How far is Watford City, ND from Oakes, ND?
The driving distance from Watford City, ND to Oakes, ND is about 366.4 miles (589.7 km), with a travel time of about 06h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 270.4 miles (435.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 12h 40m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 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 06h 20m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
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.
The capital of North Dakota.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Watford City and Oakes.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watford City and Oakes.
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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
245.8 mi · 3 hr 56 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward ND 1 South: Verona, Oakes
1182 ft · 16 sec
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7
Turn right onto State Highway 1
37.8 mi · 44 min · State Highway 1
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8
Continue on 1st Street
1021 ft · 35 sec · 1st Street
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9
Continue on State Highway 1
15.4 mi · 19 min · State Highway 1
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10
Continue on 7th Street North
2757 ft · 2 min · 7th Street North
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 7th Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watford City and Oakes.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
Merge slight left
246 mi · 03h 56m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
Better with a longer stop
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
Chance Light Rain leaving Watford City and Chance Light Rain near Oakes.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watford City to Oakes?
The road trip is about 366.4 miles (589.7 km) and usually takes 06h 20m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Bismarck is a useful midpoint, sitting about 182.9 miles from Watford City and 183.6 miles from Oakes.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 270.4 miles (435.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 96 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 7:30 AM CDT. Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $48.76 one way or $97.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 114.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Watford City and Chance Light Rain near Oakes.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watford City and Oakes. Straight-line distance: 270.4 mi (435.16 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 Oakes
City in Dickey County, North Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 1,657 |
| Coordinates | 46.1385800, -98.0903800 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| Country | United States |
End: Oakes (-98.09038, 46.13858)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 590 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 12h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $48.76 | $97.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $54.99 | $109.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $60.18 | $120.35 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $68.58 | $137.16 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.