How far is Parkston, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Parkston, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 299.1 miles (481.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 266.1 miles (428.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 51m 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 04h 25m.
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 Cloudy
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Parkston and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Parkston and Rapid City.
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1
Start on East Glynn Drive
1 km · 2 min · East Glynn Drive
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2
Turn right onto SD Highway 37
19 mi · 28 min · SD Highway 37
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3
Continue on South Highway 37
1 mi · 2 min · South Highway 37
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4
Continue on South Burr Street
1936 ft · 35 sec · South Burr Street
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5
Take the ramp slight left
2058 ft · 53 sec
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6
Merge slight left
274.3 mi · 4 hr 19 min
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7
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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8
Continue straight
1.4 mi · 2 min
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9
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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10
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 48 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Parkston 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 Burr Street
Merge slight left
274 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 Cloudy leaving Parkston and 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 Parkston to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 299.1 miles (481.3 km) and usually takes 04h 25m 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 148.7 miles from Parkston and 150.4 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 266.1 miles (428.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 33 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 8:08 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.78 one way or $79.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 93.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Parkston 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 Cloudy around Parkston and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Parkston and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 266.1 mi (428.24 km).
#1 Parkston
City in Hitchinson County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,456 |
| Coordinates | 43.3988800, -97.9836800 |
| Altitude | 425 |
| 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: 481 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $39.78 | $79.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $44.87 | $89.74 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $49.10 | $98.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $55.96 | $111.91 |
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.