Origin
Jamestown, ND
Afternoon in Jamestown on Monday
Local time
3:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jamestown, ND to Bismarck, ND
Drive Time
1h 40m
Distance
102.4 mi
165 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 33m
★
6 AM
1h 40m
8 AM
1h 55m
10 AM
1h 46m
12 PM
1h 44m
3 PM
1h 46m
5 PM
1h 55m
8 PM
1h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jamestown, ND
Wikimedia Commons
Bismarck, ND
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Connecting Jamestown to Bismarck, this 101.9-mile journey across the North Dakota Great Plains is a straightforward trek that typically takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this route works perfectly as a quick day trip, allowing you to easily complete the drive without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $15 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through the heart of the region, you will utilize local roads including State Street and US 83 North to reach your destination. It is a practical, efficient path for travelers looking to move between these two hubs without the complexity of a multi-day itinerary.
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
51.2 miles from Jamestown, ND
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. Since the highway share is 0%, you will stay off the major freeways and navigate roads that require your full attention. The route lacks any long, uninterrupted highway stretches, meaning you will experience frequent transitions as you move toward Bismarck. Be prepared for a more hands-on driving experience that reflects the local character of the North Dakota landscape. This isn't a high-speed sprint, so pace yourself to match the rhythm of the local roadways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 10 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 94 is the longest continuous segment at about 93.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and State Street. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Jamestown, ND to Bismarck, ND is easy. At 1h 40m with 93% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 100.1 miles (US 83): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102.3 miles (East Rosser Avenue): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
3 of 3 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
3
1.8 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward Bismarck
Navigation decision point
Toward Bismarck
5
100.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
|
US 83
Take the exit onto US 83 toward US 83 North: Bismarck, Minot
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 83 North: Bismarck, Minot
4
102.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 39m in
|
East Rosser Avenue
Turn right onto East Rosser Avenue
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 93.6 mi | 1h 28m |
| State Street | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| US 52 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| 1st Avenue North | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| North 7th Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| US 83 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| East Boulevard Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Rosser Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 93.6 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jamestown, ND and Bismarck, ND.
1
Start on US 52; US 281
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
1st Avenue North
2
Turn straight onto US 52; US 281
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 52; US 281
3
Take the ramp
4.7 mi
·
4 min
Toward Bismarck
4
Continue on I 94
94 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
I 94
5
Take the exit onto US 83
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
US 83
Toward US 83 North: Bismarck, Minot
6
Turn left onto US 83; ND 1804
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
State Street
7
Continue on ND 1804
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
East Boulevard Avenue
8
Turn straight onto ND 1804
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
North 7th Street
9
Turn right onto East Rosser Avenue
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Rosser Avenue
10
Arrive at destination
East Rosser Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour and 29-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Because there are no scheduled stops in the data, it is wise to carry your own snacks and water to ensure you are comfortable throughout the 101.9-mile trip. Since this is a turn-heavy route, double-check your GPS navigation before leaving Jamestown to ensure you are comfortable with the local road transitions. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, keeping that $15 estimate in mind, and plan to fill up before you head out to avoid mid-trip errands. Taking this short drive in one go is very manageable, allowing you to reach Bismarck refreshed and ready for your next activity.
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 51.2 miles from Jamestown, ND, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.6 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 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.2 miles or 49m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bismarck, ND than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jamestown, 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 Jamestown, ND
This is one driving day of about 102.4 miles and 1h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Jamestown, 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 I 94 for about 93.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 51.2 mi from Jamestown, ND · 49m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
51 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 51.2 miles from Jamestown, ND, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.6 miles.
Arriving in Bismarck, ND
The final approach into Bismarck, 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 Bismarck, 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
$15.55 one way
$31.11 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
36 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $17.15 | $34.29 |
| premium | $4.80 | $19.33 | $38.66 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $22.75 | $45.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 30.7 | 0 | $10.75 | $4.92 |
| Efficient EV | 25.6 | 0 | $8.96 | $4.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 41 | 0 | $14.34 | $6.55 |
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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
Bismarck, ND
Afternoon in Bismarck 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 40m 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 Jamestown, ND to Bismarck, ND covers 102.4 miles and takes about 1h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, State Street, US 52. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 51.2 miles from Jamestown, ND. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.55 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 Jamestown, ND to Bismarck, ND is easy. At 1h 40m with 93% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 100.1 miles (US 83): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102.3 miles (East Rosser Avenue): Navigation decision point.
The route from Jamestown, ND to Bismarck, ND does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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