How far is Rapid City, SD from Hot Springs, SD?
The driving distance from Rapid City, SD to Hot Springs, SD is about 57 miles (91.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.5 miles (74.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 16m 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 08m.
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.
Town in South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rapid City and Hot Springs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rapid City and Hot Springs.
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1
Start on Mount Rushmore Road
9 m · 5 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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2
Turn right onto Saint Joseph Street
2.4 mi · 6 min · Saint Joseph Street
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3
Continue on Cambell Street
2448 ft · 54 sec · Cambell Street
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4
Turn straight onto Cambell Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · Cambell Street
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5
Continue on South Highway 79
13.6 mi · 16 min · South Highway 79
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6
Continue on North Heartland Expressway
2172 ft · 34 sec · North Heartland Expressway
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7
Continue on South Highway 79
8.1 mi · 9 min · South Highway 79
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8
Continue on SD Highway 79
9.7 mi · 10 min · SD Highway 79
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9
Continue on Highway 79
9.5 mi · 10 min · Highway 79
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10
Continue on SD Highway 79
6.2 mi · 7 min · SD Highway 79
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11
Turn right onto Fall River Road
4 mi · 5 min · Fall River Road
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12
Continue on Jensen Highway
1.1 km · 1 min · Jensen Highway
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13
Continue on South Chicago Street
1817 ft · 33 sec · South Chicago Street
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14
Turn right onto University Avenue
64 m · 14 sec · University Avenue
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15
Turn left
28 m · 7 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 Hot Springs.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
South Highway 79
Continue on South Highway 79
13.6 mi · 00h 16m
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.
Sunny leaving Rapid City and Sunny near Hot Springs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rapid City to Hot Springs?
The road trip is about 57 miles (91.7 km) and usually takes 01h 08m 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?
Fairburn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.5 miles from Rapid City and 28.5 miles from Hot Springs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.5 miles (74.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 4:14 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.58 one way or $15.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Rapid City and Sunny near Hot Springs.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rapid City and Hot Springs. Straight-line distance: 46.45 mi (74.75 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 Hot Springs
City in Fall River County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 3,502 |
| Coordinates | 43.4316500, -103.4743600 |
| Altitude | 1051 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hot Springs (-103.47436, 43.43165)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 92 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.58 | $15.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.55 | $17.10 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.35 | $18.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.66 | $21.32 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.