How far is Rapid City, SD from Fort Pierre, SD?
The driving distance from Rapid City, SD to Fort Pierre, SD is about 188.7 miles (303.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.7 miles (229.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 15m 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 07m.
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 sear of in Jackson County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Snow Showers Likely
Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rapid City and Fort Pierre.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rapid City and Fort Pierre.
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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 · 29 sec
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5
Continue straight
154.8 mi · 2 hr 27 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 83 North, SD 53: Fort Pierre, Pierre State Capitol
2190 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn left onto US Highway 83
30.9 mi · 35 min · US Highway 83
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8
Continue on South 1st Street
2896 ft · 38 sec · South 1st Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rapid City and Fort Pierre.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 90 East
Continue straight
155 mi · 02h 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.
Snow Showers Likely leaving Rapid City and Chance Snow Showers near Fort Pierre.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rapid City to Fort Pierre?
The road trip is about 188.7 miles (303.7 km) and usually takes 03h 07m 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?
Kadoka is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94.2 miles from Rapid City and 94.5 miles from Fort Pierre.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.7 miles (229.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 46 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 10:44 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.11 one way or $50.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Snow Showers Likely around Rapid City and Chance Snow Showers near Fort Pierre.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rapid City and Fort Pierre. Straight-line distance: 142.74 mi (229.71 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 Fort Pierre
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 2,236 |
| Coordinates | 44.3535900, -100.3737400 |
| Altitude | 437 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Pierre (-100.37374, 44.35359)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 304 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.11 | $50.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.32 | $56.65 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.00 | $61.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.32 | $70.65 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.