How far is Mitchell, SD from Box Elder, SD?
The driving distance from Mitchell, SD to Box Elder, SD is about 266.6 miles (429.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 252.3 miles (406 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 20m 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 03h 40m.
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 South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mitchell and Box Elder.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mitchell and Box Elder.
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1
Start on West 1st Avenue
10 m · 5 sec · West 1st Avenue
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2
Turn right onto South Sanborn Boulevard
2494 ft · 1 min · South Sanborn Boulevard
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3
Turn right onto West Havens Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · West Havens Avenue
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4
Turn left onto South Ohlman Street
3159 ft · 1 min · South Ohlman Street
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5
Take the exit slight right
263.1 mi · 4 hr 7 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Box Elder, Elisworth AirForce Base
1962 ft · 48 sec
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7
Keep slight left
28 m · 7 sec
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8
Turn left onto Liberty Boulevard
2562 ft · 52 sec · Liberty Boulevard
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9
Turn right onto Highway 1416
1.5 km · 2 min · Highway 1416
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10
Turn left onto Oak Street
671 ft · 32 sec · Oak Street
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11
Turn right onto Front Street
29 m · 4 sec · Front Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mitchell and Box Elder.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South Ohlman Street
Take the exit slight right
263 mi · 04h 07m
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 leaving Mitchell and Chance Rain Showers near Box Elder.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mitchell to Box Elder?
The road trip is about 266.6 miles (429.1 km) and usually takes 03h 40m 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?
Draper is a useful midpoint, sitting about 133.2 miles from Mitchell and 133.5 miles from Box Elder.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 252.3 miles (406 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $35.49 one way or $70.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 83.6 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Mitchell and Box Elder, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Mitchell and Chance Rain Showers near Box Elder.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mitchell and Box Elder. Straight-line distance: 252.3 mi (406.03 km).
#1 Mitchell
City in and county seat of Davison County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 15,697 |
| Coordinates | 43.7094300, -98.0298000 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Box Elder
City in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,165 |
| Coordinates | 44.1124900, -103.0682300 |
| Altitude | 925 |
| Country | United States |
End: Front Street (-103.068237, 44.112405)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 429 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $35.49 | $70.97 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $40.02 | $80.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $43.79 | $87.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $49.91 | $99.82 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.