How far is Thompson, ND from Bismarck, ND?
The driving distance from Thompson, ND to Bismarck, ND is about 234.9 miles (378 km), with a travel time of about 03h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 184.6 miles (297.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 17m 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 03h 38m.
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 North Dakota, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Thompson and Bismarck.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Thompson and Bismarck.
-
1
Start on Broadway Street
2600 ft · 1 min · Broadway Street
-
2
Continue on State Highway 15
1.5 km · 1 min · State Highway 15
-
3
Take the ramp right toward I 29 South: Fargo
1374 ft · 33 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
51 mi · 48 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward Argusville
1309 ft · 35 sec
-
6
Turn right onto 25 Street Southeast
1.1 mi · 1 min · 25 Street Southeast
-
7
Continue on 25 Street Souteast
6 mi · 7 min · 25 Street Souteast
-
8
Continue on 25 Street Southeast
6 mi · 7 min · 25 Street Southeast
-
9
Turn left onto State Highway 18
10 mi · 12 min · State Highway 18
-
10
Turn right onto 5th Street North
603 ft · 17 sec · 5th Street North
-
11
Continue on 35th Street Southeast
2 mi · 2 min · 35th Street Southeast
-
12
Turn left onto 153rd Avenue Southeast
1.9 mi · 5 min · 153rd Avenue Southeast
-
13
Take the ramp right toward I 94 West
1253 ft · 31 sec
-
14
Merge slight left
160.6 mi · 2 hr 32 min
-
15
Continue straight
8.2 mi · 8 min
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward US 83 North: Bismarck, Minot
1619 ft · 42 sec
-
17
Turn left onto State Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Street
-
18
Continue on East Boulevard Avenue
869 ft · 15 sec · East Boulevard Avenue
-
19
Turn straight onto North 7th Street
3131 ft · 59 sec · North 7th Street
-
20
Turn right onto East Rosser Avenue
548 ft · 17 sec · East Rosser Avenue
-
21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Rosser Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Thompson and Bismarck.
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 94 West
Merge slight left
161 mi · 02h 32m
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 leaving Thompson and Sunny near Bismarck.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Thompson to Bismarck?
The road trip is about 234.9 miles (378 km) and usually takes 03h 38m 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?
Sanborn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 125.4 miles from Thompson and 109.4 miles from Bismarck.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 184.6 miles (297.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.3 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 9:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.26 one way or $62.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 73.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Thompson and Sunny near Bismarck.
Stop Ideas Near Sanborn
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 Sanborn.
Fargo
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Thompson and Bismarck. Straight-line distance: 184.62 mi (297.12 km).
#1 Thompson
City in North Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,027 |
| Coordinates | 47.7735900, -97.1098000 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bismarck
The capital of North Dakota.
| Population | 74,018 |
| Coordinates | 46.8083300, -100.7837400 |
| Altitude | 514 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Rosser Avenue (-100.783735, 46.808545)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 378 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.26 | $62.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $35.26 | $70.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $38.58 | $77.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $43.97 | $87.94 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.