How far is Rapid City, SD from Yankton, SD?
Fastest route
Traveling from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Yankton, South Dakota 57078, is a distance of 357 miles (574 kilometers) via I-90 E. The estimated travel time is 5 hours and 6 minutes.
Directions
- Head north on Mt Rushmore Rd toward St Joseph St.
- Use the 2nd from the left lane to turn left onto Omaha St.
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Theodore Roosevelt Expy.
- Keep left to stay on Theodore Roosevelt Expy.
- Keep right at the fork to continue on Exit 1B, follow signs for I-90 E/Sioux Falls, and merge onto I-90 E.
- Follow I-90 E to SD-37 S/410th Ave in Mitchell. Take exit 332 from I-90 E.
- Take exit 332 for SD-37 S toward Mitchell/Parkston. Follow SD-37 S and SD-50 E to W 4th St in Yankton.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to have a full tank of gas before starting your journey.
- 🚧 Check for any potential road closures or construction along the way to avoid delays.
- ☕ Plan for a rest stop or two during the 5-hour drive to stretch your legs and grab refreshments.
- 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS to stay on track and avoid getting lost.
- 🕑 Keep in mind the time zone change when reaching your destination.
- 🛣️ Be aware of the speed limits and follow traffic regulations for a safe trip.
- 📅 Consider checking weather conditions beforehand to prepare for any possible weather-related challenges.
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 05h 08m.
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 seat of Lyman County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Snow Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rapid City and Yankton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rapid City and Yankton.
-
1
Start on Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 48 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
-
2
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1094 ft · 38 sec · Omaha Street
-
3
Turn right
1.2 mi · 2 min
-
4
Keep slight right to continue on I 90 East: Sioux Falls
1661 ft · 28 sec
-
5
Continue straight
306 mi · 4 hr 49 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward US 81: Salem, Yankton
1983 ft · 50 sec
-
7
Turn right onto US Highway 81
35.8 mi · 41 min · US Highway 81
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8
Continue on 291st Street
1.3 km · 55 sec · 291st Street
-
9
Continue on US Highway 81
15.6 mi · 18 min · US Highway 81
-
10
Continue on Broadway Avenue
4.6 mi · 5 min · Broadway Avenue
-
11
Turn right onto West 4th Street
15 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rapid City and Yankton.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 90 East
Continue straight
306 mi · 04h 49m
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.
Chance Snow Showers leaving Rapid City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Yankton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rapid City to Yankton?
The road trip is about 357.5 miles (575.3 km) and usually takes 05h 08m 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?
Kennebec is a useful midpoint, sitting about 182.2 miles from Rapid City and 175.2 miles from Yankton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 304.1 miles (489.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 53.4 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 6:42 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $47.55 one way or $95.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 112.1 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 Yankton, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Snow Showers around Rapid City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Yankton.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rapid City and Yankton. Straight-line distance: 304.12 mi (489.43 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 Yankton
County seat of Yankton County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 14,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.8711100, -97.3972800 |
| Altitude | 368 |
| Country | United States |
End: West 4th Street (-97.397278, 42.871173)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 575 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $47.55 | $95.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $53.63 | $107.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $58.69 | $117.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $66.88 | $133.77 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.