How far is Valley City, ND from Thompson, ND?
The driving distance from Valley City, ND to Thompson, ND is about 111 miles (178.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.1 miles (116.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 08m 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 04m.
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.
City in North Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain And Snow Likely
Chance Light Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Valley City and Thompson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Valley City and Thompson.
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1
Start on West Main Street
2.2 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
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2
Take the ramp left toward I 94 East: Fargo
1124 ft · 28 sec
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3
Merge slight left
34 mi · 32 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward Lynchburg
1330 ft · 40 sec
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5
Turn left onto 153rd Avenue Southeast
2.1 mi · 5 min · 153rd Avenue Southeast
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6
At the end of the road, turn right onto 35th Street Southeast
2 mi · 2 min · 35th Street Southeast
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7
Continue on 5th Street North
603 ft · 22 sec · 5th Street North
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto State Highway 18
13.4 mi · 16 min · State Highway 18
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9
Continue on Main Street
1 km · 2 min · Main Street
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10
Continue on State Highway 18
5.6 mi · 7 min · State Highway 18
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11
Continue on Main Street
1461 ft · 50 sec · Main Street
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12
Continue on State Highway 18
11 mi · 13 min · State Highway 18
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13
Turn right onto State Highway 200 Alternate
8 mi · 10 min · State Highway 200 Alternate
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14
Take the ramp left toward I 29 North, US 81 North: Grand Forks
1167 ft · 29 sec
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15
Merge slight left
29.2 mi · 27 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward ND 15 West, CR 81A East: Thompson
1378 ft · 40 sec
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17
Turn left onto State Highway 15
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 15
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18
Continue on Broadway Street
2600 ft · 1 min · Broadway Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Broadway Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Valley City and Thompson.
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 East
Merge slight left
34 mi · 00h 32m
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.
Rain And Snow Likely leaving Valley City and Chance Light Snow near Thompson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Valley City to Thompson?
The road trip is about 111 miles (178.6 km) and usually takes 02h 04m 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?
Arthur is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.4 miles from Valley City and 55.6 miles from Thompson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.1 miles (116.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.9 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 2:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.78 one way or $29.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain And Snow Likely around Valley City and Chance Light Snow near Thompson.
Stop Ideas Near Arthur
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 Arthur.
Fargo
Grand Forks
Detroit Lakes
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Valley City and Thompson. Straight-line distance: 72.11 mi (116.05 km).
#1 Valley City
City in North Dakota
| Population | 6,323 |
| Coordinates | 46.9233100, -98.0031500 |
| Altitude | 373 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Thompson
City in North Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,027 |
| Coordinates | 47.7735900, -97.1098000 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: Thompson (-97.1098, 47.77359)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 179 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.78 | $29.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.67 | $33.34 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.24 | $36.49 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.79 | $41.58 |
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 · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.