How far is New Salem, ND from Watford City, ND?
The driving distance from New Salem, ND to Watford City, ND is about 152.7 miles (245.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 109.8 miles (176.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 48m 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 24m.
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.
Human settlement in Stark County, North Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between New Salem and Watford City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Salem and Watford City.
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1
Start on Elm Avenue
131 m · 21 sec · Elm Avenue
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2
Turn right onto 5th Street North
963 ft · 47 sec · 5th Street North
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Ash Avenue
1095 ft · 24 sec · Ash Avenue
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4
Turn right onto 8th Street North
1.4 km · 2 min · 8th Street North
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5
Continue on State Highway 31
846 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 31
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6
Take the ramp left
1361 ft · 33 sec
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7
Merge slight left
84.8 mi · 1 hr 20 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 New Salem 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.
State Highway 31
Merge slight left
84.8 mi · 01h 20m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving New Salem and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Watford City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from New Salem to Watford City?
The road trip is about 152.7 miles (245.8 km) and usually takes 02h 24m 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?
South Heart is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.3 miles from New Salem and 76.4 miles from Watford City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 109.8 miles (176.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.9 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 1:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.33 one way or $40.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around New Salem and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Watford City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between New Salem and Watford City. Straight-line distance: 109.82 mi (176.74 km).
#1 New Salem
City in Morton County, North Dakota
| Population | 1,006 |
| Coordinates | 46.8450000, -101.4112500 |
| Altitude | 662 |
| 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: 246 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.33 | $40.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.92 | $45.85 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.09 | $50.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.59 | $57.18 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.