How far is Box Elder, SD from Lead, SD?
The driving distance from Box Elder, SD to Lead, SD is about 51.8 miles (83.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 00m 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 00m.
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 Meade County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain Likely
Rain And Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Box Elder and Lead.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Box Elder and Lead.
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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
33.2 mi · 34 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 14A West, SD 34 East, SD 79 North: Deadwood, Lead
897 ft · 24 sec
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7
Turn left onto Lazelle Street
1.2 mi · 1 min · Lazelle Street
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8
Continue on Boulder Canyon Road
1.1 mi · 1 min · Boulder Canyon Road
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9
Continue on US Highway 14A
9.3 mi · 11 min · US Highway 14A
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10
Continue on Pioneer Way
2686 ft · 43 sec · Pioneer Way
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11
Turn left onto Pine Street
125 m · 10 sec · Pine Street
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12
Turn right onto Sherman Street
1 km · 59 sec · Sherman Street
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13
Continue on Cliff Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Cliff Street
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14
Continue on US Highway 85
897 ft · 15 sec · US Highway 85
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15
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
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16
Turn right
31 m · 8 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Box Elder and Lead.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Highway 1416
Merge slight left
33.2 mi · 00h 34m
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.
Light Rain Likely leaving Box Elder and Rain And Snow near Lead.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Box Elder to Lead?
The road trip is about 51.8 miles (83.4 km) and usually takes 01h 00m 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?
Piedmont is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.8 miles from Box Elder and 25.9 miles from Lead.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.5 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 4:30 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.90 one way or $13.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Box Elder and Rain And Snow near Lead.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Box Elder and Lead. Straight-line distance: 38.28 mi (61.6 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 Lead
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 2,947 |
| Coordinates | 44.3522100, -103.7652000 |
| Altitude | 1589 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lead (-103.7652, 44.35221)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 83 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.90 | $13.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.78 | $15.57 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.52 | $17.03 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.71 | $19.41 |
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.