How far is Rapid City, SD from Lead, SD?
The driving distance from Rapid City, SD to Lead, SD is about 45 miles (72.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 32.4 miles (52.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 43m 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 00h 51m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and county seat of Meade County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Rain And Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rapid City and Lead.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rapid City and Lead.
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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 left to continue on I 90 West: Gillette
1.3 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left
27 mi · 27 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 14A West, SD 34 East, SD 79 North: Deadwood, Lead
897 ft · 24 sec
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7
Turn left onto Lazelle Street
1.2 mi · 1 min · Lazelle Street
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8
Continue on Boulder Canyon Road
1.1 mi · 1 min · Boulder Canyon Road
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9
Continue on US Highway 14A
9.3 mi · 11 min · US Highway 14A
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10
Continue on Pioneer Way
2686 ft · 43 sec · Pioneer Way
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11
Turn left onto Pine Street
125 m · 10 sec · Pine Street
-
12
Turn right onto Sherman Street
1 km · 59 sec · Sherman Street
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13
Continue on Cliff Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Cliff Street
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14
Continue on US Highway 85
897 ft · 15 sec · US Highway 85
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15
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
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16
Turn right
31 m · 8 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rapid City and Lead.
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 West
Merge slight left
27 mi · 00h 27m
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 Likely leaving Rapid City and Rain And Snow near Lead.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rapid City to Lead?
The road trip is about 45 miles (72.5 km) and usually takes 00h 51m 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?
Sturgis is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.5 miles from Rapid City and 22.6 miles from Lead.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32.4 miles (52.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.6 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 4:46 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.00 one way or $11.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Rapid City and Rain And Snow near Lead.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rapid City and Lead. Straight-line distance: 32.44 mi (52.2 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 Lead
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 2,947 |
| Coordinates | 44.3522100, -103.7652000 |
| Altitude | 1589 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lead (-103.7652, 44.35221)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 73 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.00 | $11.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.76 | $13.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.40 | $14.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.43 | $16.87 |
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.