How far is Watertown, SD from Box Elder, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Box Elder, SD is about 352.9 miles (567.9 km), with a travel time of about 05h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 298.3 miles (480 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 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 05h 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.
City in and county seat of Brule County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Watertown and Box Elder.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Box Elder.
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1
Start on South Broadway
1.1 km · 2 min · South Broadway
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2
Turn right onto 9th Avenue Southwest
6.4 mi · 9 min · 9th Avenue Southwest
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3
Continue on US Highway 212
10.6 mi · 12 min · US Highway 212
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4
Continue on 4th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 4th Street
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5
Continue on US Highway 212
3.9 mi · 6 min · US Highway 212
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6
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
60 mi · 1 hr 11 min · SD Highway 25
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7
Turn right onto SD Highway 34
6 mi · 7 min · SD Highway 34
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8
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
23.6 mi · 27 min · SD Highway 25
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9
Take the ramp right
1803 ft · 44 sec
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10
Merge slight left
282.4 mi · 4 hr 25 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Box Elder, Elisworth AirForce Base
1962 ft · 48 sec
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12
Keep slight left
28 m · 7 sec
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13
Turn left onto Liberty Boulevard
2562 ft · 52 sec · Liberty Boulevard
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14
Turn right onto Highway 1416
1.5 km · 2 min · Highway 1416
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15
Turn left onto Oak Street
671 ft · 32 sec · Oak Street
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16
Turn right onto Front Street
29 m · 4 sec · Front Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Box Elder.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
SD Highway 25
Merge slight left
282 mi · 04h 25m
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 Watertown and Light Rain Likely near Box Elder.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Box Elder?
The road trip is about 352.9 miles (567.9 km) and usually takes 05h 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?
Chamberlain is a useful midpoint, sitting about 198.1 miles from Watertown and 154.8 miles from Box Elder.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 298.3 miles (480 km), while the road route adds roughly 54.6 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 5:20 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $46.95 one way or $93.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 110.6 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Watertown and Box Elder, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Watertown and Light Rain Likely near Box Elder.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Box Elder. Straight-line distance: 298.27 mi (480.02 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Box Elder
City in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,165 |
| Coordinates | 44.1124900, -103.0682300 |
| Altitude | 925 |
| Country | United States |
End: Front Street (-103.068237, 44.112405)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 568 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $46.95 | $93.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $52.95 | $105.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $57.94 | $115.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $66.03 | $132.07 |
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.