How far is Jefferson, SD from Yankton, SD?
The driving distance from Jefferson, SD to Yankton, SD is about 51.2 miles (82.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.4 miles (74.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 42m 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 00h 51m.
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.
County seat of Clay County, South Dakota, United States
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 Jefferson and Yankton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson and Yankton.
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1
Start on South 3rd Street
17 m · 8 sec · South 3rd Street
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2
Turn left onto Main Street
1163 ft · 24 sec · Main Street
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3
Turn left onto West Dakota Street
1.1 km · 1 min · West Dakota Street
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4
Take the ramp slight right
1219 ft · 30 sec
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5
Merge slight left
16.8 mi · 16 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward SD 50: Vermillion, Yankton
1139 ft · 33 sec
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7
Turn left onto SD Highway 50
29.1 mi · 34 min · SD Highway 50
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8
Continue on East 4th Street
3.8 mi · 4 min · East 4th Street
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9
Continue on West 4th Street
1391 ft · 26 sec · West 4th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Jefferson and Yankton.
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 50
Turn left onto SD Highway 50
29.1 mi · 00h 34m
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 Jefferson and Sunny near Yankton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Jefferson to Yankton?
The road trip is about 51.2 miles (82.4 km) and usually takes 00h 51m 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?
Vermillion is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.5 miles from Jefferson and 25.6 miles from Yankton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.4 miles (74.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.8 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 4:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.83 one way or $13.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Jefferson and Sunny near Yankton.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Jefferson and Yankton. Straight-line distance: 46.4 mi (74.68 km).
#1 Jefferson
City in South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,159 |
| Coordinates | 42.6025000, -96.5592000 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Yankton
County seat of Yankton County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 14,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.8711100, -97.3972800 |
| Altitude | 368 |
| Country | United States |
End: West 4th Street (-97.397278, 42.871173)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 82 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.83 | $13.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.70 | $15.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.42 | $16.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.60 | $19.20 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.