How far is Wagner, SD from Watertown, SD?
The driving distance from Wagner, SD to Watertown, SD is about 189.4 miles (304.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 138.7 miles (223.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 24m 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 12m.
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 Minnehaha County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wagner and Watertown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wagner and Watertown.
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1
Start on 2nd Street Southeast
31 m · 6 sec · 2nd Street Southeast
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2
Turn right onto Main Avenue South
653 ft · 20 sec · Main Avenue South
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3
Turn right onto East SD Highway 46
45.4 mi · 56 min · East SD Highway 46
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4
Turn left onto US Highway 81
42.3 mi · 48 min · US Highway 81
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5
Take the exit right
1994 ft · 49 sec
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6
Merge slight left
32.2 mi · 31 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 29: Fargo
1129 ft · 28 sec
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8
Merge slight left
93.5 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 212: Watertown, Kranzburg
1564 ft · 38 sec
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10
Turn left onto US 212: Watertown
41 m · 4 sec
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11
Turn straight onto 9th Avenue Southeast
3138 ft · 1 min · 9th Avenue Southeast
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12
Turn right onto Willow Creek Drive Southeast
1.1 mi · 2 min · Willow Creek Drive Southeast
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13
Continue on 1st Avenue Northeast
1.4 mi · 3 min · 1st Avenue Northeast
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14
Turn left onto North Broadway
885 ft · 26 sec · North Broadway
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wagner 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
Merge slight left
93.5 mi · 01h 28m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Wagner and Chance Rain Showers near Watertown.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wagner to Watertown?
The road trip is about 189.4 miles (304.8 km) and usually takes 03h 12m 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?
Hartford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 108.7 miles from Wagner and 80.7 miles from Watertown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 138.7 miles (223.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.19 one way or $50.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Wagner and Chance Rain Showers near Watertown.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wagner and Watertown. Straight-line distance: 138.7 mi (223.21 km).
#1 Wagner
City in Charles Mix County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,537 |
| Coordinates | 43.0797200, -98.2931300 |
| Altitude | 441 |
| 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: 305 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.19 | $50.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.41 | $56.82 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.09 | $62.18 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.43 | $70.86 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.