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

821.8 miles 1322.5 km · straight line
986.1 miles estimated 1587 km · driving distance
19h 50min estimated drive time
$95 - $117 estimated fuel cost
~2h 9min flight time
93° E bearing direction

How far is Missoula from Watertown, South Dakota?

The distance from Missoula to Watertown, South Dakota is 821.8 miles (1322.5 km) as the crow flies. Watertown, South Dakota is located E of Missoula. By car, the driving distance is approximately 986.1 miles, taking about 19h 50min. A direct flight would take roughly 2h 9min. Both are located in United States — Missoula in Montana and Watertown, South Dakota in South Dakota.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility. For a trip of this distance, flying is significantly faster. However, driving offers the flexibility to explore stops along the way.

Coordinates come from public place data for Missoula 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.

How to Get from Missoula to Watertown, South Dakota

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 19h 50min $95 - $117 Flexible stops
Fly ~2h 9min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~23h 48min $79–$148* Budget
Train ~25h 47min $118–$345* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Missoula & Watertown, South Dakota

Quick Facts

Missoula
46.87°N, 114.00°W
America/Denver
978m elevation
Watertown, South Dakota
44.90°N, 97.12°W
America/Chicago
528m elevation
Explore more routes from Watertown, South Dakota

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 274 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 68 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 30.3 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients