How far is Mitchell, SD from Lead, SD?
The driving distance from Mitchell, SD to Lead, SD is about 318 miles (511.7 km), with a travel time of about 05h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 288.3 miles (464 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 22m 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 11m.
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.
Township in Jones County, South Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Rain And Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mitchell and Lead.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mitchell and Lead.
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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
273 mi · 4 hr 19 min
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6
Continue straight
27.4 mi · 28 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward US 14A West, SD 34 East, SD 79 North: Deadwood, Lead
897 ft · 24 sec
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8
Turn left onto Lazelle Street
1.2 mi · 1 min · Lazelle Street
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9
Continue on Boulder Canyon Road
1.1 mi · 1 min · Boulder Canyon Road
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10
Continue on US Highway 14A
9.3 mi · 11 min · US Highway 14A
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11
Continue on Pioneer Way
2686 ft · 43 sec · Pioneer Way
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12
Turn left onto Pine Street
125 m · 10 sec · Pine Street
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13
Turn right onto Sherman Street
1 km · 59 sec · Sherman Street
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14
Continue on Cliff Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Cliff Street
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15
Continue on US Highway 85
897 ft · 15 sec · US Highway 85
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16
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
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17
Turn right
31 m · 8 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mitchell and Lead.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
South Ohlman Street
Take the exit slight right
273 mi · 04h 19m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Mitchell and Rain And Snow near Lead.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mitchell to Lead?
The road trip is about 318 miles (511.7 km) and usually takes 05h 11m 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?
Okaton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 158.6 miles from Mitchell and 159.3 miles from Lead.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 288.3 miles (464 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.7 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 6:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $42.31 one way or $84.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 99.7 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Mitchell and Lead, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Mitchell and Rain And Snow near Lead.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mitchell and Lead. Straight-line distance: 288.29 mi (463.96 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 Lead
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 2,947 |
| Coordinates | 44.3522100, -103.7652000 |
| Altitude | 1589 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lead (-103.7652, 44.35221)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 512 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $42.31 | $84.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $47.72 | $95.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $52.22 | $104.44 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $59.51 | $119.02 |
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.