How far is Rapid City, SD from Sturgis, SD?
The driving distance from Rapid City, SD to Sturgis, SD is about 28.5 miles (45.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.6 miles (42.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 55m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 27m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Meade County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rapid City and Sturgis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rapid City and Sturgis.
-
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
-
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
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
1.1 mi · 2 min
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8
Turn right onto Edmunds Street
4 m · 1 sec · Edmunds Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Edmunds Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rapid City and Sturgis.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 90 West
Merge slight left
24.6 mi · 00h 25m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Rapid City and Rain And Snow Showers near Sturgis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rapid City to Sturgis?
The road trip is about 28.5 miles (45.9 km) and usually takes 00h 27m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Piedmont is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.2 miles from Rapid City and 14.3 miles from Sturgis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.6 miles (42.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:34 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.81 one way or $7.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Rapid City and Rain And Snow Showers near Sturgis.
Stop Ideas Near Piedmont
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Willow Park
City of Sturgis SD
Rapid City City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Piedmont.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rapid City and Sturgis. Straight-line distance: 26.58 mi (42.78 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 Sturgis
City in and county seat of Meade County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 6,978 |
| Coordinates | 44.4097100, -103.5090800 |
| Altitude | 1043 |
| Country | United States |
End: Edmunds Street (-103.50908, 44.409706)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 46 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.81 | $7.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.30 | $8.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.70 | $9.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.36 | $10.71 |
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.