How far is Wahpeton, ND from Watford City, ND?
The driving distance from Wahpeton, ND to Watford City, ND is about 424.8 miles (683.7 km), with a travel time of about 06h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 331.7 miles (533.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 12h 05m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 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 06h 02m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
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.
Unincorporated community in North Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wahpeton and Watford City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wahpeton and Watford City.
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1
Start on 2nd Avenue North
33 m · 7 sec · 2nd Avenue North
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2
Turn right onto 4th Street North
119 m · 15 sec · 4th Street North
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3
Turn right onto Dakota Avenue
2979 ft · 2 min · Dakota Avenue
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4
Continue on State Highway 13
10.4 mi · 12 min · State Highway 13
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5
Take the exit right toward I 29 North, US 81 North: Fargo
2114 ft · 52 sec
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6
Merge slight left
40.4 mi · 39 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 94 West, US 52 North: Bismarck
1288 ft · 37 sec
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8
Merge slight left
181.8 mi · 2 hr 54 min
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9
Continue straight
125.2 mi · 2 hr 1 min
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10
Take the exit slight right
1297 ft · 32 sec
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11
Turn right onto Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
63.1 mi · 1 hr 14 min · Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
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12
Turn right onto United States Highway 85 Business
3034 ft · 1 min · United States Highway 85 Business
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13
Turn left onto Main Street South
2.4 mi · 4 min · Main Street South
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14
Continue on Main Street North
17 m · 8 sec · Main Street North
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wahpeton 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
Merge slight left
182 mi · 02h 54m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
Better with a longer stop
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
Sunny leaving Wahpeton and Sunny near Watford City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wahpeton to Watford City?
The road trip is about 424.8 miles (683.7 km) and usually takes 06h 02m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Driscoll is a useful midpoint, sitting about 212.2 miles from Wahpeton and 212.6 miles from Watford City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 331.7 miles (533.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 93.1 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 7:30 AM CDT. Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $56.53 one way or $113.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 133.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Wahpeton and Sunny near Watford City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wahpeton and Watford City. Straight-line distance: 331.77 mi (533.93 km).
#1 Wahpeton
City in North Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,728 |
| Coordinates | 46.2652400, -96.6059100 |
| Altitude | 294 |
| 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: 684 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 14h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 10h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 08h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 07h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 06h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 05h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $56.53 | $113.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $63.75 | $127.50 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $69.76 | $139.53 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $79.51 | $159.01 |
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.