How far is Pierre, SD from Lead, SD?
The driving distance from Pierre, SD to Lead, SD is about 190.6 miles (306.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168.6 miles (271.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 18m 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 03h 39m.
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.
Human settlement in Meade County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Rain And Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Pierre and Lead.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pierre and Lead.
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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
2352 ft · 31 sec · North Highway 83
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5
Turn right onto West Highway 14/34
1.2 mi · 1 min · West Highway 14/34
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6
Continue on US Highway 14/34
36.6 mi · 42 min · US Highway 14/34
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7
Continue on SD Highway 34/63
133.5 mi · 2 hr 32 min · SD Highway 34/63
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8
Continue on Lazelle Street
3.5 mi · 4 min · Lazelle Street
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9
Continue on Boulder Canyon Road
1.1 mi · 1 min · Boulder Canyon Road
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10
Continue on US Highway 14A
9.3 mi · 11 min · US Highway 14A
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11
Continue on Pioneer Way
2686 ft · 43 sec · Pioneer Way
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12
Turn left onto Pine Street
125 m · 10 sec · Pine Street
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13
Turn right onto Sherman Street
1 km · 59 sec · Sherman Street
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14
Continue on Cliff Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Cliff Street
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15
Continue on US Highway 85
897 ft · 15 sec · US Highway 85
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16
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
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17
Turn right
31 m · 8 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Pierre and Lead.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
SD Highway 34/63
Continue on SD Highway 34/63
134 mi · 02h 32m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Pierre and Rain And Snow near Lead.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Pierre to Lead?
The road trip is about 190.6 miles (306.8 km) and usually takes 03h 39m 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?
Plainview is a useful midpoint, sitting about 95.1 miles from Pierre and 95.5 miles from Lead.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168.6 miles (271.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 22 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 9:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.38 one way or $50.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Pierre and Lead, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Pierre and Rain And Snow near Lead.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Pierre and Lead. Straight-line distance: 168.65 mi (271.42 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 Lead
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 2,947 |
| Coordinates | 44.3522100, -103.7652000 |
| Altitude | 1589 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lead (-103.7652, 44.35221)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 307 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.38 | $50.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.62 | $57.25 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.32 | $62.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.70 | $71.39 |
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.