Abortion Travel Guide: Watertown to Boulder, CO

If you are traveling from the Watertown or Northeast South Dakota area for abortion care, Boulder Valley Health Center (BVHC) is here to support you every step of the way.

Accessing abortion care in South Dakota has become a significant challenge under the state’s near-total ban.

BVHC provides a safe, single-visit option in Boulder, Colorado, designed specifically for patients traveling long distances.

For detailed information about South Dakota abortion laws and Colorado’s legal protections, please visit our South Dakota Care Resources Page.

Planning Your Travel from Watertown to Boulder, CO

While this guide focuses on Watertown, we provide dedicated support for patients traveling from Watertown and surrounding communities in Northeast South Dakota, including Brookings, Aberdeen, Milbank, Sisseton, and Webster. Wherever you’re coming from in South Dakota, traveling to Colorado provides clarity, speed, and full access to care.

Flying to Denver

Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) offers limited commercial service, so many patients choose to fly from larger nearby airports for better scheduling flexibility and pricing to Denver International Airport (DEN).

Watertown Regional Airport (ATY):
Limited flights, typically requiring one or more connections.

Alternative Airports:

Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD): Approximately 2 hours south; best option with frequent direct flights to Denver
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): About 3.5–4 hours east; major hub with frequent direct service
Fargo Hector International Airport (FAR): Around 3 hours north; additional options depending on availability

Flight Time:
Direct flights from Sioux Falls or Minneapolis to Denver typically take 1.5–2 hours. Total travel time ranges from 2–5 hours depending on route and connections.

Many airlines offer frequent daily flights to Denver International Airport (DEN), making air travel the fastest and a practical option for many patients.

Flight Time:

Non-stop flights average approximately 2 hours.
One-stop flights typically range from 3-5 hours depending on connections.

Ground Transit from DEN to Boulder (45 minutes):

RTD SkyRide Bus (AB Route): Direct, affordable transportation between DEN and Boulder.
Ride-sharing Services/Taxis: Uber and Lyft operate regularly from the airport.
Rental Car: Multiple agencies are available onsite at DEN if you prefer private transportation.

Driving from the Watertown Area to Boulder

Some patients prefer to drive, especially when traveling with a trusted support person.

Distance: Approx. 600 miles
Driving Time: Roughly 9-10 hours of driving time.
Common Route: Most patients travel west via US-212 or I-29 to I-90, then connect south to I-25 in Colorado. This route is relatively direct and avoids heavier metropolitan traffic.

Overnight Stay: Depending on your pace of travel, planning one overnight stop will ensure you arrive rested and prepared for your appointment.

Parking at BVHC: If you are driving your own vehicle from Watertown or the surrounding communities, our clinic offers private, accessible parking specifically reserved for out-of-state patients.

Packing for Your Trip

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Phone, earbuds, and charger
A book or quiet activity
Pads and extra underwear
Personal comfort items for rest or travel

Patient Support: Our patient navigator team can help you plan arrival and departure times that align with your appointment, often minimizing the need for overnight lodging.

Single-Visit Appointment Model: Whenever medically appropriate, we prioritize Watertown travelers for single-day appointments so consultation and procedure can be completed in one visit.

Local Support for Watertown Residents

Traveling out of South Dakota for abortion care can feel overwhelming, but support is available.

Reputable South Dakota Support Organizations:

Prairie Abortion Fund: Direct financial assistance and practical travel support.
Justice Empowerment Network (JEN): Practical support for patients in the Dakotas region.
South Dakota Access for Every Woman: Dedicated abortion assistance fund.
National Abortion Federation (NAF) – Our financial navigators can help coordinate national funding assistance when you schedule your appointment.

BVHC Financial Navigators

When you call to schedule, mention you are traveling from out-of-state. We can help you explore financial assistance options and discuss payment options to reduce stress.

Why Choose Boulder Valley Health Center?

Many patients from Watertown choose BVHC for the following reasons:

Faster Access: We often have appointments available within 7 days, compared to longer wait times in neighboring states with limited clinic availability.
Single-Visit Care: Our care model is specifically structured for long-distance travelers, minimizing repeat trips and time away from home.
Legal Protection: Abortion is legal and constitutionally protected in Colorado under state Shield Laws, providing strong protections for out-of-state patients.
Trusted Experience: Founded in 1973, BVHC is Colorado’s first abortion clinic, with more than 50 years of experience serving patients from South Dakota.
Privacy & Confidentiality: Your medical information is kept strictly confidential and never shared without your consent.

Contact Boulder Valley Health Center

If you’re considering traveling to Boulder for abortion services, please call us to discuss and schedule an appointment. Unfortunately, we can NOT schedule abortion appointments online.

We’re here to answer your questions and provide high-quality, affordable, supportive, and respectful healthcare to all our patients.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturdays 8:30 am – 1:00 pm MT

Location: 2855 Valmont Road, Boulder, CO 80301

Additional Questions?

We understand that traveling for healthcare is a big decision. For detailed answers regarding medical safety, what to expect during your procedure, and aftercare, please visit our full guide for Out-of-State Patients.