How far is Fort Thompson, SD from Harrisburg, SD?
The driving distance from Fort Thompson, SD to Harrisburg, SD is about 173.2 miles (278.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 143.7 miles (231.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 23m 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 41m.
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 South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Thompson and Harrisburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Thompson and Harrisburg.
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1
Start on BIA Route 4
20 m · 2 sec · BIA Route 4
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2
Turn right onto SD Highway 249
1.1 mi · 2 min · SD Highway 249
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3
Turn straight onto SD Highway 34
4.6 mi · 7 min · SD Highway 34
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4
Turn right onto SD Highway 50
18.8 mi · 28 min · SD Highway 50
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5
Continue on North Main Street
1.5 km · 2 min · North Main Street
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6
Turn left onto East Mott Avenue
101 m · 17 sec · East Mott Avenue
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7
Turn right onto North Sanborn Street
1625 ft · 1 min · North Sanborn Street
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8
Turn left onto East King Street
3.2 mi · 5 min · East King Street
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9
Take the ramp left toward I 90 East
1848 ft · 45 sec
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10
Merge slight left
129.9 mi · 2 hr 2 min
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11
Take the exit slight right
2349 ft · 57 sec
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12
Merge slight left
12.2 mi · 14 min
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13
Take the exit slight right
1448 ft · 41 sec
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14
Turn left onto 273rd Street
3.5 mi · 6 min · 273rd Street
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15
Continue on West Willow Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · West Willow Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Willow Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Thompson and Harrisburg.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 90 East
Merge slight left
130 mi · 02h 02m
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 Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Harrisburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Thompson to Harrisburg?
The road trip is about 173.2 miles (278.7 km) and usually takes 02h 41m 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?
Mount Vernon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.5 miles from Fort Thompson and 84.6 miles from Harrisburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 143.7 miles (231.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.5 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.04 one way or $46.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Thompson and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Harrisburg.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Thompson and Harrisburg. Straight-line distance: 143.69 mi (231.24 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 Harrisburg
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 7,126 |
| Coordinates | 43.4313700, -96.6972700 |
| Altitude | 435 |
| Country | United States |
End: Willow Street (-96.697271, 43.431465)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 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 | $23.04 | $46.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.99 | $51.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.44 | $56.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.41 | $64.81 |
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 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.