How far is Watford City, ND from Wahpeton, ND?
The driving distance from Watford City, ND to Wahpeton, ND is about 425.1 miles (684.1 km), with a travel time of about 06h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 331.7 miles (533.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 12h 01m 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 00m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Unincorporated community in 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 Wahpeton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watford City and Wahpeton.
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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
306.6 mi · 4 hr 55 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 29 South, US 81 South: Sioux Falls
2360 ft · 58 sec
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7
Merge slight left
40.4 mi · 39 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward ND 13 East: Wahpeton
1496 ft · 36 sec
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9
Continue on State Highway 13
10.6 mi · 13 min · State Highway 13
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10
Continue on Dakota Avenue
2262 ft · 1 min · Dakota Avenue
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11
Turn left onto 6th Street North
118 m · 19 sec · 6th Street North
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12
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue North
609 ft · 27 sec · 2nd Avenue North
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Avenue North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watford City and Wahpeton.
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
307 mi · 04h 55m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Watford City and Sunny near Wahpeton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watford City to Wahpeton?
The road trip is about 425.1 miles (684.1 km) and usually takes 06h 00m 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?
Driscoll is a useful midpoint, sitting about 212.3 miles from Watford City and 212.8 miles from Wahpeton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 331.7 miles (533.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 93.4 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 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 $56.57 one way or $113.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 133.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Watford City and Sunny near Wahpeton.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watford City and Wahpeton. Straight-line distance: 331.77 mi (533.93 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 Wahpeton
City in North Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,728 |
| Coordinates | 46.2652400, -96.6059100 |
| Altitude | 294 |
| Country | United States |
End: 2nd Avenue North (-96.60591, 46.264992)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 684 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 14h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 10h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 08h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 07h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 06h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 05h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $56.57 | $113.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $63.80 | $127.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $69.81 | $139.62 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $79.56 | $159.12 |
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.