Ames to Watertown, South Dakota: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Ames from Watertown, South Dakota?

The distance from Ames to Watertown, South Dakota is 264.3 miles (425.4 km) as the crow flies. Watertown, South Dakota is located NW of Ames. By car, the driving distance is approximately 330.4 miles, taking about 6h 39min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 2min. Both are located in United States — Ames in Iowa and Watertown, South Dakota in South Dakota.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Ames and Watertown, South Dakota. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.