How far is Porcupine, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Porcupine, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 83.6 miles (134.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 33m 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 01h 46m.
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.
Community in Pennington County, South Dakota, US
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Porcupine and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Porcupine and Rapid City.
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1
Start on Eagle Drive
9 m · 2 sec · Eagle Drive
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2
Turn right onto Main Street
38 m · 8 sec · Main Street
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3
Turn right onto Big Foot Trail
19.2 mi · 46 min · Big Foot Trail
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4
Continue on Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 2
6.8 mi · 16 min · Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 2
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5
Continue on Big Foot Trail
7.9 mi · 19 min · Big Foot Trail
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6
Continue on Bombing Range Road
6.8 mi · 16 min · Bombing Range Road
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7
Continue on Main Street
2073 ft · 1 min · Main Street
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Highway 44
40.3 mi · 1 hr 6 min · East Highway 44
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9
Continue on East Omaha Street
1.9 mi · 4 min · East Omaha Street
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10
Turn left onto Mount Rushmore Road
1290 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 Porcupine 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.
East Highway 44
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Highway 44
40.3 mi · 01h 06m
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.
Rain Showers leaving Porcupine 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 Porcupine to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 83.6 miles (134.6 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Scenic is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.8 miles from Porcupine and 41.9 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.2 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 2:56 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.49 one way or $24.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Porcupine and Sunny near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Porcupine and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 73.48 mi (118.25 km).
#1 Porcupine
Situated on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in southwestern South Dakota, this census-designated place lies within Oglala Lakota County at an elevation of 3,192 feet.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 43.2397100, -102.3309900 |
| Altitude | 973 |
| 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: 135 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.23 | $12.49 | $24.97 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $13.15 | $26.31 |
| Premium | $5.05 | $14.90 | $29.80 |
| Diesel | $6.01 | $17.72 | $35.45 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026