Origin
Minot, ND
Evening in Minot on Tuesday
Local time
6:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Minot, ND to Oakes, ND
Data updated 1 hour ago
Drive Time
5h 1m
Distance
255.8 mi
412 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
12 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 48m
★
6 AM
5h 1m
8 AM
5h 28m
10 AM
5h 11m
12 PM
5h 8m
3 PM
5h 12m
5 PM
5h 27m
8 PM
4h 53m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Minot, ND
Wikimedia Commons
Oakes, ND
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 255.8-mile drive from Minot to Oakes, North Dakota, is a straightforward 5-hour journey that's perfect for a single day trip. You'll be spending most of your time on US-52 and State Highway 1, with 89% of the route being on highways, making it a very direct path. The estimated fuel cost is around $40, which is quite reasonable for a full day's travel across the Great Plains. This route offers a consistent driving experience, ideal for those who prefer a predictable and efficient trip. You'll remain within North Dakota for the entire journey, so no state lines to worry about.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
127.9 miles from Minot, ND
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the vast majority of this trip, with 89% of the route utilizing major roadways like US-52. The landscape is characteristic of the Great Plains, offering expansive views. You'll encounter one significant stretch of 114.5 miles primarily on US-52, so plan your stops accordingly. This extended section means fewer turns and a consistent pace, allowing for a smooth and uninterrupted drive. The road's personality is one of efficiency and directness, designed for covering ground.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 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 114.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US-52 and State Highway 1. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 126.4 miles in near 1605 / 19th Avenue.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 5h 1m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 126.4 miles (1605 / 19th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 127.3 miles (7th Street South): Navigation decision point; at 128.3 miles (US 52; US 281 / 4th Avenue South): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
126.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m in
|
1605 / 19th Avenue
Turn right onto 1605 / 19th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
4
127.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 33m in
|
7th Street South
Turn left onto 7th Street South
Navigation decision point
4
128.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
|
US 52; US 281 / 4th Avenue South
Turn right onto US 52; US 281 / 4th Avenue South
Navigation decision point
4
170.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 24m in
|
US 52; US 281 / 1st Avenue North
Turn right onto US 52; US 281 / 1st Avenue North
Navigation decision point
6
201.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US-52 | 114.5 mi | 2h 12m |
| State Highway 1 | 53.2 mi | 1h 2m |
| United States Highway 52 | 30.4 mi | 35m |
| I 94 | 28.4 mi | 26m |
| Valley Street | 21.2 mi | 27m |
| 1st Avenue North | 1 mi | 1m |
| 7th Street South | 1 mi | 2m |
| 19th Avenue | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US-52
— 114.5 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minot, ND and Oakes, ND.
1
Start on US 2 Business; US 52 Business
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Burdick Expressway West
2
Turn right onto US 52 Business
21 mi
·
27 min
·
Valley Street
3
Continue on US 52
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Street
4
Continue on US 52
27 mi
·
31 min
·
US-52
5
Continue on US 52; ND 14
7.4 mi
·
8 min
·
United States Highway 52
6
Continue on US 52
6.7 mi
·
7 min
·
US-52
7
Continue on US 52
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
1st Street
8
Continue on US 52
11 mi
·
13 min
·
US-52
9
Continue on US 52
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
·
United State Highway 52
10
Continue on US 52
28 mi
·
32 min
·
US-52
11
Turn left onto US 52; ND 200
23 mi
·
26 min
·
United States Highway 52
12
Turn right onto 1605
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
19th Avenue
Use the right lane.
13
Turn left onto 7th Street South
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
7th Street South
14
Turn right onto US 52; US 281
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
4th Avenue South
15
Continue on US 52; US 281
42 mi
·
48 min
·
US-52
16
Turn right onto US 52; US 281
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
1st Avenue North
17
Turn slight right onto 10th Street Southeast
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
10th Street Southeast
18
Turn straight onto 12th Avenue
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
12th Avenue
19
Continue on Business Loop East
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
Business Loop East
20
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
21
Merge onto I 94; US 52
28 mi
·
26 min
·
I 94; US 52
22
Take the exit onto ND 1
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
ND 1
Exit 288
Toward ND 1 South: Verona, Oakes
23
Turn right onto ND 1
38 mi
·
43 min
·
State Highway 1
24
Continue on ND 1; ND 13
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
1st Street
25
Continue on ND 1; ND 13
15 mi
·
18 min
·
State Highway 1
26
Continue on ND 1
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
7th Street North
27
Arrive at destination
ND 1
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, starting your drive from Minot in the morning is advisable to comfortably reach Oakes within daylight hours. With only one recommended stop and a manageable fuel cost of $40, this route offers flexibility. The longest stretch without a significant break is over 114 miles on US-52, so ensure you have plenty of fuel before embarking on this segment. Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions in the Great Plains can change quickly. This is a drive where you can easily adjust your timing for meals or brief rests due to its direct highway nature.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 127.9 miles from Minot, ND, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.5 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 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.9 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 5m
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 Minot, 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 Minot, ND
This is one driving day of about 255.8 miles and 5h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Minot, ND.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US-52 for about 114.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 127.9 mi from Minot, ND · 2h 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
128 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 127.9 miles from Minot, ND, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US-52 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 114.5 miles.
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.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Oakes, ND.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.99 one way
$79.98 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
90 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $43.91 | $87.82 |
| premium | $4.89 | $49.23 | $98.45 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $56.48 | $112.95 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
12 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Marketplace Foods - Tesla Supercharger
Minot, ND
Tesla
8 DCFC
Buffalo Mall - Tesla Supercharger
Jamestown, ND
Tesla
8 DCFC
The Shoppes at Jamestown (Jamestown, ND)
Jamestown, ND
Electrify America
6 DCFC
Ryan Cadillac Minot
Minot, ND
EV Connect
3 DCFC
Pinnacle Express
Minot, ND
Non-Networked
2 DCFC
Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick
Jamestown, ND
Blink Network
2 DCFC
RM Stoudt Inc
Jamestown, ND
RED_E
2 DCFC
Puklich Chevrolet Buick GMC
Valley City, ND
Blink Network
2 DCFC
Non-Networked: 3
Tesla: 2
Blink Network: 2
RED_E: 2
EV Connect: 1
ChargePoint Network: 1
Electrify America: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.7 | 0 | $26.86 | $12.28 |
| Efficient EV | 64 | 0 | $22.38 | $10.23 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 102.3 | 1 | $35.81 | $16.37 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Oakes, ND
Evening in Oakes on Tuesday
Local time
6:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
38°F
Jamestown, ND
128 mi in
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
4 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 1m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Minot, ND to Oakes, ND covers 255.8 miles and takes about 5h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US-52, State Highway 1, United States Highway 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 127.9 miles from Minot, ND. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.99 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a straightforward 5h 1m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 126.4 miles (1605 / 19th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 127.3 miles (7th Street South): Navigation decision point; at 128.3 miles (US 52; US 281 / 4th Avenue South): Navigation decision point.
The route from Minot, ND to Oakes, ND does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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