How far is Watford City, ND from West Fargo, ND?
The driving distance from Watford City, ND to West Fargo, ND is about 364.4 miles (586.5 km), with a travel time of about 05h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 305.5 miles (491.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 03m 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 05h 31m.
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.
The capital of North Dakota.
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 West Fargo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watford City and West Fargo.
-
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
300.6 mi · 4 hr 48 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward US 10, I 94 BUS: Main Avenue
2.8 mi · 5 min
-
7
Turn right onto 1st Street
750 ft · 23 sec · 1st Street
-
8
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue West
38 m · 6 sec · 2nd Avenue West
-
9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Avenue West
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watford City and West Fargo.
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
301 mi · 04h 48m
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 West Fargo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watford City to West Fargo?
The road trip is about 364.4 miles (586.5 km) and usually takes 05h 31m 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?
Bismarck is a useful midpoint, sitting about 184.5 miles from Watford City and 179.8 miles from West Fargo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 305.5 miles (491.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 58.9 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 5:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $48.50 one way or $96.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 114.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Watford City and Sunny near West Fargo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watford City and West Fargo. Straight-line distance: 305.55 mi (491.74 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 West Fargo
City in North Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 38,194 |
| Coordinates | 46.8749700, -96.9003600 |
| Altitude | 273 |
| Country | United States |
End: 2nd Avenue West (-96.900364, 46.874799)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 586 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 12h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $48.50 | $96.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $54.69 | $109.39 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $59.85 | $119.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $68.21 | $136.42 |
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.