How far is Box Elder, SD from Custer, SD?
The driving distance from Box Elder, SD to Custer, SD is about 49.8 miles (80.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.6 miles (57.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 19m 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 01h 09m.
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.
Town in Pennington County, South Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Box Elder and Custer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Box Elder and Custer.
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1
Start on Front Street
652 ft · 31 sec · Front Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto South Ellsworth Road
560 ft · 21 sec · South Ellsworth Road
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3
Turn left onto Highway 1416
2 mi · 3 min · Highway 1416
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4
Take the ramp straight
1.2 km · 2 min
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5
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 16 Truck, ND 79 South: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse
1470 ft · 36 sec
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7
Keep slight left
869 ft · 23 sec
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8
Continue on North Elk Vale Road
5.4 mi · 7 min · North Elk Vale Road
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9
Continue on East Catron Boulevard
1.2 mi · 2 min · East Catron Boulevard
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10
Continue on Catron Boulevard
2.2 mi · 3 min · Catron Boulevard
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11
Turn left onto Mount Rushmore Road
1.1 mi · 1 min · Mount Rushmore Road
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12
Continue on South Highway 16
17.5 mi · 22 min · South Highway 16
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13
Continue on Highway 385
3 mi · 5 min · Highway 385
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14
Continue on East Main Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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15
Continue on Highway 385
6.1 mi · 8 min · Highway 385
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16
Continue on US Highway 16/385
6 mi · 8 min · US Highway 16/385
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17
Continue on North 5th Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · North 5th Street
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18
Turn left onto Mount Rushmore Road
128 m · 10 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Box Elder and Custer.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
South Highway 16
Continue on South Highway 16
17.5 mi · 00h 22m
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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Box Elder and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Custer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Box Elder to Custer?
The road trip is about 49.8 miles (80.2 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
Keystone is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.9 miles from Box Elder and 24.9 miles from Custer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.6 miles (57.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.2 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 4:10 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.64 one way or $13.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Box Elder and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Custer.
Stop Ideas Near Keystone
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Willow Park
Hill City-City Hall
Rapid City City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Keystone.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Box Elder and Custer. Straight-line distance: 35.6 mi (57.3 km).
#1 Box Elder
City in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,165 |
| Coordinates | 44.1124900, -103.0682300 |
| Altitude | 925 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Custer
City in and county seat of Custer County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,926 |
| Coordinates | 43.7666500, -103.5988100 |
| Altitude | 1620 |
| Country | United States |
End: Custer (-103.59881, 43.76665)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.64 | $13.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.49 | $14.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.19 | $16.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.34 | $18.67 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.