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Trip from Oakes, ND to Bismarck, ND

Drive Time

3h 11m

Distance

185.3 mi

298 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
3h 0m ★
6 AM
3h 11m
8 AM
3h 35m
10 AM
3h 20m
12 PM
3h 17m
3 PM
3h 21m
5 PM
3h 34m
8 PM
3h 4m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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human settlement in Dickey County, North Dakota, United States of America

Oakes, ND

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Bismarck, ND, ND

Bismarck, ND

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 176.8 miles across the North Dakota Great Plains, this drive from Oakes to Bismarck takes approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes. You will navigate a route primarily composed of Highway 1, 1st Street, and I-94 West. Given the manageable duration, this trip works perfectly as a straightforward day trip, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. Expect to budget about $26 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Great Plains hubs. Because the route relies on turn-heavy local roads rather than long interstate stretches, you should plan for a more engaged driving experience than a typical highway commute.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

92.7 miles from Oakes, ND

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy, local driving experience that keeps you attentive behind the wheel. Unlike routes dominated by high-speed interstate cruising, this journey features a 0% highway share on the primary segments, meaning you will spend your time navigating local roads rather than long, uninterrupted stretches. With no single segment on Highway 1 extending for a long distance, the road requires frequent adjustments and careful navigation. You will find that the character of the drive remains consistent as you transition from Oakes toward Bismarck. Prepare for a hands-on trip where the rhythm of the road changes often rather than settling into a monotonous interstate grind.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 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 114.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and State Highway 1. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 54.1 miles in near ND 1.

Route Complexity 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

The drive from Oakes, ND to Bismarck, ND is easy. At 3h 11m with 99% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 54.1 miles (ND 1): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183 miles (US 83): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.2 miles (East Rosser Avenue): 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.

5
54.1 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in | ND 1

Take the ramp onto ND 1 toward I 94 West, US 52 West, ND 1 North: Bismarck

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 94 West, US 52 West, ND 1 North: Bisma...
5
183 mi into trip | ~3h 7m 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
185.2 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in | East Rosser Avenue

Turn right onto East Rosser Avenue

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 114.3 mi 1h 48m
State Highway 1 53.4 mi 1h 2m
ND 1 14.7 mi 13m
State Street 1.1 mi 1m
North 7th Street 0.6 mi <1m
7th Street South 0.5 mi 1m
US 83 0.3 mi <1m
1st Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 114.3 mi, about 1h 48m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on ND 1

0.5 mi · 1 min · 7th Street South
2

Continue on ND 1

15 mi · 18 min · State Highway 1
3

Continue on ND 1; ND 13

0.2 mi · 34 sec · 1st Street
4

Continue on ND 1

38 mi · 44 min · State Highway 1
5

Take the ramp onto ND 1

15 mi · 13 min · ND 1
Toward I 94 West, US 52 West, ND 1 North: Bismarck
6

Continue on I 94; US 52

106 mi · 1 hr 40 min · I 94; US 52
7

Continue on I 94; US 83

8.2 mi · 8 min · I 94; US 83
8

Take the exit onto US 83

0.3 mi · 41 sec · US 83
Toward US 83 North: Bismarck, Minot
9

Turn left onto US 83; ND 1804

1.1 mi · 1 min · State Street
10

Continue on ND 1804

0.2 mi · 14 sec · East Boulevard Avenue
11

Turn straight onto ND 1804

0.6 mi · 59 sec · North 7th Street
12

Turn right onto East Rosser Avenue

0.1 mi · 17 sec · East Rosser Avenue
13

Arrive at destination

East Rosser Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 2-hour and 46-minute journey, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the local road segments. Since the route involves navigating through various turns on Highway 1 and 1st Street, leaving during daylight hours will significantly improve your visibility and comfort. Keep your $26 fuel budget in mind as you depart Oakes, ensuring your tank is ready for the 176.8-mile trek. Because this is a shorter trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time to avoid local traffic spikes. A key tip for this specific route is to stay alert for the transition onto I-94 West, as shifting from local roads to the interstate will be the most significant change in your driving pace.

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 92.7 miles from Oakes, ND, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.3 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 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 92.7 miles or 1h 41m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 37m

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 Oakes, 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 Oakes, ND

This is one driving day of about 185.3 miles and 3h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Oakes, 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 I 94 for about 114.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 92.7 mi from Oakes, ND · 1h 41m into the drive

seat of Stutsman County, North Dakota, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jamestown, ND

93 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.

Popular next leg

Jamestown, ND to Bismarck, ND

102.4 mi · 1h 40m

Pacing Suggestions

Jamestown, ND

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jamestown, ND

Meal break

The midpoint is around 92.7 miles from Oakes, ND, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 114.3 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.

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

$28.15 one way

$56.29 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $31.03 $62.05
premium $4.80 $34.98 $69.96
diesel $5.64 $41.17 $82.33

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 64.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 55.6 0 $19.46 $8.89
Efficient EV 46.3 0 $16.21 $7.41
EV Truck/SUV 74.1 0 $25.94 $11.86

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 5 hours ago

Origin

Oakes, ND

Afternoon in Oakes on Monday

Local time

3:28 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Patchy Fog

NE 20 mph 19% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 9:46AM CDT by NWS Bismarck ND

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:44PM CDT by NWS Grand Forks ND

Destination

Bismarck, ND

Afternoon in Bismarck on Monday

Local time

3:28 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Chance Light Rain

E 13 mph 42% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 9:46AM CDT by NWS Bismarck ND

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:44PM CDT by NWS Grand Forks ND

Along the Route

38°F

Jamestown, ND

93 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

1 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

3h 11m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Oakes, ND to Bismarck, ND covers 185.3 miles and takes about 3h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, State Highway 1, ND 1. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 92.7 miles from Oakes, ND. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.15 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
The drive from Oakes, ND to Bismarck, ND is easy. At 3h 11m with 99% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 54.1 miles (ND 1): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183 miles (US 83): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.2 miles (East Rosser Avenue): Navigation decision point.
The route from Oakes, ND to Bismarck, ND does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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