How far is Oglala, SD from Rapid City, SD?
Fastest route
The distance between Oglala, South Dakota, and Rapid City, South Dakota, is approximately 78.6 miles (126.6 kilometers). The estimated travel time is 1 hour and 18 minutes. The fastest route to take is via BIA Hwy 41 and SD-40 W, considering traffic conditions.
Directions
- Take BIA 115 to US-18 W.
- Follow BIA Hwy 41, SD-40 W, and SD-79 N/Heartland Expy to Mt Rushmore Rd in Rapid City.
- Turn right onto BIA Hwy 41/Lone Man Rd.
- Continue to follow BIA Hwy 41.
- Turn right onto SD-79 N/Heartland Expy.
- Keep left to continue on Campbell St.
- Turn left onto E Fairmont Blvd, continue onto Cathedral Dr.
- Turn right onto Mt Rushmore Rd.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Use the BIA Hwy 41 and SD-40 W route to save time.
- ⛽ Make sure to have enough fuel for the journey.
- 🕑 Plan your departure time to avoid peak traffic hours.
- 🛣️ Stay on course and follow the road signs for SD-79 N/Heartland Expy.
- 🍔 Pack some snacks and water for the trip.
- 📱Keep your phone charged to use navigation apps if needed.
- 🚧 Be prepared for roadwork or construction delays on the route.
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 01h 38m.
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.
Town in South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Oglala and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oglala and Rapid City.
-
1
Start on Oglada 3
101 m · 23 sec · Oglada 3
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2
Turn right
1.5 mi · 2 min
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3
Turn right onto Lone Man Road
1.3 mi · 1 min · Lone Man Road
-
4
Continue on Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 41
15.6 mi · 18 min · Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 41
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5
Continue on Loneman Day School Road
6 mi · 7 min · Loneman Day School Road
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6
Continue on Red Shirt Table Road
3.4 mi · 4 min · Red Shirt Table Road
-
7
Continue on Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 41
10.5 mi · 12 min · Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 41
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8
Continue on State Highway 40
20.9 mi · 37 min · State Highway 40
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9
Continue on East Main Street
1.2 km · 1 min · East Main Street
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10
Turn right onto North Heartland Expressway
1043 ft · 16 sec · North Heartland Expressway
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11
Continue on South Highway 79
13.6 mi · 16 min · South Highway 79
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12
Continue on Cambell Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Cambell Street
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13
Turn slight right onto East Saint Joseph Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Saint Joseph Street
-
14
Continue on East Main Street
1.4 mi · 4 min · East Main Street
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15
Turn left onto Mount Rushmore Road
130 m · 17 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Oglala 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.
State Highway 40
Continue on State Highway 40
20.9 mi · 00h 37m
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Oglala 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 Oglala to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 95.6 miles (153.8 km) and usually takes 01h 38m 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?
Fairburn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.1 miles from Oglala and 56.5 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 66.4 miles (106.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.2 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 3:14 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.71 one way or $25.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Oglala and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oglala and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 66.34 mi (106.77 km).
#1 Oglala
Census-designated place in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,290 |
| Coordinates | 43.1885900, -102.7396200 |
| Altitude | 915 |
| 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: 154 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.71 | $25.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.33 | $28.67 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.68 | $31.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.87 | $35.75 |
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.