How far is Hot Springs, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Hot Springs, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 57.1 miles (91.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.5 miles (74.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 56m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
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 00h 58m.
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.
Town in South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Hot Springs and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hot Springs and Rapid City.
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1
Start on the route
28 m · 9 sec
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2
Turn right onto University Avenue
64 m · 15 sec · University Avenue
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3
Turn left onto South Chicago Street
1817 ft · 31 sec · South Chicago Street
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4
Continue on Jensen Highway
1.1 km · 1 min · Jensen Highway
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5
Continue on Fall River Road
4 mi · 5 min · Fall River Road
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6
Turn left onto SD Highway 79
6.2 mi · 7 min · SD Highway 79
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7
Continue on Highway 79
9.6 mi · 10 min · Highway 79
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8
Continue on SD Highway 79
9.7 mi · 10 min · SD Highway 79
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9
Continue on South Highway 79
8.1 mi · 9 min · South Highway 79
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10
Continue on South Heartland Expressway
2172 ft · 34 sec · South Heartland Expressway
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11
Continue on South Highway 79
13.6 mi · 16 min · South Highway 79
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12
Continue on Cambell Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Cambell Street
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13
Turn slight right onto East Saint Joseph Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Saint Joseph Street
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14
Continue on East Main Street
1.4 mi · 4 min · East Main Street
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15
Turn left onto Mount Rushmore Road
130 m · 17 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Hot Springs and Rapid City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
South Highway 79
Continue on South Highway 79
13.6 mi · 00h 16m
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 Hot Springs and Sunny near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Hot Springs to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 57.1 miles (91.9 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?
Fairburn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.5 miles from Hot Springs and 28.6 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.5 miles (74.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.6 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 MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:34 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.62 one way or $15.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Hot Springs and Sunny near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hot Springs and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 46.45 mi (74.75 km).
#1 Hot Springs
City in Fall River County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 3,502 |
| Coordinates | 43.4316500, -103.4743600 |
| Altitude | 1051 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rapid City
The second most populous city in South Dakota.
| Population | 77,503 |
| Coordinates | 44.0805400, -103.2310100 |
| Altitude | 988 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mount Rushmore Road (-103.231059, 44.080547)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 92 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.62 | $15.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.59 | $17.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.40 | $18.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.71 | $21.43 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.