How far is North Spearfish, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from North Spearfish, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 51.7 miles (83.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44 miles (70.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 40m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
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 00h 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 seat of Meade County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North Spearfish and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Spearfish and Rapid City.
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1
Start on the route
130 m · 36 sec
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2
Turn left onto McGuigan Road
1.2 km · 1 min · McGuigan Road
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3
Continue on Old Belle Road
1191 ft · 25 sec · Old Belle Road
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4
Take the ramp right toward I-90 East
2060 ft · 50 sec
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5
Merge slight left
48.3 mi · 49 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 190: Mount Rushmore, Downtown
1.5 mi · 2 min
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7
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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8
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 46 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North Spearfish 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.
I-90 East
Merge slight left
48.3 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Sunny leaving North Spearfish and Sunny near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from North Spearfish to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 51.7 miles (83.2 km) and usually takes 00h 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?
Sturgis is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.8 miles from North Spearfish and 25.8 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44 miles (70.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:50 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.86 one way or $13.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around North Spearfish and Sunny near Rapid City.
Stop Ideas Near Sturgis
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall Inn
Lead City Hall
City of Sturgis SD
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Sturgis.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North Spearfish and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 44 mi (70.81 km).
#1 North Spearfish
Census-designated place in Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 2,285 |
| Coordinates | 44.5066500, -103.8921500 |
| Altitude | 1113 |
| 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: 83 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.86 | $13.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.74 | $15.48 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.47 | $16.94 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.65 | $19.31 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.