Origin
Oakes, ND
Night in Oakes on Wednesday
Local time
11:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Oakes, ND to Dickinson, ND
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
4h 45m
Distance
282.4 mi
454 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 32m
★
6 AM
4h 45m
8 AM
5h 12m
10 AM
4h 54m
12 PM
4h 52m
3 PM
4h 56m
5 PM
5h 11m
8 PM
4h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Oakes, ND
Wikimedia Commons
Dickinson, ND
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 282.4-mile drive from Oakes to Dickinson, North Dakota, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. You'll spend nearly all of your time on well-maintained highways, with 99% of the route being on I-94 and State Highway 1. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $44, making it an economical option. This highway-focused drive through the Great Plains region offers a consistent travel experience. It's a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B within North Dakota.
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
141.2 miles from Oakes, ND
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 27m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the vast majority of this trip, with 99% of the journey utilizing major roads like I-94 and ND 1. The road profile is predominantly highway, meaning you'll likely experience consistent speeds and limited local traffic. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 212.1 miles on I-94, so be prepared for extended periods of driving on this main artery. While the landscape is consistent with the Great Plains, the nature of the drive itself is about efficient travel rather than varied terrain.
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 212.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and State Highway 1. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 54.1 miles in near ND 1.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 4h 45m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
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 280.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 281.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 6 key pointsThese 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...
3
280.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 42m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
5
281.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 42m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
281.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 42m in
|
ND 22 / 3rd Avenue West
Turn left onto ND 22 / 3rd Avenue West
Navigation decision point
4
282.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 44m in
Turn right
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 212.1 mi | 3h 23m |
| State Highway 1 | 53.4 mi | 1h 2m |
| ND 1 | 14.7 mi | 13m |
| 3rd Avenue West | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| 7th Street South | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| 1st Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 212.1 mi, about 3h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oakes, ND and Dickinson, 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
106 mi
·
1 hr 43 min
·
I 94; US 83
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
9
Keep slight left at fork
229 ft
·
13 sec
10
Turn left onto ND 22
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
3rd Avenue West
11
Turn left
61 ft
·
6 sec
12
Turn right
174 ft
·
12 sec
13
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 4 hour and 45-minute drive, departing in the morning will allow you to reach Dickinson with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimate of $44, this route is manageable in a single day. The longest stretch on I-94 is over 200 miles, so plan for your fuel and rest stops accordingly before embarking on that segment. Consider packing snacks and drinks to maximize your time on the road and minimize unnecessary stops along the relatively uninterrupted highway segments. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering the longest stretch on I-94.
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 141.2 miles from Oakes, ND, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 212.1 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 62 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.2 miles or 2h 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dickinson, 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 282.4 miles and 4h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 212.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 141.2 mi from Oakes, ND · 2h 27m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
141 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 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 141.2 miles from Oakes, 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 212.1 miles.
Arriving in Dickinson, ND
The final approach into Dickinson, 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 Dickinson, 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
$44.15 one way
$88.30 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $48.47 | $96.95 |
| premium | $4.89 | $54.35 | $108.69 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $62.35 | $124.70 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 84.7 | 1 | $29.65 | $13.56 |
| Efficient EV | 70.6 | 0 | $24.71 | $11.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 113 | 1 | $39.54 | $18.07 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Dickinson, ND
Night in Dickinson on Wednesday
Local time
10:25 PM
MDT
Current temp
71°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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
30 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
4h 45m 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 Oakes, ND to Dickinson, ND covers 282.4 miles and takes about 4h 45m 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 141.2 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 $44.15 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a straightforward 4h 45m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 54.1 miles (ND 1): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 280.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 281.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
The route from Oakes, ND to Dickinson, ND does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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