How far is Valley City, ND from Watford City, ND?
The driving distance from Valley City, ND to Watford City, ND is about 310.6 miles (499.9 km), with a travel time of about 04h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 254.4 miles (409.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 40m 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 50m.
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 Williams County, North Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Valley City and Watford City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Valley City and Watford City.
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1
Start on West Main Street
1.9 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
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2
Take the ramp straight toward I 94 West
1694 ft · 41 sec
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3
Merge slight left
122.4 mi · 1 hr 56 min
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4
Continue straight
125.2 mi · 2 hr 1 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right
1297 ft · 32 sec
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6
Turn right onto Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
63.1 mi · 1 hr 14 min · Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
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7
Turn right onto United States Highway 85 Business
3034 ft · 1 min · United States Highway 85 Business
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8
Turn left onto Main Street South
2.4 mi · 4 min · Main Street South
-
9
Continue on Main Street North
17 m · 8 sec · Main Street North
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Valley City and Watford City.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 94 West
Continue straight
125 mi · 02h 02m
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Valley City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Partly Sunny near Watford City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Valley City to Watford City?
The road trip is about 310.6 miles (499.9 km) and usually takes 04h 50m 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?
Judson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 157.7 miles from Valley City and 152.9 miles from Watford City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 254.4 miles (409.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 56.2 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 7:20 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $41.33 one way or $82.66 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 97.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Valley City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Partly Sunny near Watford City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Valley City and Watford City. Straight-line distance: 254.41 mi (409.43 km).
#1 Valley City
City in North Dakota
| Population | 6,323 |
| Coordinates | 46.9233100, -98.0031500 |
| Altitude | 373 |
| 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: 500 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $41.33 | $82.66 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $46.61 | $93.23 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $51.01 | $102.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $58.13 | $116.26 |
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 · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.