How far is Watford City, ND from Bismarck, ND?
The driving distance from Watford City, ND to Bismarck, ND is about 183.2 miles (294.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 135.8 miles (218.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 29m 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 44m.
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 North Dakota, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Watford City and Bismarck.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watford City and Bismarck.
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1
Start on Main Street North
2.3 mi · 4 min · Main Street North
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2
Turn right onto United States Highway 85 Business
2905 ft · 55 sec · United States Highway 85 Business
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
63.3 mi · 1 hr 14 min · Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
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4
Take the exit left
1331 ft · 33 sec
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5
Merge slight left
113.2 mi · 1 hr 49 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 94 Business: Bismarck Expressway
2466 ft · 38 sec
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7
Continue on Bismarck Expressway
1654 ft · 26 sec · Bismarck Expressway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 94 Business East: Bismarck, Mandan
1338 ft · 21 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 Business East: Main Avenue, Bismarck
1745 ft · 27 sec
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10
Turn straight onto Memorial Highway
3026 ft · 1 min · Memorial Highway
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11
Continue on West Main Avenue
2472 ft · 42 sec · West Main Avenue
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12
Turn slight left onto West Rosser Avenue
1.6 km · 3 min · West Rosser Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Rosser Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watford City and Bismarck.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
Merge slight left
113 mi · 01h 49m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Watford City and Sunny near Bismarck.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watford City to Bismarck?
The road trip is about 183.2 miles (294.8 km) and usually takes 02h 44m 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?
Gladstone is a useful midpoint, sitting about 91.3 miles from Watford City and 91.8 miles from Bismarck.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 135.8 miles (218.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.4 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 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.36 one way or $48.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Watford City and Sunny near Bismarck.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watford City and Bismarck. Straight-line distance: 135.74 mi (218.46 km).
#1 Watford City
City in McKenzie County, North Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 7,835 |
| Coordinates | 47.8022400, -103.2832500 |
| Altitude | 646 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bismarck
The capital of North Dakota.
| Population | 74,018 |
| Coordinates | 46.8083300, -100.7837400 |
| Altitude | 514 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Rosser Avenue (-100.783735, 46.808545)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 295 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.36 | $48.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.47 | $54.95 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.06 | $60.13 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.26 | $68.53 |
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 North Dakota · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.