How far is Watertown, SD from Milbank, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Milbank, SD is about 45.7 miles (73.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 32.2 miles (51.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 52m 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 00h 56m.
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.
Town of the 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 Milbank.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Milbank.
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1
Start on South Broadway
1992 ft · 60 sec · South Broadway
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2
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue Northeast
1581 ft · 39 sec · 3rd Avenue Northeast
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3
Turn left onto 4th Street Northeast
2 mi · 3 min · 4th Street Northeast
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4
Turn right onto 26th Avenue Northeast
2.6 mi · 4 min · 26th Avenue Northeast
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5
Take the ramp left toward I 29 North, US 81 North, SD 20 East: Summit
11.8 mi · 11 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward SD 20: South Shore, Stockholm
1478 ft · 37 sec
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7
Turn right onto SD Highway 20
5.4 mi · 6 min · SD Highway 20
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8
Continue on West Berry Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · West Berry Avenue
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9
Continue on SD Highway 20
13.5 mi · 16 min · SD Highway 20
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10
Turn left onto SD Highway 15
6.8 mi · 10 min · SD Highway 15
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11
Continue on South Dakota Street
1.6 km · 2 min · South Dakota Street
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12
Turn right onto West 4th Avenue
1333 ft · 19 sec · West 4th Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Milbank.
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 20
Continue on SD Highway 20
13.5 mi · 00h 16m
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 Milbank.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Milbank?
The road trip is about 45.7 miles (73.6 km) and usually takes 00h 56m 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?
South Shore is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.9 miles from Watertown and 22.9 miles from Milbank.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32.2 miles (51.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.5 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 4:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.07 one way or $12.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Watertown and Sunny near Milbank.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Milbank. Straight-line distance: 32.18 mi (51.79 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 Milbank
City in and county seat of Grand County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 3,066 |
| Coordinates | 45.2191300, -96.6356200 |
| Altitude | 351 |
| Country | United States |
End: Milbank (-96.63562, 45.21913)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 74 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.07 | $12.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.85 | $13.69 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.49 | $14.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.54 | $17.08 |
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.