How far is Watertown, SD from Springfield, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Springfield, SD is about 212.9 miles (342.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 146.6 miles (235.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 52m 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 56m.
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 Minnehaha County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Watertown and Springfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Springfield.
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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
93.2 mi · 1 hr 27 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Interstate 90 West: Rapid City
2517 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
31.8 mi · 30 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 81: Salem, Yankton
1944 ft · 54 sec
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10
Turn left onto US Highway 81
36 mi · 41 min · US Highway 81
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11
Continue on 291st Street
1.3 km · 55 sec · 291st Street
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12
Continue on US Highway 81
15.6 mi · 18 min · US Highway 81
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13
Continue on Broadway Avenue
2 mi · 2 min · Broadway Avenue
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14
Turn right onto West 31st Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · West 31st Street
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15
Continue on SD Highway 50
11.6 mi · 17 min · SD Highway 50
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16
Turn left onto SD Highway 52
12.3 mi · 22 min · SD Highway 52
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17
Turn left onto SD Highway 37
2.9 mi · 5 min · SD Highway 37
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18
Turn left onto Walnut Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Walnut Street
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19
Turn slight right
1317 ft · 36 sec
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Springfield.
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
93.2 mi · 01h 27m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Watertown and Mostly Sunny near Springfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Springfield?
The road trip is about 212.9 miles (342.7 km) and usually takes 03h 56m 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?
Hartford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 106.4 miles from Watertown and 106.5 miles from Springfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 146.6 miles (235.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 66.3 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 9:08 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.36 one way or $56.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 66.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Watertown and Mostly Sunny near Springfield.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Springfield. Straight-line distance: 146.58 mi (235.9 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 Springfield
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 1,916 |
| Coordinates | 42.8541700, -97.8972900 |
| Altitude | 396 |
| Country | United States |
End: Springfield (-97.89729, 42.85417)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 343 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.36 | $56.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.98 | $63.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $35.00 | $70.00 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $39.89 | $79.77 |
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.