How far is Rapid City, SD from Eagle Butte, SD?
The driving distance from Rapid City, SD to Eagle Butte, SD is about 176 miles (283.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 117.2 miles (188.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 29m 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 03h 44m.
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rapid City and Eagle Butte.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rapid City and Eagle Butte.
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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
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4
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Gillette
1.3 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left
24.6 mi · 25 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 Business
1999 ft · 49 sec
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7
Keep slight right
1.4 mi · 2 min
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8
Turn right onto Lazelle Street
1.1 mi · 1 min · Lazelle Street
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9
Continue on SD Highway 34
76.2 mi · 1 hr 27 min · SD Highway 34
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10
Turn left onto State Highway 73
27.4 mi · 41 min · State Highway 73
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11
Continue on 5th Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · 5th Avenue
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12
Turn right onto Faith B
1350 ft · 23 sec · Faith B
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13
Continue on 1st Street East
40.8 mi · 1 hr 1 min · 1st Street East
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14
Turn right onto Main Street
2459 ft · 1 min · Main Street
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15
Turn left
606 ft · 28 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rapid City and Eagle Butte.
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
Continue on SD Highway 34
76.2 mi · 01h 27m
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 then Chance Rain Showers leaving Rapid City and Mostly Sunny near Eagle Butte.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rapid City to Eagle Butte?
The road trip is about 176 miles (283.2 km) and usually takes 03h 44m 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 87.9 miles from Rapid City and 88.1 miles from Eagle Butte.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 117.2 miles (188.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 58.8 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 9:30 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.50 one way or $38.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers around Rapid City and Mostly Sunny near Eagle Butte.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rapid City and Eagle Butte. Straight-line distance: 117.19 mi (188.6 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 Eagle Butte
City in Dewey and Ziebach counties in South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,418 |
| Coordinates | 45.0024800, -101.2334900 |
| Altitude | 737 |
| Country | United States |
End: Eagle Butte (-101.23349, 45.00248)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 283 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.50 | $38.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.99 | $43.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.06 | $48.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.42 | $54.84 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.