How far is Watertown, SD from Pierre, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Pierre, SD is about 190.3 miles (306.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 163.3 miles (262.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 25m 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 12m.
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.
Township in Beadle County, South Dakota
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 Pierre.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Pierre.
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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
34.2 mi · 40 min · SD Highway 25
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7
Turn right onto US Highway 14 West
14.6 mi · 17 min · US Highway 14 West
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8
Continue on East Neosho Street
2746 ft · 36 sec · East Neosho Street
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9
Continue on US Highway 14
30.1 mi · 34 min · US Highway 14
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10
Turn right onto US Highway 281
2.1 mi · 2 min · US Highway 281
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11
Continue on Commercial Avenue
4.5 mi · 5 min · Commercial Avenue
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12
Turn left onto US Highway 14
25.2 mi · 29 min · US Highway 14
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13
Turn right onto North Broadway
1.3 km · 1 min · North Broadway
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14
Turn left onto West 14th Street
67.8 mi · 1 hr 17 min · West 14th Street
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15
Continue on North Highway 14
2.4 mi · 3 min · North Highway 14
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16
Continue on North Euclid Avenue
1.4 km · 1 min · North Euclid Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Euclid Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Pierre.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
West 14th Street
Turn left onto West 14th Street
67.8 mi · 01h 17m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Watertown and Chance Rain Showers near Pierre.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Pierre?
The road trip is about 190.3 miles (306.2 km) and usually takes 03h 12m 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?
Wolsey is a useful midpoint, sitting about 102.6 miles from Watertown and 87.7 miles from Pierre.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 163.3 miles (262.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 27 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 10:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.30 one way or $50.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Watertown and Chance Rain Showers near Pierre.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Pierre. Straight-line distance: 163.27 mi (262.75 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 Pierre
Capital city of South Dakota and county seat of Hughes County
| Population | 13,708 |
| Coordinates | 44.3683200, -100.3509700 |
| Altitude | 451 |
| Country | United States |
End: US 14 (-100.350889, 44.368274)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 306 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.30 | $50.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.54 | $57.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.23 | $62.46 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.59 | $71.18 |
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.