How far is Harrisburg, SD from Fort Thompson, SD?
The driving distance from Harrisburg, SD to Fort Thompson, SD is about 177.6 miles (285.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 143.7 miles (231.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 25m 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 12m.
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 seat of Davison County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Harrisburg and Fort Thompson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harrisburg and Fort Thompson.
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1
Start on East Willow Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · East Willow Street
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2
Continue on 273rd Street
3.2 mi · 6 min · 273rd Street
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3
Take the ramp right
1644 ft · 40 sec
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4
Merge slight left
12.5 mi · 14 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 West: Rapid City
1236 ft · 30 sec
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6
Merge slight left
130.3 mi · 2 hr 3 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Chamberlain
2024 ft · 52 sec
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8
Turn right onto East King Street
3.1 mi · 5 min · East King Street
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9
Turn right onto South Main Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
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10
Continue on SD Highway 50
18.8 mi · 28 min · SD Highway 50
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11
Turn left onto SD Highway 34
4.6 mi · 7 min · SD Highway 34
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12
Keep slight left to continue on SD Highway 249
1.1 mi · 2 min · SD Highway 249
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13
Turn left onto BIA Route 4
20 m · 2 sec · BIA Route 4
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · BIA Route 4
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Harrisburg and Fort Thompson.
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 West
Merge slight left
130 mi · 02h 03m
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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Harrisburg and Sunny near Fort Thompson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Harrisburg to Fort Thompson?
The road trip is about 177.6 miles (285.9 km) and usually takes 03h 12m 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?
Mitchell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.7 miles from Harrisburg and 89 miles from Fort Thompson.
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 33.9 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 10:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.64 one way or $47.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Harrisburg and Sunny near Fort Thompson.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Harrisburg and Fort Thompson. Straight-line distance: 143.69 mi (231.24 km).
#1 Harrisburg
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 7,126 |
| Coordinates | 43.4313700, -96.6972700 |
| Altitude | 435 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: Fort Thompson (-99.43788, 44.0686)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 286 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.64 | $47.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.67 | $53.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.18 | $58.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.26 | $66.51 |
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.