How far is North Sioux City, SD from Watertown, SD?
The driving distance from North Sioux City, SD to Watertown, SD is about 179.6 miles (289 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 06m 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 33m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North Sioux City and Watertown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Sioux City and Watertown.
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1
Start on Military Road
829 ft · 27 sec · Military Road
-
2
Turn right onto River Drive
1.4 km · 2 min · River Drive
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3
Take the ramp right toward I 29 North
1334 ft · 33 sec
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4
Merge slight left
174.8 mi · 2 hr 47 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward US 212: Watertown, Kranzburg
1564 ft · 38 sec
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6
Turn left onto US 212: Watertown
41 m · 4 sec
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7
Turn straight onto 9th Avenue Southeast
3138 ft · 1 min · 9th Avenue Southeast
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8
Turn right onto Willow Creek Drive Southeast
1.1 mi · 2 min · Willow Creek Drive Southeast
-
9
Continue on 1st Avenue Northeast
1.4 mi · 3 min · 1st Avenue Northeast
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10
Turn left onto North Broadway
885 ft · 26 sec · North Broadway
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North Sioux City 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.
I 29 North
Merge slight left
175 mi · 02h 47m
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving North Sioux City 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 North Sioux City to Watertown?
The road trip is about 179.6 miles (289 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Baltic is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.9 miles from North Sioux City and 89.7 miles from Watertown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.7 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.91 one way or $47.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around North Sioux City and Mostly Sunny near Watertown.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North Sioux City and Watertown. Straight-line distance: 166.91 mi (268.62 km).
#1 North Sioux City
City in Union County South Dakota, United States
| Population | 2,928 |
| Coordinates | 42.5272200, -96.4830900 |
| Altitude | 337 |
| 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: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.91 | $47.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.96 | $53.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.51 | $59.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.63 | $67.25 |
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 · 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.