How far is Fort Thompson, SD from Madison, SD?
The driving distance from Fort Thompson, SD to Madison, SD is about 117.6 miles (189.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.5 miles (185.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 07m 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 03m.
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.
Township in Sanborn County, South Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Thompson and Madison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Thompson and Madison.
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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
57.1 mi · 1 hr 25 min · SD Highway 34
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4
Continue on West 7th Street
1 mi · 2 min · West 7th Street
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5
Continue on SD Highway 34
57.2 mi · 1 hr 14 min · SD Highway 34
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6
Continue on Northwest 2nd Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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7
Turn right onto North Egan Avenue
117 m · 13 sec · North Egan Avenue
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Egan Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Thompson and Madison.
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 34
Continue on SD Highway 34
57.2 mi · 01h 14m
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 Cloudy near Madison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Thompson to Madison?
The road trip is about 117.6 miles (189.3 km) and usually takes 02h 03m 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?
Woonsocket is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.8 miles from Fort Thompson and 58.9 miles from Madison.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.5 miles (185.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.1 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 2:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.65 one way or $31.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Thompson and Partly Cloudy near Madison.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Thompson and Madison. Straight-line distance: 115.51 mi (185.89 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 Madison
City in Lake County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,064 |
| Coordinates | 44.0060800, -97.1139500 |
| Altitude | 511 |
| Country | United States |
End: 1st Street Northeast (-97.113951, 44.006124)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 189 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.65 | $31.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.65 | $35.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.31 | $38.63 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.01 | $44.02 |
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.