How far is Fort Thompson, SD from Box Elder, SD?
The driving distance from Fort Thompson, SD to Box Elder, SD is about 203.3 miles (327.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 180.2 miles (290 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 57m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
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 58m.
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 South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Thompson and Box Elder.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Thompson and Box Elder.
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1
Start on BIA Route 4
20 m · 9 sec · BIA Route 4
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2
Turn sharp left onto SD Highway 47
2.2 mi · 3 min · SD Highway 47
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3
Continue on SD Highway 47
17.2 mi · 26 min · SD Highway 47
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4
Continue straight
1.1 km · 1 min
-
5
Take the ramp right
1241 ft · 30 sec
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6
Merge slight left
181.2 mi · 2 hr 50 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward Box Elder, Elisworth AirForce Base
1962 ft · 48 sec
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8
Keep slight left
28 m · 7 sec
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9
Turn left onto Liberty Boulevard
2562 ft · 52 sec · Liberty Boulevard
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10
Turn right onto Highway 1416
1.5 km · 2 min · Highway 1416
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11
Turn left onto Oak Street
671 ft · 32 sec · Oak Street
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12
Turn right onto Front Street
29 m · 4 sec · Front Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Thompson and Box Elder.
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 47
Merge slight left
181 mi · 02h 50m
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 Fort Thompson and Sunny near Box Elder.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Thompson to Box Elder?
The road trip is about 203.3 miles (327.2 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Belvidere is a useful midpoint, sitting about 101.5 miles from Fort Thompson and 101.7 miles from Box Elder.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 180.2 miles (290 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.1 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.04 one way or $54.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 63.7 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Fort Thompson and Box Elder, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Thompson and Sunny near Box Elder.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Thompson and Box Elder. Straight-line distance: 180.17 mi (289.95 km).
#1 Fort Thompson
Census-designated place in Buffalo County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,282 |
| Coordinates | 44.0686000, -99.4378800 |
| Altitude | 439 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Box Elder
City in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,165 |
| Coordinates | 44.1124900, -103.0682300 |
| Altitude | 925 |
| Country | United States |
End: Front Street (-103.068237, 44.112405)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 327 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.04 | $54.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.49 | $60.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.37 | $66.74 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.03 | $76.06 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.