How far is Fort Pierre, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Fort Pierre, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 172.4 miles (277.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.7 miles (229.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 36m 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 02h 48m.
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 sear of in Jackson County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Snow Showers
Snow Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Pierre and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Pierre and Rapid City.
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1
Start on South 1st Street
2896 ft · 38 sec · South 1st Street
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2
Continue on South US Highway 83
30.6 mi · 35 min · South US Highway 83
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3
Take the exit slight right
95.4 mi · 1 hr 30 min
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4
Continue straight
59.9 mi · 58 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 190, US 16: Downtown, Black Hawk National Forest, Mount Rushmore
2265 ft · 1 min
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6
Continue straight
1.4 mi · 2 min
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7
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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8
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 46 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Pierre 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.
South US Highway 83
Take the exit slight right
95.4 mi · 01h 30m
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.
Chance Snow Showers leaving Fort Pierre and Snow Showers Likely near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Pierre to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 172.4 miles (277.4 km) and usually takes 02h 48m 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?
Kadoka is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94.3 miles from Fort Pierre and 78.1 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.7 miles (229.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.7 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 12:54 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.93 one way or $45.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Snow Showers around Fort Pierre and Snow Showers Likely near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Pierre and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 142.74 mi (229.71 km).
#1 Fort Pierre
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 2,236 |
| Coordinates | 44.3535900, -100.3737400 |
| Altitude | 437 |
| 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: 277 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.93 | $45.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.86 | $51.72 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.30 | $56.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.25 | $64.50 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.