How far is Rapid City, SD from Pierre, SD?
The driving distance from Rapid City, SD to Pierre, SD is about 172.5 miles (277.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 144 miles (231.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 31m 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 02h 45m.
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.
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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rapid City and Pierre.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rapid City and 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 · 28 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
1.6 km · 1 min · South 1st Street
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9
Continue on North Deadwood Street
1.1 km · 47 sec · North Deadwood Street
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10
Continue on North Highway 83
2590 ft · 33 sec · North Highway 83
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11
Continue on West Sioux Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · West Sioux Avenue
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12
Turn left onto South Pierre Street
1115 ft · 25 sec · South Pierre Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Euclid Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rapid City and 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 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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Rapid City and Partly Sunny near Pierre.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rapid City to Pierre?
The road trip is about 172.5 miles (277.6 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Kadoka is a useful midpoint, sitting about 95.6 miles from Rapid City and 76.9 miles from Pierre.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 144 miles (231.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.5 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 12:58 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.97 one way or $45.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.1 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 Pierre, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Rapid City and Partly Sunny near Pierre.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rapid City and Pierre. Straight-line distance: 143.97 mi (231.7 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 Pierre
Capital city of South Dakota and county seat of Hughes County
| Population | 13,708 |
| Coordinates | 44.3683200, -100.3509700 |
| Altitude | 451 |
| Country | United States |
End: US 14 (-100.350889, 44.368274)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 278 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.97 | $45.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.90 | $51.80 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.34 | $56.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.30 | $64.60 |
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.