How far is Fort Thompson, SD from Sturgis, SD?
The driving distance from Fort Thompson, SD to Sturgis, SD is about 237.7 miles (382.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 202.9 miles (326.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 57m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 28m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Sunny
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Thompson and Sturgis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Thompson and Sturgis.
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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
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5
Take the ramp right
1241 ft · 30 sec
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6
Merge slight left
216.1 mi · 3 hr 27 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 Business
1999 ft · 49 sec
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8
Keep slight right
1.1 mi · 2 min
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9
Turn right onto Edmunds Street
4 m · 1 sec · Edmunds Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Edmunds Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Thompson and Sturgis.
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
216 mi · 03h 27m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Fort Thompson and Mostly Clear near Sturgis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Thompson to Sturgis?
The road trip is about 237.7 miles (382.6 km) and usually takes 03h 28m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Kadoka is a useful midpoint, sitting about 118.7 miles from Fort Thompson and 119 miles from Sturgis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 202.9 miles (326.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:02 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.64 one way or $63.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 74.6 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 Sturgis, 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 Mostly Clear near Sturgis.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Thompson and Sturgis. Straight-line distance: 202.88 mi (326.5 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 Sturgis
City in and county seat of Meade County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 6,978 |
| Coordinates | 44.4097100, -103.5090800 |
| Altitude | 1043 |
| Country | United States |
End: Edmunds Street (-103.50908, 44.409706)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 383 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.64 | $63.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $35.68 | $71.37 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.05 | $78.09 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $44.50 | $89.00 |
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.