How far is Fort Thompson, SD from Watertown, SD?
The driving distance from Fort Thompson, SD to Watertown, SD is about 170.3 miles (274.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128.1 miles (206.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 55m 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 57m.
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 and county seat of Beadle County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Thompson and Watertown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Thompson and Watertown.
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1
Start on BIA Route 4
20 m · 2 sec · BIA Route 4
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2
Turn right onto SD Highway 249
1.1 mi · 2 min · SD Highway 249
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3
Turn straight onto SD Highway 34
57.1 mi · 1 hr 25 min · SD Highway 34
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4
Continue on West 7th Street
1 mi · 2 min · West 7th Street
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5
Continue on SD Highway 34
2.5 mi · 4 min · SD Highway 34
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6
Turn left onto SD Highway 37
16.8 mi · 19 min · SD Highway 37
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7
Continue on Dakota Avenue South
5 mi · 6 min · Dakota Avenue South
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8
Turn right
33 mi · 38 min
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9
Turn left onto SD Highway 25 South
34.2 mi · 40 min · SD Highway 25 South
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10
At the end of the road, turn right onto US Highway 212
3.9 mi · 6 min · US Highway 212
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11
Continue on 4th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 4th Street
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12
Continue on US Highway 212
10.6 mi · 12 min · US Highway 212
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13
Continue on 9th Avenue Southwest
6.4 mi · 9 min · 9th Avenue Southwest
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14
Turn left onto South Broadway
1.1 km · 2 min · South Broadway
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Thompson and Watertown.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
SD Highway 34
Turn straight onto SD Highway 34
57.1 mi · 01h 25m
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 Fort Thompson and Partly Cloudy near Watertown.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Thompson to Watertown?
The road trip is about 170.3 miles (274.1 km) and usually takes 02h 57m 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?
Huron is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.5 miles from Fort Thompson and 83.8 miles from Watertown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128.1 miles (206.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.2 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 12:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.66 one way or $45.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Thompson and Partly Cloudy near Watertown.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Thompson and Watertown. Straight-line distance: 128.08 mi (206.12 km).
#1 Fort Thompson
Census-designated place in Buffalo County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,282 |
| Coordinates | 44.0686000, -99.4378800 |
| Altitude | 439 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Watertown
City in and county seat of Codington County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 22,303 |
| Coordinates | 44.8994100, -97.1150700 |
| Altitude | 528 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Broadway (-97.115008, 44.899398)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 274 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.66 | $45.33 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.56 | $51.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.97 | $55.94 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.88 | $63.75 |
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 South Dakota · Apr 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.