How far is Custer, SD from Brandon, SD?
The driving distance from Custer, SD to Brandon, SD is about 392.1 miles (631.1 km), with a travel time of about 05h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 351.2 miles (565.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 38m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 05h 49m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Census-designated place in Lyman County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain And Snow Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Custer and Brandon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Custer and Brandon.
-
1
Start on Mount Rushmore Road
128 m · 19 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
-
2
Turn right onto North 5th Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · North 5th Street
-
3
Continue on US Highway 16/385
6 mi · 8 min · US Highway 16/385
-
4
Continue on Highway 385
6.1 mi · 8 min · Highway 385
-
5
Continue on Main Street
1315 ft · 32 sec · Main Street
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward Railroad Avenue
2982 ft · 1 min · Railroad Avenue
-
7
Turn right onto East Main Street
2914 ft · 1 min · East Main Street
-
8
Continue on Highway 385
3 mi · 5 min · Highway 385
-
9
Continue on South Highway 16
17.7 mi · 22 min · South Highway 16
-
10
Continue on Mount Rushmore Road
1 mi · 1 min · Mount Rushmore Road
-
11
Take the exit slight right
577 ft · 12 sec
-
12
Merge slight left onto Catron Boulevard
3.3 mi · 5 min · Catron Boulevard
-
13
Continue on Elk Vale Road
5.3 mi · 7 min · Elk Vale Road
-
14
Take the exit slight right
2710 ft · 1 min
-
15
Merge slight left
344.2 mi · 5 hr 26 min
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward SD 11: Corson, Brandon
1100 ft · 27 sec
-
17
Keep slight right to continue on SD 11: Corson, Brandon
69 m · 6 sec
-
18
Turn slight right onto North Splitrock Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · North Splitrock Boulevard
-
19
Turn left onto East Sylvan Circle
33 m · 12 sec · East Sylvan Circle
-
20
Turn left onto North Pipestone Street
13 m · 2 sec · North Pipestone Street
-
21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Pipestone Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Custer and Brandon.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Elk Vale Road
Merge slight left
344 mi · 05h 26m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Rain And Snow Likely leaving Custer and Chance Rain Showers near Brandon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Custer to Brandon?
The road trip is about 392.1 miles (631.1 km) and usually takes 05h 49m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Vivian is a useful midpoint, sitting about 195.1 miles from Custer and 197 miles from Brandon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 351.2 miles (565.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:22 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $52.19 one way or $104.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 123 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Custer and Brandon, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain And Snow Likely around Custer and Chance Rain Showers near Brandon.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Custer and Brandon. Straight-line distance: 351.21 mi (565.22 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Brandon
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 10,168 |
| Coordinates | 43.5947000, -96.5719900 |
| Altitude | 413 |
| Country | United States |
End: Pipestone Street (-96.57196, 43.594698)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 631 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 13h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $52.19 | $104.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $58.86 | $117.72 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $64.41 | $128.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $73.41 | $146.81 |
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.