How far is Pierre, SD from Custer, SD?
The driving distance from Pierre, SD to Custer, SD is about 230.3 miles (370.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 166.5 miles (268 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 09m 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 04m.
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 Jackson County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Pierre and Custer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pierre and Custer.
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1
Start on South Euclid Avenue
551 ft · 15 sec · South Euclid Avenue
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2
Turn left onto South Pierre Street
564 ft · 14 sec · South Pierre Street
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3
Turn right onto West Sioux Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · West Sioux Avenue
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4
Continue on North Highway 83
2600 ft · 36 sec · North Highway 83
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5
Continue on North Deadwood Street
1.1 km · 46 sec · North Deadwood Street
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6
Continue on North 1st Street
1.6 km · 1 min · North 1st Street
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7
Continue on South US Highway 83
30.6 mi · 35 min · South US Highway 83
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8
Take the exit slight right
95.4 mi · 1 hr 30 min
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9
Continue straight
55.4 mi · 53 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 16 Truck, ND 79 South: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse
1470 ft · 36 sec
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11
Keep slight left
869 ft · 23 sec
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12
Continue on North Elk Vale Road
5.4 mi · 7 min · North Elk Vale Road
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13
Continue on East Catron Boulevard
1.2 mi · 2 min · East Catron Boulevard
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14
Continue on Catron Boulevard
2.2 mi · 3 min · Catron Boulevard
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15
Turn left onto Mount Rushmore Road
1.1 mi · 1 min · Mount Rushmore Road
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16
Continue on South Highway 16
17.5 mi · 22 min · South Highway 16
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17
Continue on Highway 385
3 mi · 5 min · Highway 385
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18
Continue on East Main Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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19
Continue on Highway 385
6.1 mi · 8 min · Highway 385
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20
Continue on US Highway 16/385
6 mi · 8 min · US Highway 16/385
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21
Continue on North 5th Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · North 5th Street
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22
Turn left onto Mount Rushmore Road
128 m · 10 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Pierre and Custer.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
South US Highway 83
Take the exit slight right
95.4 mi · 01h 30m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Pierre and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Custer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Pierre to Custer?
The road trip is about 230.3 miles (370.7 km) and usually takes 04h 04m 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?
Interior is a useful midpoint, sitting about 115 miles from Pierre and 115.4 miles from Custer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 166.5 miles (268 km), while the road route adds roughly 63.8 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 8:50 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $30.66 one way or $61.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 72.3 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Pierre and Custer, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Pierre and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Custer.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Pierre and Custer. Straight-line distance: 166.5 mi (267.95 km).
#1 Pierre
Capital city of South Dakota and county seat of Hughes County
| Population | 13,708 |
| Coordinates | 44.3683200, -100.3509700 |
| Altitude | 451 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Custer
City in and county seat of Custer County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,926 |
| Coordinates | 43.7666500, -103.5988100 |
| Altitude | 1620 |
| Country | United States |
End: Custer (-103.59881, 43.76665)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 371 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $30.66 | $61.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $34.58 | $69.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $37.84 | $75.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $43.12 | $86.24 |
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.