How far is Freeman, SD from Box Elder, SD?
The driving distance from Freeman, SD to Box Elder, SD is about 322.2 miles (518.6 km), with a travel time of about 04h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 286 miles (460.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 13m 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 04h 36m.
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.
Human settlement in Lyman County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Freeman and Box Elder.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Freeman and Box Elder.
-
1
Start on East 3rd Street
9 m · 4 sec · East 3rd Street
-
2
Turn right onto South Main Street
1758 ft · 50 sec · South Main Street
-
3
At the end of the road, turn right onto East North County Road
1.4 km · 2 min · East North County Road
-
4
Turn left onto North US Highway 81
22.8 mi · 26 min · North US Highway 81
-
5
Take the exit left
2349 ft · 57 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
296.2 mi · 4 hr 38 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward Box Elder, Elisworth AirForce Base
1962 ft · 48 sec
-
8
Keep slight left
28 m · 7 sec
-
9
Turn left onto Liberty Boulevard
2562 ft · 52 sec · Liberty Boulevard
-
10
Turn right onto Highway 1416
1.5 km · 2 min · Highway 1416
-
11
Turn left onto Oak Street
671 ft · 32 sec · Oak Street
-
12
Turn right onto Front Street
29 m · 4 sec · Front Street
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Freeman and Box Elder.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
North US Highway 81
Merge slight left
296 mi · 04h 38m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Freeman and Light Rain Likely near Box Elder.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Freeman to Box Elder?
The road trip is about 322.2 miles (518.6 km) and usually takes 04h 36m 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?
Presho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 160.9 miles from Freeman and 161.3 miles from Box Elder.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 286 miles (460.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.2 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 7:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $42.88 one way or $85.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 101 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Freeman and Box Elder, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Freeman and Light Rain Likely near Box Elder.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Freeman and Box Elder. Straight-line distance: 285.92 mi (460.15 km).
#1 Freeman
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 1,255 |
| Coordinates | 43.3524900, -97.4372900 |
| Altitude | 461 |
| 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: 519 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $42.88 | $85.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $48.36 | $96.71 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $52.92 | $105.83 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $60.31 | $120.61 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.