How far is Medary, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Medary, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 385.1 miles (619.8 km), with a travel time of about 05h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 319.6 miles (514.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 03m 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 05h 31m.
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.
Town in Lyman County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Medary and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Medary and Rapid City.
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1
Start on 471st Avenue
4 mi · 5 min · 471st Avenue
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2
Turn left onto 223rd Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · 223rd Street
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3
Take the ramp right
1333 ft · 33 sec
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4
Merge slight left
37.1 mi · 35 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Interstate 90 West: Rapid City
2517 ft · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left
338.7 mi · 5 hr 20 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
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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 · 46 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 Medary and Rapid City.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Interstate 90 West
Merge slight left
339 mi · 05h 20m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Medary and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Medary to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 385.1 miles (619.8 km) and usually takes 05h 31m 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?
Reliance is a useful midpoint, sitting about 191.7 miles from Medary and 193.4 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 319.6 miles (514.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 65.5 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $51.25 one way or $102.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 120.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Medary and Rapid City, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Medary and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Medary and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 319.55 mi (514.27 km).
#1 Medary
Township in Brookings County, South Dakota
| Population | 1,504 |
| Coordinates | 44.2096900, -96.7867200 |
| Altitude | 480 |
| 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: 620 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 12h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $51.25 | $102.50 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $57.80 | $115.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $63.25 | $126.50 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $72.08 | $144.16 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.