How far is Lemmon, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Lemmon, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 191.3 miles (307.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 138.8 miles (223.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 34m 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 03h 17m.
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.
Human settlement in Meade County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lemmon and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lemmon and Rapid City.
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1
Start on Main Avenue
2146 ft · 1 min · Main Avenue
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2
Turn right onto 10th Street West
1.4 km · 1 min · 10th Street West
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 73
28.2 mi · 42 min · State Highway 73
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4
Continue on State Highway 20
6 mi · 9 min · State Highway 20
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5
Continue on State Highway 73
29.9 mi · 44 min · State Highway 73
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6
At the end of the road, turn left
3.2 mi · 5 min
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7
Turn right onto West 5th Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · West 5th Avenue
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8
Continue on State Highway 73
27.4 mi · 41 min · State Highway 73
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9
At the end of the road, turn right onto SD Highway 34
76.2 mi · 1 hr 27 min · SD Highway 34
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10
Continue on Lazelle Street
1.1 mi · 1 min · Lazelle Street
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11
Turn left onto Junction Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Junction Avenue
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12
Take the ramp slight left
1546 ft · 39 sec
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13
Merge slight left
24.9 mi · 25 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward I 190: Mount Rushmore, Downtown
1.5 mi · 2 min
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15
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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16
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 48 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lemmon and Rapid City.
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 34
At the end of the road, turn right onto SD Highway 34
76.2 mi · 01h 27m
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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Lemmon and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lemmon to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 191.3 miles (307.8 km) and usually takes 03h 17m 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?
Plainview is a useful midpoint, sitting about 101.3 miles from Lemmon and 90 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 138.8 miles (223.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 52.5 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 10:26 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.45 one way or $50.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Lemmon and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lemmon and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 138.78 mi (223.35 km).
#1 Lemmon
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 1,160 |
| Coordinates | 45.9408300, -102.1593200 |
| Altitude | 783 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rapid City
The second most populous city in South Dakota.
| Population | 77,503 |
| Coordinates | 44.0805400, -103.2310100 |
| Altitude | 988 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mount Rushmore Road (-103.231059, 44.080547)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 308 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.45 | $50.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.71 | $57.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.41 | $62.83 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.80 | $71.60 |
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.