Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Jamestown, ND to Oakes, ND

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 36m

Distance

85.4 mi

137 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 29m ★
6 AM
1h 36m
8 AM
1h 51m
10 AM
1h 41m
12 PM
1h 40m
3 PM
1h 42m
5 PM
1h 50m
8 PM
1h 32m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
seat of Stutsman County, North Dakota, United States

Jamestown, ND

Wikimedia Commons

human settlement in Dickey County, North Dakota, United States of America

Oakes, ND

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Jamestown, ND to Oakes, ND covers 85.4 miles and takes about 1h 36m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on State Highway 1, I 94, 1st Avenue North for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 53.2 miles on State Highway 1. At current regular gas prices, budget about $13.35 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

42.7 miles from Jamestown, ND

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 36m. Total distance: 85.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 1h 36m highway drive covering 85.4 miles, with most of the trip on State Highway 1 and I 94. The longest continuous stretch is about 53.2 miles on State Highway 1.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
State Highway 1 is the longest continuous segment at about 53.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Highway 1 and I 94. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 2.9 miles in near I 94; US 52.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Jamestown, ND to Oakes, ND is easy. At 1h 36m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles (I 94; US 52): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 31.3 miles (ND 1): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.5 miles (ND 1 / State Highway 1): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

3 of 3 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

3
2.9 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 94; US 52

Merge onto I 94; US 52

Merge point - match speed before joining

6
31.3 mi into trip | ~31m in | ND 1

Take the exit onto ND 1 toward ND 1 South: Verona, Oakes

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 288 Toward ND 1 South: Verona, Oakes
3
31.5 mi into trip | ~31m in | ND 1 / State Highway 1

Turn right onto ND 1 / State Highway 1

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
State Highway 1 53.2 mi 1h 2m
I 94 28.4 mi 26m
1st Avenue North 0.9 mi 1m
Business Loop East 0.6 mi <1m
10th Street Southeast 0.6 mi <1m
7th Street North 0.5 mi 1m
12th Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
ND 1 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: State Highway 1 — 53.2 mi, about 1h 2m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jamestown, ND and Oakes, ND.

1

Start on US 52; US 281

0.9 mi · 1 min · 1st Avenue North
2

Turn slight right onto 10th Street Southeast

0.6 mi · 57 sec · 10th Street Southeast
3

Turn straight onto 12th Avenue

0.3 mi · 23 sec · 12th Avenue
4

Continue on Business Loop East

0.6 mi · 57 sec · Business Loop East
5

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
6

Merge onto I 94; US 52

28 mi · 26 min · I 94; US 52
7

Take the exit onto ND 1

0.2 mi · 16 sec · ND 1
Exit 288 Toward ND 1 South: Verona, Oakes
8

Turn right onto ND 1

38 mi · 43 min · State Highway 1
9

Continue on ND 1; ND 13

0.2 mi · 34 sec · 1st Street
10

Continue on ND 1; ND 13

15 mi · 18 min · State Highway 1
11

Continue on ND 1

0.5 mi · 1 min · 7th Street North
12

Arrive at destination

ND 1

Trip Plan

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 42.7 miles from Jamestown, ND, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.2 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 19 miles or 19m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 42.7 miles or 44m 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 Oakes, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Jamestown, ND

This is one driving day of about 85.4 miles and 1h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Jamestown, ND.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on State Highway 1 for about 53.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 42.7 mi from Jamestown, ND · 44m into the drive

Downtown Valley City, ND, ND

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Valley City, ND

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

Ypsilanti, ND

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Valley City, ND

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42.7 miles from Jamestown, ND, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Oakes, ND

The final approach into Oakes, ND usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Babb's Coffee House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jamestown, North Dakota

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+17012512227

Visit website

Sweets 'n Stories

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oakes, North Dakota

0.1 mi

Caribou Coffee

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jamestown, North Dakota

0.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cenex

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oakes, North Dakota

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route mile 85.4

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17017422419

Visit website

Plantation Coffee Bar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jamestown, North Dakota

0.9 mi

Babb's Coffee House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Jamestown, North Dakota

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+17012512227

Visit website

Sweets 'n Stories

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 85.4

Oakes, North Dakota

Hours: 9 am–5:30 pm

+17017422007

Caribou Coffee

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Jamestown, North Dakota

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17012520981

Visit website

Caribou Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Jamestown, North Dakota

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+17012521174

Visit website

Viking Grounds

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 30.5

Valley City, North Dakota

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+17018457137

Cenex

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route mile 85.4

Oakes, North Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17017422419

Visit website

Plantation Coffee Bar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Jamestown, North Dakota

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+17013683800

Visit website

Caffeine Prairie Coffee Shop

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Jamestown, North Dakota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17012523927

Cenex

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Jamestown, North Dakota

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+17012523927

Visit website

Knight and Day Coffee

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Jamestown, North Dakota

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

Cenex

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Jamestown, North Dakota

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+17012523927

Visit website

Epworth's Holy Grounds

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.5

Valley City, North Dakota

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17018408713

Visit website

The Vault

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.5

Valley City, North Dakota

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17018406264

Visit website

Shady's Restaurant & Lounge

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Jamestown, North Dakota

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+17012522057

Visit website

B and B Gardens

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 85.4

Oakes, North Dakota

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+17017422665

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.35 one way

$26.70 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.66 $29.32
premium $4.89 $16.43 $32.87
diesel $5.61 $18.86 $37.71

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: 29.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.6 0 $8.97 $4.10
Efficient EV 21.4 0 $7.47 $3.42
EV Truck/SUV 34.2 0 $11.96 $5.47

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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Jamestown, ND

Night in Jamestown on Friday

Local time

9:01 PM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Oakes, ND

Night in Oakes on Friday

Local time

9:01 PM

CDT

Current temp

41°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

24 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 36m 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 Oakes, ND covers 85.4 miles and takes about 1h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are State Highway 1, I 94, 1st Avenue North. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 42.7 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 $13.35 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 Oakes, ND is easy. At 1h 36m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles (I 94; US 52): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 31.3 miles (ND 1): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.5 miles (ND 1 / State Highway 1): Navigation decision point.

The route from Jamestown, ND to Oakes, ND does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Oakes, ND

Watford City, ND 366.3 mi · 6h 19m Dickinson, ND 282.4 mi · 4h 45m Minot, ND 255.7 mi · 5h 1m Bismarck, ND 185.3 mi · 3h 11m

More from Jamestown, ND

Stanley, ND 224.6 mi · 4h 26m Rugby, ND 140.3 mi · 2h 48m Bismarck, ND 102.4 mi · 1h 40m Harvey, ND 97.6 mi · 1h 56m Horace, ND 95.5 mi · 1h 38m West Fargo, ND 89 mi · 1h 28m

More trips to Oakes, ND

Watford City, ND 366.4 mi Minot, ND 255.8 mi
Weekend drives from Jamestown, ND Scenic drives in ND

Explore more options from Jamestown, ND or browse trips ending in Oakes, ND.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse ND road trips.