How far is Watford City, ND from Jamestown, ND?
The driving distance from Watford City, ND to Jamestown, ND is about 278.5 miles (448.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 222.8 miles (358.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 46m 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 04h 23m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Morton County, North Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Watford City and Jamestown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watford City and Jamestown.
-
1
Start on Main Street North
2.3 mi · 4 min · Main Street North
-
2
Turn right onto United States Highway 85 Business
2905 ft · 55 sec · United States Highway 85 Business
-
3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
63.3 mi · 1 hr 14 min · Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
-
4
Take the exit left
1331 ft · 33 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
214.2 mi · 3 hr 26 min
-
6
Take the exit slight left toward Jamestown
2077 ft · 51 sec
-
7
Continue on 17th Street Southwest
1.3 km · 1 min · 17th Street Southwest
-
8
Turn left onto West Business Loop
1.1 km · 1 min · West Business Loop
-
9
Keep slight left
19 m · 5 sec
-
10
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
1.3 km · 1 min · 1st Avenue South
-
11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Avenue North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watford City and Jamestown.
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
214 mi · 03h 26m
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 Watford City and Sunny near Jamestown.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watford City to Jamestown?
The road trip is about 278.5 miles (448.2 km) and usually takes 04h 23m 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?
Glen Ullin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 141.4 miles from Watford City and 137.1 miles from Jamestown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 222.8 miles (358.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 55.7 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 8:14 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.07 one way or $74.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 87.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Watford City and Sunny near Jamestown.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watford City and Jamestown. Straight-line distance: 222.78 mi (358.53 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 Jamestown
City in Stutsman County, North Dakota, United States
| Population | 14,930 |
| Coordinates | 46.9105400, -98.7084400 |
| Altitude | 429 |
| Country | United States |
End: 1st Avenue North (-98.708542, 46.910538)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 448 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.07 | $74.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.81 | $83.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.75 | $91.50 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.14 | $104.28 |
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.