How far is Madison, SD from Fort Thompson, SD?
The driving distance from Madison, SD to Fort Thompson, SD is about 117.8 miles (189.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.5 miles (185.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 28m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
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 02h 44m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Township in Sanborn County, South Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Madison and Fort Thompson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madison and Fort Thompson.
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1
Start on North Egan Avenue
117 m · 20 sec · North Egan Avenue
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2
Turn left onto Northwest 2nd Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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3
Continue on SD Highway 34
57.2 mi · 1 hr 14 min · SD Highway 34
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4
Continue on East 7th Street
1 mi · 2 min · East 7th Street
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5
Continue on SD Highway 34
57.1 mi · 1 hr 25 min · SD Highway 34
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6
Keep slight left to continue on SD Highway 249
1.1 mi · 2 min · SD Highway 249
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7
Turn left onto BIA Route 4
20 m · 2 sec · BIA Route 4
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · BIA Route 4
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Madison and Fort Thompson.
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
Continue on SD Highway 34
57.2 mi · 01h 14m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Madison and Sunny near Fort Thompson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Madison to Fort Thompson?
The road trip is about 117.8 miles (189.6 km) and usually takes 02h 44m 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?
Woonsocket is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.8 miles from Madison and 59 miles from Fort Thompson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.5 miles (185.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.3 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.69 one way or $31.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Madison and Sunny near Fort Thompson.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Madison and Fort Thompson. Straight-line distance: 115.51 mi (185.89 km).
#1 Madison
City in Lake County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,064 |
| Coordinates | 44.0060800, -97.1139500 |
| Altitude | 511 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fort Thompson
Census-designated place in Buffalo County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,282 |
| Coordinates | 44.0686000, -99.4378800 |
| Altitude | 439 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Thompson (-99.43788, 44.0686)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 190 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.69 | $31.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.69 | $35.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.36 | $38.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.06 | $44.13 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.