How far is Jamestown, ND from Watford City, ND?
The driving distance from Jamestown, ND to Watford City, ND is about 277.6 miles (446.8 km), with a travel time of about 04h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 222.8 miles (358.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 48m 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 24m.
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 Morton County, North Dakota
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 Jamestown and Watford City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jamestown and Watford City.
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1
Start on 1st Avenue North
1.2 km · 1 min · 1st Avenue North
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2
Turn straight
1.1 mi · 2 min
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward Bismarck
4.7 mi · 5 min
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4
Continue straight
210.6 mi · 3 hr 22 min
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5
Take the exit slight right
1297 ft · 32 sec
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6
Turn right onto Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
63.1 mi · 1 hr 14 min · Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
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7
Turn right onto United States Highway 85 Business
3034 ft · 1 min · United States Highway 85 Business
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8
Turn left onto Main Street South
2.4 mi · 4 min · Main Street South
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9
Continue on Main Street North
17 m · 8 sec · Main Street North
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Jamestown and Watford City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Bismarck
Continue straight
211 mi · 03h 22m
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 Jamestown 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 Jamestown to Watford City?
The road trip is about 277.6 miles (446.8 km) and usually takes 04h 24m 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?
New Salem is a useful midpoint, sitting about 141.4 miles from Jamestown and 136.2 miles from Watford City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 222.8 miles (358.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 54.8 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 8:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.96 one way or $73.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 87.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Jamestown and Sunny near Watford City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Jamestown and Watford City. Straight-line distance: 222.78 mi (358.53 km).
#1 Jamestown
City in Stutsman County, North Dakota, United States
| Population | 14,930 |
| Coordinates | 46.9105400, -98.7084400 |
| Altitude | 429 |
| 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: 447 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.96 | $73.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.68 | $83.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.61 | $91.22 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $51.98 | $103.96 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.