continue on Main Street
1 km · 2 min · Main Street
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13
Continue on State Highway 18
5.6 mi · 7 min · State Highway 18
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14
Continue on Main Street
1461 ft · 50 sec · Main Street
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15
Continue on State Highway 18
11 mi · 13 min · State Highway 18
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16
Turn right onto State Highway 200 Alternate
8 mi · 10 min · State Highway 200 Alternate
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17
Take the ramp left toward I 29 North, US 81 North: Grand Forks
1167 ft · 29 sec
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18
Merge slight left
29.2 mi · 27 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward ND 15 West, CR 81A East: Thompson
1378 ft · 40 sec
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20
Turn left onto State Highway 15
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 15
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21
Continue on Broadway Street
2600 ft · 1 min · Broadway Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Broadway Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bismarck and Thompson.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Fargo
Continue straight
119 mi · 01h 54m
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.
Sunny leaving Bismarck and Sunny near Thompson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bismarck to Thompson?
The road trip is about 245.6 miles (395.2 km) and usually takes 04h 12m 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?
Sanborn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 122.5 miles from Bismarck and 123 miles from Thompson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 184.6 miles (297.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 61 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 8:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.66 one way or $65.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Bismarck and Sunny near Thompson.
Stop Ideas Near Sanborn
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Sanborn.
Fargo
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bismarck and Thompson. Straight-line distance: 184.62 mi (297.12 km).
#1 Bismarck
The capital of North Dakota.
| Population | 74,018 |
| Coordinates | 46.8083300, -100.7837400 |
| Altitude | 514 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Thompson
City in North Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,027 |
| Coordinates | 47.7735900, -97.1098000 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: Thompson (-97.1098, 47.77359)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 395 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.66 | $65.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.83 | $73.66 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.30 | $80.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $45.93 | $91.87 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.