How far is Rapid City, SD from Brandon, SD?
The driving distance from Rapid City, SD to Brandon, SD is about 351.3 miles (565.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 333.5 miles (536.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 33m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
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 46m.
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.
City in and county seat of Lyman County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rapid City and Brandon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rapid City and Brandon.
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1
Start on Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 48 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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2
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1094 ft · 38 sec · Omaha Street
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3
Turn right
1.2 mi · 2 min
-
4
Keep slight right to continue on I 90 East: Sioux Falls
1661 ft · 28 sec
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5
Continue straight
348.6 mi · 5 hr 31 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward SD 11: Corson, Brandon
1100 ft · 27 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on SD 11: Corson, Brandon
69 m · 6 sec
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8
Turn slight right onto North Splitrock Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · North Splitrock Boulevard
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9
Turn left onto East Sylvan Circle
33 m · 12 sec · East Sylvan Circle
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10
Turn left onto North Pipestone Street
13 m · 2 sec · North Pipestone Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Pipestone Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rapid City and Brandon.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 90 East
Continue straight
349 mi · 05h 31m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Rapid City and Chance Rain Showers near Brandon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rapid City to Brandon?
The road trip is about 351.3 miles (565.4 km) and usually takes 04h 46m 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?
Kennebec is a useful midpoint, sitting about 175.5 miles from Rapid City and 175.8 miles from Brandon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 333.5 miles (536.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.8 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 MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:26 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $46.76 one way or $93.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 110.2 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Rapid City and Brandon, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Rapid City and Chance Rain Showers near Brandon.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rapid City and Brandon. Straight-line distance: 333.47 mi (536.67 km).
#1 Rapid City
The second most populous city in South Dakota.
| Population | 77,503 |
| Coordinates | 44.0805400, -103.2310100 |
| Altitude | 988 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Brandon
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 10,168 |
| Coordinates | 43.5947000, -96.5719900 |
| Altitude | 413 |
| Country | United States |
End: Pipestone Street (-96.57196, 43.594698)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 565 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $46.76 | $93.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $52.74 | $105.47 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $57.71 | $115.42 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $65.77 | $131.54 |
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.