How far is Mission, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Mission, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 175.7 miles (282.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.2 miles (224.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 41m 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 50m.
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.
City in and county sear of in Jackson County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly 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 Mission and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mission and Rapid City.
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1
Start on 2nd Street
1.2 km · 55 sec · 2nd Street
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2
Continue on Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
1.8 mi · 2 min · Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
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3
Take the exit slight right
602 ft · 17 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
42.2 mi · 48 min · Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
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5
Take the exit left
1855 ft · 45 sec
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6
Merge slight left
134.9 mi · 2 hr 9 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 Mission 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.
Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memo
Merge slight left
135 mi · 02h 09m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Mission 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 Mission to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 175.7 miles (282.8 km) and usually takes 02h 50m 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?
Kadoka is a useful midpoint, sitting about 91 miles from Mission and 84.7 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.2 miles (224.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.38 one way or $46.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.1 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Mission 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 Mission and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mission and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 139.22 mi (224.06 km).
#1 Mission
City in Todd County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,269 |
| Coordinates | 43.3058400, -100.6581900 |
| Altitude | 787 |
| 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: 283 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.38 | $46.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.37 | $52.74 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.85 | $57.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.88 | $65.77 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.