How far is Fort Thompson, SD from Pierre, SD?
The driving distance from Fort Thompson, SD to Pierre, SD is about 60.5 miles (97.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49.7 miles (80 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 10m 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 01h 05m.
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 Lyman County, South Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Thompson and Pierre.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Thompson and Pierre.
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1
Start on BIA Route 4
20 m · 2 sec · BIA Route 4
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2
Continue on SD Highway 47
3097 ft · 52 sec · SD Highway 47
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3
Continue on SD Highway 34
8.1 mi · 12 min · SD Highway 34
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4
Continue on SD Highway 47
4.3 mi · 6 min · SD Highway 47
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5
Turn left onto SD Highway 34
46.5 mi · 1 hr 9 min · SD Highway 34
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6
Continue on South Washington Avenue
131 m · 8 sec · South Washington Avenue
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7
Continue on East Sioux Avenue
1.2 km · 60 sec · East Sioux Avenue
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8
Turn right onto South Pierre Street
1115 ft · 25 sec · South Pierre Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Euclid Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Thompson and Pierre.
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
Turn left onto SD Highway 34
46.5 mi · 01h 09m
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 Pierre.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Thompson to Pierre?
The road trip is about 60.5 miles (97.3 km) and usually takes 01h 05m 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?
Lower Brule is a useful midpoint, sitting about 30.2 miles from Fort Thompson and 30.3 miles from Pierre.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.7 miles (80 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.8 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 4:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.03 one way or $16.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Thompson and Sunny near Pierre.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Thompson and Pierre. Straight-line distance: 49.73 mi (80.03 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 Pierre
Capital city of South Dakota and county seat of Hughes County
| Population | 13,708 |
| Coordinates | 44.3683200, -100.3509700 |
| Altitude | 451 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Euclid Avenue (-100.350889, 44.368274)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 97 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.03 | $16.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.06 | $18.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.91 | $19.83 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.30 | $22.60 |
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.