How far is Madison, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Madison, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 345.9 miles (556.6 km), with a travel time of about 04h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 303.8 miles (488.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 48m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
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 04h 54m.
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 Lyman County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Madison and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madison and Rapid City.
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1
Start on North Egan Avenue
117 m · 18 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
26.6 mi · 38 min · SD Highway 34
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4
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
23.6 mi · 27 min · SD Highway 25
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5
Take the ramp right
1803 ft · 44 sec
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6
Merge slight left
292.2 mi · 4 hr 36 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 190, US 16: Downtown, Black Hawk National Forest, Mount Rushmore
2265 ft · 1 min
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8
Continue straight
1.4 mi · 2 min
-
9
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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10
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 48 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Madison and Rapid City.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
SD Highway 25
Merge slight left
292 mi · 04h 36m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Madison and Rain Showers Likely near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Madison to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 345.9 miles (556.6 km) and usually takes 04h 54m 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?
Presho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 172.9 miles from Madison and 173 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 303.8 miles (488.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.1 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $46.01 one way or $92.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 108.4 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Madison and Rapid City, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Madison and Rain Showers Likely near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Madison and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 303.78 mi (488.89 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 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: 557 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $46.01 | $92.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $51.89 | $103.77 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $56.78 | $113.56 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $64.71 | $129.42 |
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.