How far is Watertown, SD from Parkston, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Parkston, SD is about 151.3 miles (243.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 112.3 miles (180.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 09m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 04m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Parkston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Parkston.
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1
Start on South Broadway
1.1 km · 2 min · South Broadway
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2
Turn right onto 9th Avenue Southwest
6.4 mi · 9 min · 9th Avenue Southwest
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3
Continue on US Highway 212
10.6 mi · 12 min · US Highway 212
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4
Continue on 4th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 4th Street
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5
Continue on US Highway 212
3.9 mi · 6 min · US Highway 212
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6
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
60 mi · 1 hr 11 min · SD Highway 25
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7
Turn right onto SD Highway 34
6 mi · 7 min · SD Highway 34
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8
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
23.6 mi · 27 min · SD Highway 25
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9
Take the ramp right
1803 ft · 44 sec
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10
Merge slight left
17.3 mi · 16 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Mitchell
1406 ft · 34 sec
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12
Keep slight left
40 m · 5 sec
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13
Continue on South Burr Street
2229 ft · 44 sec · South Burr Street
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14
Continue on South Highway 37
1 mi · 2 min · South Highway 37
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15
Continue on SD Highway 37
19 mi · 28 min · SD Highway 37
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16
Turn left onto West Glynn Drive
1 km · 2 min · West Glynn Drive
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Glynn Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Parkston.
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 25
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
60 mi · 01h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Watertown and Sunny near Parkston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Parkston?
The road trip is about 151.3 miles (243.5 km) and usually takes 03h 04m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Howard is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.6 miles from Watertown and 75.7 miles from Parkston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 112.3 miles (180.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 39 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:50 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.14 one way or $40.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Watertown and Sunny near Parkston.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Parkston. Straight-line distance: 112.26 mi (180.67 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 Parkston
City in Hitchinson County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,456 |
| Coordinates | 43.3988800, -97.9836800 |
| Altitude | 425 |
| Country | United States |
End: Parkston (-97.98368, 43.39888)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 243 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.14 | $40.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.71 | $45.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.85 | $49.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.32 | $56.65 |
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.