How far is Spearfish, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Spearfish, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 48 miles (77.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.1 miles (67.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 26m 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 43m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Meade County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Spearfish and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spearfish and Rapid City.
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1
Start on North Main Street
26 m · 30 sec · North Main Street
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2
Continue on North Main Street
51 m · 10 sec · North Main Street
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3
Turn right onto East Jackson Boulevard
2777 ft · 2 min · East Jackson Boulevard
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4
Take the ramp right toward I 90 East, US 85 South
1555 ft · 38 sec
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5
Merge slight left
14.2 mi · 14 min
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6
Continue straight
7.6 mi · 8 min
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7
Continue straight
23.3 mi · 24 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 190: Mount Rushmore, Downtown
1.5 mi · 2 min
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9
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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10
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 46 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Spearfish and Rapid City.
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
23.3 mi · 00h 24m
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.
Sunny leaving Spearfish and Sunny near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Spearfish to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 48 miles (77.2 km) and usually takes 00h 43m 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?
Sturgis is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.9 miles from Spearfish and 24 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.1 miles (67.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.9 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 7:04 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.37 one way or $12.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Spearfish and Sunny near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Spearfish and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 42.07 mi (67.7 km).
#1 Spearfish
City in Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 11,900 |
| Coordinates | 44.4908200, -103.8593700 |
| Altitude | 1112 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rapid City
The second most populous city in South Dakota.
| Population | 77,503 |
| Coordinates | 44.0805400, -103.2310100 |
| Altitude | 988 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mount Rushmore Road (-103.231059, 44.080547)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 77 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.37 | $12.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.19 | $14.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.87 | $15.73 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.96 | $17.93 |
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 · May 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.