How far is Lead, SD from Yankton, SD?
The driving distance from Lead, SD to Yankton, SD is about 401.1 miles (645.5 km), with a travel time of about 06h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 334.5 miles (538.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 12h 17m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 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 06h 08m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
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 Yankton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lead and Yankton.
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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
246.2 mi · 3 hr 51 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 81: Salem, Yankton
1983 ft · 50 sec
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13
Turn right onto US Highway 81
35.8 mi · 41 min · US Highway 81
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14
Continue on 291st Street
1.3 km · 55 sec · 291st Street
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15
Continue on US Highway 81
15.6 mi · 18 min · US Highway 81
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16
Continue on Broadway Avenue
4.6 mi · 5 min · Broadway Avenue
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17
Turn right onto West 4th Street
15 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lead and Yankton.
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
246 mi · 03h 51m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
Better with a longer stop
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
Rain And Snow leaving Lead and Chance Rain Showers near Yankton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lead to Yankton?
The road trip is about 401.1 miles (645.5 km) and usually takes 06h 08m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Vivian is a useful midpoint, sitting about 202.8 miles from Lead and 198.3 miles from Yankton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 334.5 miles (538.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 66.6 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 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM MDT. Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $53.36 one way or $106.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 125.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Lead and Yankton, 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 Yankton.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lead and Yankton. Straight-line distance: 334.49 mi (538.31 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 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: 645 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 13h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 10h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 08h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 05h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $53.36 | $106.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $60.18 | $120.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $65.85 | $131.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $75.05 | $150.10 |
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.