How far is Lead, SD from Box Elder, SD?
The driving distance from Lead, SD to Box Elder, SD is about 51.5 miles (82.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 03m 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 01h 01m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Meade County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lead and Box Elder.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lead and Box Elder.
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1
Start on the route
31 m · 13 sec
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2
Turn left onto West Main Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
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3
Continue on US Highway 85
897 ft · 15 sec · US Highway 85
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4
Continue on Cliff Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Cliff Street
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5
Continue on Charles Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Charles Street
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6
Merge slight left onto Pioneer Way
1784 ft · 25 sec · Pioneer Way
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7
Continue on Main Street
9.3 mi · 11 min · Main Street
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8
Continue on Boulder Canyon Road
1.1 mi · 1 min · Boulder Canyon Road
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9
Continue on Lazelle Street
1.1 mi · 1 min · Lazelle Street
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10
Take the exit right
33.5 mi · 35 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Box Elder, Elisworth AirForce Base, Commercial Gate
1711 ft · 27 sec
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12
Continue on Box Elder, Elisworth AirForce Base, Commercial Gate
1314 ft · 20 sec
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13
Continue on Highway 1416
2.1 mi · 3 min · Highway 1416
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14
Turn right onto Oak Street
111 m · 18 sec · Oak Street
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15
Turn right onto Front Street
29 m · 4 sec · Front Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lead and Box Elder.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Lazelle Street
Take the exit right
33.5 mi · 00h 35m
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.
Rain And Snow leaving Lead 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 Lead to Box Elder?
The road trip is about 51.5 miles (82.9 km) and usually takes 01h 01m 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?
Piedmont is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.7 miles from Lead and 25.8 miles from Box Elder.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.2 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:26 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.86 one way or $13.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain And Snow around Lead and Light Rain Likely near Box Elder.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lead and Box Elder. Straight-line distance: 38.28 mi (61.6 km).
#1 Lead
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 2,947 |
| Coordinates | 44.3522100, -103.7652000 |
| Altitude | 1589 |
| 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: 83 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 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 | $6.86 | $13.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.74 | $15.48 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.47 | $16.94 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.65 | $19.31 |
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.