How far is Mission, SD from Watertown, SD?
The driving distance from Mission, SD to Watertown, SD is about 282.8 miles (455.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 207.4 miles (333.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 37m 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 48m.
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.
Township in Aurora County, South Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mission and Watertown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mission and Watertown.
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1
Start on 2nd Street
1.2 km · 55 sec · 2nd Street
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2
Continue on Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
1.8 mi · 2 min · Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
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3
Take the exit slight right
602 ft · 17 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
42 mi · 48 min · Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
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5
Take the exit right
1625 ft · 40 sec
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6
Merge slight left
156.7 mi · 2 hr 27 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward SD 25: Emery, Farmer
1688 ft · 48 sec
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8
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
23.8 mi · 28 min · SD Highway 25
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9
Turn right onto SD Highway 34
6 mi · 7 min · SD Highway 34
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10
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
60 mi · 1 hr 11 min · SD Highway 25
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11
At the end of the road, turn right onto US Highway 212
3.9 mi · 6 min · US Highway 212
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12
Continue on 4th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 4th Street
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13
Continue on US Highway 212
10.6 mi · 12 min · US Highway 212
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14
Continue on 9th Avenue Southwest
6.4 mi · 9 min · 9th Avenue Southwest
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15
Turn left onto South Broadway
1.1 km · 2 min · South Broadway
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mission 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.
Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memo
Merge slight left
157 mi · 02h 27m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Mission and Mostly Sunny near Watertown.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mission to Watertown?
The road trip is about 282.8 miles (455.1 km) and usually takes 04h 48m 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?
Plankinton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 157.1 miles from Mission and 125.7 miles from Watertown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 207.4 miles (333.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 75.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.63 one way or $75.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 88.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Mission and Mostly Sunny near Watertown.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mission and Watertown. Straight-line distance: 207.4 mi (333.78 km).
#1 Mission
City in Todd County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,269 |
| Coordinates | 43.3058400, -100.6581900 |
| Altitude | 787 |
| 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: 455 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.63 | $75.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.44 | $84.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $46.45 | $92.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.93 | $105.87 |
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 South Dakota · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.