Origin
Watford City, ND
Afternoon in Watford City on Monday
Local time
4:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Watford City, ND to Killdeer, ND
Drive Time
1h 8m
Distance
55.8 mi
90 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 3m
★
6 AM
1h 9m
8 AM
1h 20m
10 AM
1h 13m
12 PM
1h 12m
3 PM
1h 13m
5 PM
1h 19m
8 PM
1h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Watford City, ND
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Connecting Watford City to Killdeer is a straightforward 55.8-mile journey that typically takes about one hour and eight minutes. Since both towns are located within the Great Plains region of North Dakota, you will experience consistent terrain throughout the trip. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as the modest distance allows for quick travel between the two points. Budgeting roughly $8 for fuel should cover the trip comfortably in a standard vehicle. Because the drive is short, you won't need to worry about overnight logistics or complex planning. It is a practical, efficient connection for anyone traversing this part of the state.
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
27.9 miles from Watford City, ND
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 34m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 95% of your travel takes place on major thoroughfares. You will navigate using the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, State Highway 200, and Main Street North to reach your destination. Much of the journey is defined by a 31.4-mile stretch along the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the drive. The road maintains a steady pace, offering a predictable driving environment that favors speed and efficiency over complex navigation. You will find that the transitions between these roads are seamless, allowing you to settle into a consistent rhythm behind the wheel.
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.
Theodore Roosevelt Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 31.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Theodore Roosevelt Expressway and State Highway 200. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in near US 85 Business; ND 23 / United States Highway 85 Business.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Watford City, ND to Killdeer, ND is easy. At 1h 8m with 95% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles (US 85 Business; ND 23 / United States Highway 85 Business): Navigation decision point; at 2.9 miles (US 85; ND 200 / Theodore Roosevelt Expressway): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.3 miles (ND 200 / State Highway 200): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 5 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
3
2.3 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
US 85 Business; ND 23 / United States Highway 85 Business
Turn right onto US 85 Business; ND 23 / United States Highway 85 Business
Navigation decision point
5
2.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
US 85; ND 200 / Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
At end of road, turn left onto US 85; ND 200 / Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
34.3 mi into trip
|
~41m in
|
ND 200 / State Highway 200
Turn left onto ND 200 / State Highway 200
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
4
52.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
|
ND 200; ND 22 / State Highway 200
Enter roundabout onto ND 200; ND 22 / State Highway 200
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
4
54.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 5m in
|
ND 22 Business / State Highway 22 Business
Enter roundabout onto ND 22 Business / State Highway 22 Business
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Theodore Roosevelt Expressway | 31.4 mi | 36m |
| State Highway 200 | 20.2 mi | 23m |
| Main Street North | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| State Highway 22 Business | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| United States Highway 85 Business | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Central Avenue Southeast | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
— 31.4 mi, about 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watford City, ND and Killdeer, ND.
1
Start on ND 23 Business
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Main Street North
2
Turn right onto US 85 Business; ND 23
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
United States Highway 85 Business
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 85; ND 200
31 mi
·
36 min
·
Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left onto ND 200
18 mi
·
21 min
·
State Highway 200
Use the left lane.
5
Enter roundabout onto ND 200; ND 22
179 ft
·
3 sec
·
State Highway 200
6
Continue on ND 200; ND 22
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 200
7
Enter roundabout onto ND 22 Business
312 ft
·
5 sec
·
State Highway 22 Business
8
Continue on ND 22 Business
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 22 Business
9
Continue on ND 22 Business
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Central Avenue Southeast
10
Arrive at destination
ND 22 Business
Trip Plan
Given the short duration of this trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Since there are no mandatory stops required to complete the 55.8-mile distance, you can easily tailor your pace to fit your personal schedule. Keep in mind that with zero scheduled stops, you should ensure your tank is prepared for the journey before leaving Watford City to avoid unnecessary detours. Monitor your fuel gauge early, as the $8 estimated cost is based on direct travel. If you prefer a relaxed pace, consider that the lack of intermediate stops makes this an ideal route to power through in one go.
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 27.9 miles from Watford City, ND, or about 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.4 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 55.8 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 27.9 miles or 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Killdeer, ND than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Watford City, 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 Watford City, ND
This is one driving day of about 55.8 miles and 1h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Watford City, 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 Theodore Roosevelt Expressway for about 31.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 27.9 mi from Watford City, ND · 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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 55.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 27.9 miles from Watford City, ND, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Killdeer, ND
The final approach into Killdeer, 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 Killdeer, 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
$8.48 one way
$16.95 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $9.34 | $18.69 |
| premium | $4.80 | $10.53 | $21.07 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.40 | $24.79 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.7 | 0 | $5.86 | $2.68 |
| Efficient EV | 14 | 0 | $4.88 | $2.23 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.3 | 0 | $7.81 | $3.57 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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
Killdeer, ND
Afternoon in Killdeer on Monday
Local time
3:48 PM
MDT
Current temp
45°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
11 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
1h 8m 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 Watford City, ND to Killdeer, ND covers 55.8 miles and takes about 1h 8m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, State Highway 200, Main Street 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 27.9 miles from Watford City, ND. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.48 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 Watford City, ND to Killdeer, ND is easy. At 1h 8m with 95% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles (US 85 Business; ND 23 / United States Highway 85 Business): Navigation decision point; at 2.9 miles (US 85; ND 200 / Theodore Roosevelt Expressway): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.3 miles (ND 200 / State Highway 200): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Watford City, ND to Killdeer, ND does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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