How far is Harding, ND from Watford City, ND?
The driving distance from Harding, ND to Watford City, ND is about 40.5 miles (65.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 34.1 miles (54.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 44m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST.
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 00h 52m.
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 McKenzie County, North Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Harding and Watford City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harding and Watford City.
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1
Start on the route
841 ft · 1 min
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2
Turn left
3274 ft · 2 min
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3
Turn right onto State Highway 200
17.2 mi · 20 min · State Highway 200
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4
Turn right onto Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
18.8 mi · 22 min · Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
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5
Turn left
3.5 mi · 5 min
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6
At the end of the road, turn left onto Main Street South
1089 ft · 43 sec · Main Street South
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7
Continue on Main Street North
17 m · 8 sec · Main Street North
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Harding 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.
Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
Turn right onto Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
18.8 mi · 00h 22m
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 Harding and Patchy Fog then Sunny near Watford City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Harding to Watford City?
The road trip is about 40.5 miles (65.2 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
Alexander is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.2 miles from Harding and 20.3 miles from Watford City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 34.1 miles (54.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.4 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 MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:46 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.66 one way or $11.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.7 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Harding and Watford City, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Harding and Patchy Fog then Sunny near Watford City.
Stop Ideas Near Alexander
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 Alexander.
Williston
Sidney, MT
Stanley
Glendive, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Harding and Watford City. Straight-line distance: 34.14 mi (54.94 km).
#1 Harding
Township in Ramsey County, North Dakota
| Population | 32 |
| Coordinates | 47.8533500, -104.0152100 |
| Altitude | 578 |
| 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: Watford City (-103.28325, 47.80224)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 65 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $5.66 | $11.33 |
| Mid-grade | $4.41 | $6.30 | $12.61 |
| Premium | $4.88 | $6.97 | $13.94 |
| Diesel | $6.04 | $8.63 | $17.26 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026