How far is Mitchell, SD from Rapid City, SD?
Fastest route
The distance between Mitchell, South Dakota (57301) and Rapid City, South Dakota is approximately 300 miles (483 kilometers). To get from Mitchell to Rapid City, follow these directions:
Directions
- 🚗 Get on I-90 W in Mitchell from S Sanborn Blvd, W Havens Ave, and I-90BL W/S Ohlman St.
- 🛣️ Follow I-90 W to I-190 S/US-16 W/Theodore Roosevelt Expy in Rapid City. Take exit 57 from I-90 W.
- 🚙 Continue on I-190 S/US-16 W/Theodore Roosevelt Expy.
- 🛤️ Drive to Mt Rushmore Rd in Rapid City.
Tips & Suggestions
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🚦 Plan for Traffic: Check for potential construction projects, traffic conditions, or weather events that may affect your journey. Be prepared for possible delays and plan your route accordingly.
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⛽ Fuel Up: Before embarking on the trip, make sure your vehicle has enough fuel to cover the distance, especially if there are limited gas stations along the route.
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🚧 Follow Road Signs: Obey all signs and notices regarding your route. Pay attention to speed limits, detours, and other road instructions for a safe and smooth journey.
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🍴 Pack Snacks: Consider bringing some snacks and drinks for the journey, as it might take several hours to reach your destination.
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🚘 Vehicle Check: Prior to the trip, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the tires, brakes, and other essential components to avoid potential breakdowns.
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🧭 GPS or Map: Have a reliable GPS device or printed map with you to navigate through any unfamiliar areas along the route.
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🏨 Accommodation: If the journey is long and you don't plan to drive in one go, look for suitable accommodation options in Rapid City to rest and continue the journey refreshed.
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 49m.
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.
City in and county seat of Jones County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mitchell and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mitchell and Rapid City.
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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
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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7
Continue straight
1.4 mi · 2 min
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8
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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9
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 46 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mitchell and Rapid City.
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
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Mitchell 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 Mitchell to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 276.9 miles (445.6 km) and usually takes 03h 49m 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?
Murdo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 138.3 miles from Mitchell and 138.6 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 260.2 miles (418.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.7 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 9:20 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.84 one way or $73.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 86.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Mitchell 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 around Mitchell and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mitchell and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 260.19 mi (418.73 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 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: 446 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.84 | $73.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.55 | $83.10 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.47 | $90.94 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $51.82 | $103.64 |
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.