How far is Watertown, SD from North Sioux City, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to North Sioux City, SD is about 179.7 miles (289.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 53m 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 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.
City in South Dakota, United States of America
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 North Sioux City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and North Sioux City.
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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
174.8 mi · 2 hr 47 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward North Sioux City
1346 ft · 39 sec
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8
Turn left onto River Drive
1.6 km · 2 min · River Drive
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9
Turn left onto Military Road
829 ft · 23 sec · Military Road
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Military Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and North Sioux City.
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
175 mi · 02h 47m
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 North Sioux City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to North Sioux City?
The road trip is about 179.7 miles (289.2 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Crooks is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.9 miles from Watertown and 89.8 miles from North Sioux City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.8 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 12:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.91 one way or $47.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Watertown and Sunny near North Sioux City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and North Sioux City. Straight-line distance: 166.91 mi (268.62 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 North Sioux City
City in Union County South Dakota, United States
| Population | 2,928 |
| Coordinates | 42.5272200, -96.4830900 |
| Altitude | 337 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Sioux City (-96.48309, 42.52722)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.91 | $47.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.96 | $53.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.51 | $59.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.63 | $67.25 |
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.