How far is Lead, SD from Madison, SD?
The driving distance from Lead, SD to Madison, SD is about 386.6 miles (622.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 330.4 miles (531.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 32m 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 46m.
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 Madison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lead and Madison.
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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
232.3 mi · 3 hr 38 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward SD 25: Emery, Farmer
1688 ft · 48 sec
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13
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
23.8 mi · 28 min · SD Highway 25
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14
Turn right onto SD Highway 34
26.6 mi · 38 min · SD Highway 34
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15
Continue on Northwest 2nd Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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16
Turn right onto North Egan Avenue
117 m · 13 sec · North Egan Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Egan Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lead and Madison.
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
232 mi · 03h 38m
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 Madison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lead to Madison?
The road trip is about 386.6 miles (622.2 km) and usually takes 05h 46m 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 193.2 miles from Lead and 193.4 miles from Madison.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 330.4 miles (531.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 56.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:28 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $51.44 one way or $102.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 121.2 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Lead and Madison, 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 Madison.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lead and Madison. Straight-line distance: 330.35 mi (531.65 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 Madison
City in Lake County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,064 |
| Coordinates | 44.0060800, -97.1139500 |
| Altitude | 511 |
| Country | United States |
End: 1st Street Northeast (-97.113951, 44.006124)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 622 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 12h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $51.44 | $102.87 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $58.01 | $116.02 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $63.48 | $126.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $72.35 | $144.69 |
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.