How far is Watertown, SD from Madison, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Madison, SD is about 63.4 miles (102.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 61.7 miles (99.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 17m 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 01h 08m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in 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 Madison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Madison.
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1
Start on South Broadway
8 m · 8 sec · South Broadway
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2
Turn left onto 1st Avenue Southeast
2177 ft · 1 min · 1st Avenue Southeast
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3
Turn right onto 5th Street Southeast
1.5 mi · 2 min · 5th Street Southeast
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 5th Street Southeast
49 m · 3 sec · 5th Street Southeast
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5
Exit the roundabout onto 5th Street Southeast
1.6 km · 1 min · 5th Street Southeast
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6
Continue on US Highway 81
34.3 mi · 50 min · US Highway 81
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7
Continue on North Highway 81
1.1 km · 1 min · North Highway 81
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Highway 81
2344 ft · 45 sec · South Highway 81
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9
Continue on US Highway 81
1.9 mi · 2 min · US Highway 81
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10
Continue on US Highway 81
21.3 mi · 28 min · US Highway 81
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11
Continue on North Highland Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · North Highland Avenue
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12
Turn left onto Northwest 2nd Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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13
Turn right onto North Egan Avenue
117 m · 11 sec · North Egan Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Egan Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Madison.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US Highway 81
Continue on US Highway 81
34.3 mi · 00h 50m
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 Madison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Madison?
The road trip is about 63.4 miles (102.1 km) and usually takes 01h 08m 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?
Badger is a useful midpoint, sitting about 31.6 miles from Watertown and 31.8 miles from Madison.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 61.7 miles (99.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.7 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 4:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.45 one way or $16.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Watertown and Chance Rain Showers near Madison.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Madison. Straight-line distance: 61.72 mi (99.33 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 Madison
City in Lake County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,064 |
| Coordinates | 44.0060800, -97.1139500 |
| Altitude | 511 |
| Country | United States |
End: 1st Street Northeast (-97.113951, 44.006124)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 102 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.45 | $16.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.53 | $19.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.42 | $20.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.88 | $23.76 |
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.