Origin
Fort Totten, ND
Afternoon in Fort Totten on Monday
Local time
3:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fort Totten, ND to Jamestown, ND
Drive Time
1h 53m
Distance
86 mi
138 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$13
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 45m
★
6 AM
1h 53m
8 AM
2h 10m
10 AM
1h 59m
12 PM
1h 58m
3 PM
2h 0m
5 PM
2h 9m
8 PM
1h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fort Totten, ND
Phil Evenden
Jamestown, ND
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from Fort Totten to Jamestown, expect a straightforward 86-mile journey across the North Dakota Great Plains. This drive typically takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete, making it an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stops. Budgeting approximately $13 for fuel should be sufficient for the trip, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Because both locations are situated within the same region, you will experience a consistent landscape throughout the entire transit. It is a practical, no-nonsense route that serves as a reliable connection between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
43 miles from Fort Totten, ND
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 97% of your time spent on major thoroughfares like US-52, US-281, and State Highway 57. You should prepare for a consistent driving experience, as the route lacks technical turns or winding local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 41.6 miles on US-52, allowing you to settle into a steady pace behind the wheel. While the road is efficient, the character of the drive remains functional rather than recreational. Expect a predictable, linear path that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US-52 is the longest continuous segment at about 41.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US-52 and US 281. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Fort Totten, ND to Jamestown, ND is easy. At 1h 53m with 97% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (BIA 7 / 3rd Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (BIA 7 / Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road
Turn right onto BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road
Navigation decision point
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
BIA 7 / 3rd Avenue North
Turn left onto BIA 7 / 3rd Avenue North
Navigation decision point
4
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
BIA 7 / Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7
Turn right onto BIA 7 / Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7
Navigation decision point
5
1.1 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
ND 57 / State Highway 57
At end of road, turn left onto ND 57 / State Highway 57
Navigation decision point
4
6.4 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
US 281
At end of road, turn left onto US 281
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US-52 | 41.6 mi | 48m |
| US 281 | 36.5 mi | 50m |
| State Highway 57 | 5.3 mi | 8m |
| 4th Avenue North | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7 | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| 1st Avenue North | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| 3rd Avenue North | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Ephriam Hill Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US-52
— 41.6 mi, about 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Totten, ND and Jamestown, ND.
1
Start on 2nd Avenue North
147 ft
·
9 sec
·
2nd Avenue North
2
Turn right onto BIA 6
492 ft
·
18 sec
·
Ephriam Hill Road
3
Turn left onto BIA 7
524 ft
·
16 sec
·
3rd Avenue North
4
Turn right onto BIA 7
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7
5
At end of road, turn left onto ND 57
5.3 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 57
6
At end of road, turn left onto US 281
36 mi
·
50 min
·
US 281
7
Enter roundabout onto US 52; US 281
166 ft
·
5 sec
·
4th Avenue North
8
Continue on US 52; US 281
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
4th Avenue North
9
Continue on US 52; US 281
42 mi
·
48 min
·
US-52
10
Turn right onto US 52; US 281
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
1st Avenue North
11
Arrive at destination
US 52; US 281
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your daily schedule to depart whenever it suits your plans. Given the 86-mile length, you can easily complete the trip in one go without needing to build in multiple rest stops for fatigue. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before setting out, as the $13 estimate assumes a standard vehicle and consistent highway speeds. Because the majority of your time is spent on US-52 and US-281, stay alert for typical highway traffic patterns that might influence your arrival time. Using the morning hours to get on the road will ensure you reach Jamestown with plenty of daylight left for your activities.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43 miles from Fort Totten, ND, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.6 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43 miles or 1h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jamestown, ND than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fort Totten, ND so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Fort Totten, ND
This is one driving day of about 86 miles and 1h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fort Totten, ND.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US-52 for about 41.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 43 mi from Fort Totten, ND · 1h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
43 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 43 miles from Fort Totten, ND, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Jamestown, ND
The final approach into Jamestown, ND usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Jamestown, ND.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.06 one way
$26.13 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
30 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $14.40 | $28.80 |
| premium | $4.80 | $16.24 | $32.47 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $19.11 | $38.21 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25.8 | 0 | $9.03 | $4.13 |
| Efficient EV | 21.5 | 0 | $7.52 | $3.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34.4 | 0 | $12.04 | $5.50 |
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Jamestown, ND
Afternoon in Jamestown on Monday
Local time
3:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 53m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Fort Totten, ND to Jamestown, ND covers 86 miles and takes about 1h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US-52, US 281, State Highway 57. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 43 miles from Fort Totten, ND. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.06 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
The drive from Fort Totten, ND to Jamestown, ND is easy. At 1h 53m with 97% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (BIA 7 / 3rd Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (BIA 7 / Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7): Navigation decision point.
The route from Fort Totten, ND to Jamestown, ND does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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