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Trip from Fort Totten, ND to Dickinson, ND

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 52m

Distance

264.8 mi

426 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 39m ★
6 AM
4h 53m
8 AM
5h 20m
10 AM
5h 2m
12 PM
4h 59m
3 PM
5h 3m
5 PM
5h 18m
8 PM
4h 44m

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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Downtown Fort Totten, ND, ND

Fort Totten, ND

Phil Evenden

seat of Stark County, North Dakota, United States

Dickinson, ND

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 264.8 miles across North Dakota, this journey from Fort Totten to Dickinson is a straightforward trek across the Great Plains. You should plan for approximately 4 hours and 52 minutes of driving time, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. With a fuel budget of about $40, the route relies heavily on major thoroughfares including I-94, State Highway 3, and US 281. Because the entire trip stays within the same state and region, the transition remains consistent throughout the drive. It is a practical, no-nonsense path that prioritizes efficiency over detours, perfect for travelers looking to reach their destination without unnecessary delays.

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

132.4 miles from Fort Totten, ND

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 138.6 mi 2h 13m
State Highway 3 41.2 mi 47m
US 281 23.5 mi 34m
State Highway 200 16.4 mi 19m
State Highway 15 13.9 mi 16m
State Highway 30 13 mi 15m
United States Highway 52 10 mi 11m
State Highway 57 5.3 mi 8m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 138.6 mi, about 2h 13m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fort Totten, ND and Dickinson, ND.

1

Start on 2nd Avenue North

147 ft · 9 sec · 2nd Avenue North
2

Turn right onto BIA 6

492 ft · 18 sec · Ephriam Hill Road
3

Turn left onto BIA 7

524 ft · 16 sec · 3rd Avenue North
4

Turn right onto BIA 7

0.9 mi · 2 min · Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7
5

At end of road, turn left onto ND 57

5.3 mi · 8 min · State Highway 57
6

At end of road, turn left onto US 281

23 mi · 34 min · US 281
7

Turn right onto ND 15

14 mi · 16 min · State Highway 15
8

Turn left onto ND 30

13 mi · 15 min · State Highway 30
9

Turn right onto US 52; ND 200

10.0 mi · 11 min · United States Highway 52
10

Continue on ND 200

16 mi · 19 min · State Highway 200
11

Turn left onto ND 3

41 mi · 47 min · State Highway 3
12

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
13

Merge onto I 94

139 mi · 2 hr 13 min · I 94
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
15

Keep slight left at fork

229 ft · 13 sec
16

Turn left onto ND 22

1.2 mi · 1 min · 3rd Avenue West
17

Turn left

61 ft · 6 sec
18

Turn right

174 ft · 12 sec
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule, though leaving early helps avoid potential mid-day fatigue. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which fits perfectly into your estimated $40 gas budget. Given the significant stretch on I-94, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the interstate to ensure you don't run low during that 138.6-mile segment. Preparing your vehicle for a long-distance highway run is essential, as the high-speed nature of the drive leaves little room for frequent stops. Prioritize comfort and hydration to keep your energy levels steady until you pull into Dickinson.

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 132.4 miles from Fort Totten, ND, or about 2h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.6 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 58 miles or 1h 18m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 132.4 miles or 2h 43m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 5m

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 Fort Totten, 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 Fort Totten, ND

This is one driving day of about 264.8 miles and 4h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Fort Totten, 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 138.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Goodrich, ND, ND

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Goodrich, ND

132 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

Munster, ND

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bismarck, ND

Meal break

The midpoint is around 132.4 miles from Fort Totten, 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 138.6 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Dickinson, North Dakota

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.8

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+17014831841

Visit website

Classic Rock Coffee and Kitchen

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mandan, North Dakota

1.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Faithful Blend

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dickinson, North Dakota

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 264.8

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+17014838780

Visit website

Daily Perks

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dickinson, North Dakota

0.7 mi

Daily Perks

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dickinson, North Dakota

1 mi

Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+17014831841

Visit website

Classic Rock Coffee and Kitchen

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.2

Mandan, North Dakota

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+17012268533

Visit website

India Clay Oven Bar and Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 170.2

Bismarck, North Dakota

Hours: 11 am–2:15 pm

+17017512975

Visit website

JOMO HOUSE

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.2

Bismarck, North Dakota

Hours: 8:30 am–8:30 pm

+17017510903

Visit website

The Gifted Bean Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 170.2

Bismarck, North Dakota

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+17017510455

Visit website

Denny's Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.2

Bismarck, North Dakota

Hours: 7 am–12 pm

+17012232015

Visit website

Paradiso Mexican Restaurant

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.2

Bismarck, North Dakota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17012241111

Visit website

Faithful Blend

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+17014838780

Visit website

Daily Perks

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Daily Perks

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+17014835282

Visit website

Daily Perks

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 170.2

Mandan, North Dakota

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

Copper Dog Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.2

Mandan, North Dakota

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17017518048

Visit website

Serendipity Coffee Drive-thru

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

+17014831946

Visit website

Buckin Bean Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 170.2

Mandan, North Dakota

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

+17019894116

Good Humanity Coffee

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17015902645

Blink Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Circuit Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

+18006869243

Visit website

InCharge Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 264.8

Dickinson, North Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

North Dakota State Capitol

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 170.2

Bismarck, North Dakota

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17013282471

Visit website

Sakakawea Statue

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 170.2

Bismarck, North Dakota

Hours: 7:15 am–5:30 pm

+17013282666

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 263.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road

Turn right onto BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road

Navigation decision point

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | BIA 7 / 3rd Avenue North

Turn left onto BIA 7 / 3rd Avenue North

Navigation decision point

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | BIA 7 / Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7

Turn right onto BIA 7 / Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7

Navigation decision point

5
1.1 mi into trip | ~3m in | ND 57 / State Highway 57

At end of road, turn left onto ND 57 / State Highway 57

Navigation decision point

5
263.5 mi into trip | ~4h 50m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.40 one way

$82.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 93 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $45.45 $90.91
premium $4.89 $50.96 $101.92
diesel $5.61 $58.46 $116.93

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 92.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 79.4 0 $27.80 $12.71
Efficient EV 66.2 0 $23.17 $10.59
EV Truck/SUV 105.9 1 $37.07 $16.95

Gas CO2

93 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Fort Totten, ND

Evening in Fort Totten on Saturday

Local time

8:29 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dickinson, ND

Evening in Dickinson on Saturday

Local time

7:29 PM

MDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

46°F

Goodrich, ND

132 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

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

8 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 52m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highly efficient experience, as 99% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-94, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 138.6 miles that allows for steady cruising. The profile is strictly highway-focused, prioritizing speed and connectivity over winding local backroads. While the landscape remains consistent across the Great Plains, the transition from smaller state routes to the main interstate provides a noticeable shift in traffic flow and pace. By staying on these primary arteries, you can maintain a consistent rhythm behind the wheel for the duration of the nearly five-hour trip.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 138.6 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and State Highway 3. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 52m drive. You will face about 16 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (BIA 7 / 3rd Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (BIA 7 / Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7): Navigation decision point.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 52m. Total distance: 264.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 138.6 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through ND can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (BIA 6 / Ephriam Hill Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (BIA 7 / 3rd Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (BIA 7 / Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 7): Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Dickinson, ND, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Dickinson, ND to Fort Totten, ND

Plan the drive back the other way.

265 mi 4h 52m

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