How far is Sturgis, SD from Fort Thompson, SD?
The driving distance from Sturgis, SD to Fort Thompson, SD is about 238.2 miles (383.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 202.9 miles (326.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 00m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
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 04h 00m.
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 sear of in Jackson County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sturgis and Fort Thompson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sturgis and Fort Thompson.
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1
Start on Edmunds Street
4 m · 6 sec · Edmunds Street
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2
Turn left onto Junction Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · Junction Avenue
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3
Take the ramp slight left
1546 ft · 39 sec
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4
Merge slight left
25.3 mi · 26 min
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5
Continue straight
190.8 mi · 3 hr 1 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
1789 ft · 51 sec
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7
Turn left
1.3 km · 1 min
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8
Continue straight
19.4 mi · 29 min
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9
Turn sharp right onto BIA Route 4
20 m · 2 sec · BIA Route 4
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · BIA Route 4
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sturgis and Fort Thompson.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Junction Avenue
Continue straight
191 mi · 03h 01m
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.
Mostly Clear leaving Sturgis and Sunny near Fort Thompson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sturgis to Fort Thompson?
The road trip is about 238.2 miles (383.3 km) and usually takes 04h 00m 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?
Kadoka is a useful midpoint, sitting about 118.9 miles from Sturgis and 119.3 miles from Fort Thompson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 202.9 miles (326.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.3 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 9:00 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.71 one way or $63.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 74.7 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Sturgis and Fort Thompson, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Clear around Sturgis and Sunny near Fort Thompson.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sturgis and Fort Thompson. Straight-line distance: 202.88 mi (326.5 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Fort Thompson
Census-designated place in Buffalo County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,282 |
| Coordinates | 44.0686000, -99.4378800 |
| Altitude | 439 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Thompson (-99.43788, 44.0686)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 383 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.71 | $63.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $35.77 | $71.54 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.14 | $78.28 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $44.61 | $89.21 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.