How far is Lead, SD from Brandon, SD?
The driving distance from Lead, SD to Brandon, SD is about 394.9 miles (635.6 km), with a travel time of about 05h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 361.4 miles (581.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 38m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
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 05h 49m.
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.
Census-designated place in Lyman County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lead and Brandon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lead and Brandon.
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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
87.6 mi · 1 hr 27 min
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11
Continue straight
288.9 mi · 4 hr 33 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward SD 11: Corson, Brandon
1100 ft · 27 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on SD 11: Corson, Brandon
69 m · 6 sec
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14
Turn slight right onto North Splitrock Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · North Splitrock Boulevard
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15
Turn left onto East Sylvan Circle
33 m · 12 sec · East Sylvan Circle
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16
Turn left onto North Pipestone Street
13 m · 2 sec · North Pipestone Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Pipestone Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lead and Brandon.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Lazelle Street
Continue straight
289 mi · 04h 33m
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.
Rain And Snow leaving Lead and Chance Rain Showers near Brandon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lead to Brandon?
The road trip is about 394.9 miles (635.6 km) and usually takes 05h 49m 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?
Vivian is a useful midpoint, sitting about 196 miles from Lead and 199 miles from Brandon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 361.4 miles (581.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.5 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 MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:22 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $52.57 one way or $105.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 123.9 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Lead and Brandon, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain And Snow around Lead and Chance Rain Showers near Brandon.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lead and Brandon. Straight-line distance: 361.36 mi (581.55 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 Brandon
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 10,168 |
| Coordinates | 43.5947000, -96.5719900 |
| Altitude | 413 |
| Country | United States |
End: Pipestone Street (-96.57196, 43.594698)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 636 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 13h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $52.57 | $105.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $59.29 | $118.57 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $64.88 | $129.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $73.94 | $147.88 |
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.