How far is Watertown, SD from Freeman, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Freeman, SD is about 153.4 miles (246.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.1 miles (173.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 10m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 35m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Human settlement in Moody County, South Dakota, United States of America
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 Watertown and Freeman.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Freeman.
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1
Start on South Broadway
885 ft · 31 sec · South Broadway
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2
Turn right onto 1st Avenue Northeast
1.4 mi · 3 min · 1st Avenue Northeast
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3
Continue on Willow Creek Drive Southeast
1.1 mi · 2 min · Willow Creek Drive Southeast
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4
Turn left onto 9th Avenue Southeast
2518 ft · 50 sec · 9th Avenue Southeast
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I-29: Brookings
1582 ft · 39 sec
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6
Merge slight left
93.2 mi · 1 hr 27 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Interstate 90 West: Rapid City
2517 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
31.8 mi · 30 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 81: Salem, Yankton
1944 ft · 54 sec
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10
Turn left onto US Highway 81
22.8 mi · 26 min · US Highway 81
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11
Turn right onto East North County Road
1.4 km · 2 min · East North County Road
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12
Turn left onto North Main Street
1758 ft · 54 sec · North Main Street
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13
Turn left onto East 3rd Street
9 m · 1 sec · East 3rd Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Freeman.
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
93.2 mi · 01h 27m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Watertown and Chance Rain Showers near Freeman.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Freeman?
The road trip is about 153.4 miles (246.8 km) and usually takes 02h 35m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Trent is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.6 miles from Watertown and 76.7 miles from Freeman.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.1 miles (173.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.40 one way or $40.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Watertown and Chance Rain Showers near Freeman.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Freeman. Straight-line distance: 108.07 mi (173.92 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 Freeman
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 1,255 |
| Coordinates | 43.3524900, -97.4372900 |
| Altitude | 461 |
| Country | United States |
End: Freeman (-97.43729, 43.35249)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 247 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.40 | $40.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.01 | $46.02 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.18 | $50.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.69 | $57.39 |
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.