How far is Bismarck, ND from Watford City, ND?
The driving distance from Bismarck, ND to Watford City, ND is about 182.7 miles (294 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 135.8 miles (218.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 30m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 45m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Watford City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bismarck and Watford City.
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1
Start on East Rosser Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · East Rosser Avenue
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2
Continue on West Rosser Avenue
565 ft · 21 sec · West Rosser Avenue
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3
Turn straight onto West Main Avenue
2561 ft · 45 sec · West Main Avenue
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4
Continue on Memorial Highway
2537 ft · 46 sec · Memorial Highway
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5
Take the ramp slight right
1844 ft · 35 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Bismarck Expressway
1.1 mi · 1 min · Bismarck Expressway
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7
Merge slight right
113.1 mi · 1 hr 48 min
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8
Take the exit slight right
1297 ft · 32 sec
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9
Turn right onto Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
63.1 mi · 1 hr 14 min · Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
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10
Turn right onto United States Highway 85 Business
3034 ft · 1 min · United States Highway 85 Business
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11
Turn left onto Main Street South
2.4 mi · 4 min · Main Street South
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12
Continue on Main Street North
17 m · 8 sec · Main Street North
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bismarck and Watford City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Bismarck Expressway
Merge slight right
113 mi · 01h 48m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Bismarck and Sunny near Watford City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bismarck to Watford City?
The road trip is about 182.7 miles (294 km) and usually takes 02h 45m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Gladstone is a useful midpoint, sitting about 91.2 miles from Bismarck and 91.5 miles from Watford City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 135.8 miles (218.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 46.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.32 one way or $48.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Bismarck and Sunny near Watford City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bismarck and Watford City. Straight-line distance: 135.74 mi (218.46 km).
#1 Bismarck
The capital of North Dakota.
| Population | 74,018 |
| Coordinates | 46.8083300, -100.7837400 |
| Altitude | 514 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Watford City
City in McKenzie County, North Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 7,835 |
| Coordinates | 47.8022400, -103.2832500 |
| Altitude | 646 |
| Country | United States |
End: Main Street North (-103.283174, 47.80224)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 294 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.32 | $48.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.43 | $54.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.02 | $60.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.21 | $68.42 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.