How far is Watertown, SD from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Sioux Falls, SD is about 106.4 miles (171.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 95.4 miles (153.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 01m 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 30m.
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.
Township in Brookings 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 Sioux Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Sioux Falls.
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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
93.5 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Interstate 90 East: Albert Lea
1230 ft · 30 sec
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8
Merge slight left
3.7 mi · 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 229 South
2551 ft · 33 sec
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10
Merge slight left
3.6 mi · 4 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward 10th Street, Downtown
1309 ft · 32 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on SD 42: Downtown, Washington Pavilion
610 ft · 21 sec
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13
Turn right onto South Lowell Avenue
633 ft · 23 sec · South Lowell Avenue
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14
Turn left onto East 8th Street
992 ft · 29 sec · East 8th Street
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15
Turn right onto North Chicago Avenue
540 ft · 24 sec · North Chicago Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Chicago Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Sioux Falls.
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
93.5 mi · 01h 28m
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 Sioux Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Sioux Falls?
The road trip is about 106.4 miles (171.2 km) and usually takes 01h 30m 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?
Medary is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.9 miles from Watertown and 53.4 miles from Sioux Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.4 miles (153.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 11 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 3:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.14 one way or $28.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Watertown and Chance Rain Showers near Sioux Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Sioux Falls. Straight-line distance: 95.47 mi (153.65 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 Sioux Falls
The largest city in South Dakota.
| Population | 157,584 |
| Coordinates | 43.5499700, -96.7003300 |
| Altitude | 448 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Chicago Avenue (-96.700171, 43.549971)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 171 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.14 | $28.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.95 | $31.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.45 | $34.91 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.89 | $39.78 |
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.