How far is Watertown, SD from Jefferson, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Jefferson, SD is about 172.6 miles (277.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 161.1 miles (259.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 38m 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 49m.
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.
City in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, United States
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 Watertown and Jefferson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Jefferson.
-
1
Start on South Broadway
885 ft · 31 sec · South Broadway
-
2
Turn right onto 1st Avenue Northeast
1.4 mi · 3 min · 1st Avenue Northeast
-
3
Continue on Willow Creek Drive Southeast
1.1 mi · 2 min · Willow Creek Drive Southeast
-
4
Turn left onto 9th Avenue Southeast
2518 ft · 50 sec · 9th Avenue Southeast
-
5
Take the ramp slight right toward I-29: Brookings
1582 ft · 39 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
167.8 mi · 2 hr 40 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward Jefferson
791 ft · 22 sec
-
8
Turn left onto 330th Street
122 m · 8 sec · 330th Street
-
9
Continue on West Dakota Street
1.2 km · 1 min · West Dakota Street
-
10
Turn right onto Main Street
1163 ft · 25 sec · Main Street
-
11
Turn right onto South 3rd Street
17 m · 2 sec · South 3rd Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Jefferson.
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
168 mi · 02h 40m
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.
Sunny leaving Watertown and Sunny near Jefferson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Jefferson?
The road trip is about 172.6 miles (277.7 km) and usually takes 02h 49m 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?
Baltic is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.3 miles from Watertown and 86.2 miles from Jefferson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 161.1 miles (259.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.5 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 12:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.97 one way or $45.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Watertown and Sunny near Jefferson.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Jefferson. Straight-line distance: 161.11 mi (259.28 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 Jefferson
City in South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,159 |
| Coordinates | 42.6025000, -96.5592000 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| Country | United States |
End: Jefferson (-96.5592, 42.6025)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 278 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 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 | $22.97 | $45.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.90 | $51.80 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.34 | $56.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.30 | $64.60 |
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.