How far is Belle Fourche, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Belle Fourche, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 55.2 miles (88.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 49m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 54m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and county seat of Meade County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Belle Fourche and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Belle Fourche and Rapid City.
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1
Start on 6th Avenue
8 m · 7 sec · 6th Avenue
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2
Turn left onto State Street
117 m · 21 sec · State Street
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3
Turn left onto 5th Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · 5th Avenue
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4
Turn left onto SD Highway 34
17.5 mi · 21 min · SD Highway 34
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5
Take the ramp left
10.7 mi · 11 min
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6
Continue straight
23.3 mi · 24 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 190: Mount Rushmore, Downtown
1.5 mi · 2 min
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8
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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9
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 48 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Belle Fourche and Rapid City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
SD Highway 34
Continue straight
23.3 mi · 00h 24m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Belle Fourche and Sunny near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Belle Fourche to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 55.2 miles (88.8 km) and usually takes 00h 54m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Sturgis is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.5 miles from Belle Fourche and 27.6 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:40 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.35 one way or $14.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Belle Fourche and Sunny near Rapid City.
Stop Ideas Near Sturgis
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Inn
Lead City Hall
City of Sturgis SD
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Sturgis.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Belle Fourche and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 51.06 mi (82.18 km).
#1 Belle Fourche
City in and county seat of Butte County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 5,742 |
| Coordinates | 44.6713700, -103.8521500 |
| Altitude | 921 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rapid City
The second most populous city in South Dakota.
| Population | 77,503 |
| Coordinates | 44.0805400, -103.2310100 |
| Altitude | 988 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mount Rushmore Road (-103.231059, 44.080547)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 89 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.35 | $14.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.29 | $16.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.08 | $18.15 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.34 | $20.69 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in South Dakota · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.