$274 Cheap Flights to Watertown, SD

Flights to Watertown at a glance

Traveling to Watertown is easy; you can choose from either full-service or budget airlines. By comparing flight schedules and journey times, you can find the best flights to Watertown that align with your budget and plans to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports in and around Watertown: Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Watertown Regional Airport (ATY)
• Closest airport to Watertown: Watertown Regional Airport, ATY (within Watertown)
• Flights per week: 1,400+ flights arriving across Watertown airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Watertown: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports in and around Watertown

Watertown is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking scenic beauty, romance, adventure, wellness, and relaxation. Conveniently accessible via two major airports, including the Watertown Regional Airport, it offers travelers a gateway to explore all that this delightful destination has to offer.

• Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD): Situated in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, approximately 93 miles from Watertown, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, connecting to over 145 cities in the U.S. and more than 25 global destinations. Travelers can opt for enhanced comfort by choosing first class or premium economy seating, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines at this airport include American Airlines, United, and Delta.
• Watertown Regional Airport (ATY): Found in Codington County, South Dakota, this airport primarily serves domestic flights, linking to about 5 cities nationwide. Key airlines operating from Watertown include Key Lime DBA Denver Air Connection, United, and Delta, providing convenient options for local travelers.

Top routes to Watertown

• Denver (DEN) to Watertown (FSD/ATY), with one-way airfare from around $45
• Chicago (ORD) to Watertown (FSD/ATY), with one-way flight options from around $90
• Phoenix (PHX) to Watertown (FSD/ATY), with one-way flights starting at around $100
• Seattle (SEA) to Watertown (FSD/ATY), with one-way fares starting at around $120
• Portland (PWM/PDX) to Watertown (FSD), with one-way airfare from around $100

Cheapest routes to Watertown

• Denver (DEN) to Watertown (FSD/ATY), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $45
• Chicago (ORD) to Watertown (FSD/ATY), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $90
• Minneapolis (MSP) to Watertown (FSD/ATY), with budget one-way fares from around $95
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Watertown (FSD), with affordable one-way prices from around $100
• Nashville (BNA) to Watertown (FSD), with budget one-way fares from around $100

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Watertown

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), this airline represents about 36% of arrivals in Watertown. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of around $300, with the possibility of first-class service based on the route.
• United: With services to both Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) and Watertown Regional Airport (ATY), United accounts for approximately 36% of Watertown's arrivals. The average one-way fare is around $280, and first-class service might be available depending on the route.
• Delta: Providing flights to both Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) and Watertown Regional Airport (ATY), Delta is responsible for about 21% of arrivals in Watertown. The average one-way ticket costs around $230, with options for premium economy and first-class service on certain routes.
• Frontier Airlines: This airline operates flights to Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) and makes up roughly 6% of the arrivals in Watertown. Travelers can find average one-way fares around $160, making it a budget-friendly choice.
• Key Lime DBA Denver Air Connection: Serving Watertown Regional Airport (ATY), this airline accounts for about 1% of arrivals to Watertown. The typical one-way fare is approximately $110, offering an economical option for those traveling to the area.

Best time to fly to Watertown

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Watertown are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Watertown can reach up to 71.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 62.6°F. For better deals, May and July usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $245, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? August and September offer average one-way fares of around $251, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Watertown

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Watertown is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Watertown hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Watertown flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Watertown

Watertown welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Watertown efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Watertown, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Watertown is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Watertown on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Watertown

• Castlewood: Located 13 miles drive away from Watertown, Castlewood is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a romantic getaway. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Poinsett, ideal for a beach day or a peaceful picnic. For a cultural experience, the Terry Redlin Museum showcases stunning art, while the Goss Opera Hall serves as a venue for various events. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby national and state parks, providing ample opportunities for hiking and exploration.
• Hayti: Hayti is located 17 miles drive away from Watertown and is an excellent destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and scenic landscapes. Lake Poinsett, a short drive away, offers a serene setting for romantic outings or outdoor activities. The Redlin Art Center features impressive art collections that culture aficionados will cherish. History buffs can explore the Codington County Heritage Museum, which provides a glimpse into the region's past, making Hayti a well-rounded stop on your travels.
• Kranzburg: Kranzburg is located 12 miles drive away from Watertown and is a delightful city for visitors seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. The town’s proximity to various lakes enhances its appeal for those looking to unwind in a picturesque environment. Art lovers can visit the Terry Redlin Museum, while the Goss Opera Hall and Codington County Heritage Museum offer cultural and historical insights. Kranzburg’s tranquil surroundings make it a lovely spot for a romantic retreat or a peaceful day trip.

Tips for short-haul flights to Watertown

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating outfits wisely. This approach also helps you avoid waiting for your luggage at baggage claim after your flight.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment options. Download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to reach the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking traffic and security lines into account.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Watertown

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow you to select your seat even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, find a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to rest or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Watertown

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Watertown on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to Watertown. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Watertown. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Watertown, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Watertown

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Watertown in 2026 starts from $625, while one-way tickets start from from $274. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Watertown. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Watertown

United, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Watertown. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Watertown and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Watertown, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Watertown. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Watertown plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Watertown

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Watertown.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Watertown are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Watertown. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Watertown for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Watertown. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Watertown flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Watertown. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.