How far is Watertown, SD from Fort Thompson, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Fort Thompson, SD is about 173.3 miles (278.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128.1 miles (206.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 30m 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 45m.
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 Beadle County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Watertown and Fort Thompson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Fort Thompson.
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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
34.2 mi · 40 min · SD Highway 25
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7
Turn right onto US Highway 14 West
14.6 mi · 17 min · US Highway 14 West
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8
Continue on East Neosho Street
2746 ft · 36 sec · East Neosho Street
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9
Continue on US Highway 14
17.9 mi · 20 min · US Highway 14
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10
Turn left onto Dakota Avenue North
5 mi · 6 min · Dakota Avenue North
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11
Continue on SD Highway 37
16.8 mi · 19 min · SD Highway 37
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12
Turn right onto SD Highway 34
2.5 mi · 4 min · SD Highway 34
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13
Continue on East 7th Street
1 mi · 2 min · East 7th Street
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14
Continue on SD Highway 34
57.1 mi · 1 hr 25 min · SD Highway 34
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15
Keep slight left to continue on SD Highway 249
1.1 mi · 2 min · SD Highway 249
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16
Turn left onto BIA Route 4
20 m · 2 sec · BIA Route 4
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · BIA Route 4
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Fort 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.
SD Highway 34
Continue on SD Highway 34
57.1 mi · 01h 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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Watertown and Sunny near Fort Thompson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Fort Thompson?
The road trip is about 173.3 miles (278.9 km) and usually takes 03h 45m 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?
Huron is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.5 miles from Watertown and 86.8 miles from Fort Thompson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128.1 miles (206.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.2 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 9:30 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.08 one way or $46.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Watertown and Sunny near Fort Thompson.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Fort Thompson. Straight-line distance: 128.08 mi (206.12 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 Fort Thompson
Census-designated place in Buffalo County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,282 |
| Coordinates | 44.0686000, -99.4378800 |
| Altitude | 439 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Thompson (-99.43788, 44.0686)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.08 | $46.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.03 | $52.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.48 | $56.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.46 | $64.92 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.