How far is Sturgis, SD from Hill City, SD?
The driving distance from Sturgis, SD to Hill City, SD is about 55.4 miles (89.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 33.1 miles (53.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 17m 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 01h 08m.
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.
The second most populous city in South Dakota.
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 Hill City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sturgis and Hill City.
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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
24.9 mi · 25 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 190: Mount Rushmore, Downtown
1.5 mi · 2 min
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6
Continue on West Boulevard
1566 ft · 52 sec · West Boulevard
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7
Turn left onto Kansas City Street
1091 ft · 41 sec · Kansas City Street
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8
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
5.7 mi · 9 min · Mount Rushmore Road
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9
Continue on South Highway 16
17.5 mi · 22 min · South Highway 16
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10
Continue on Highway 385
3 mi · 5 min · Highway 385
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11
Continue on East Main Street
1.1 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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12
Turn left onto Elm Street
19 m · 4 sec · Elm Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Elm Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sturgis and Hill City.
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
Merge slight left
24.9 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Sunny leaving Sturgis and Sunny near Hill City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sturgis to Hill City?
The road trip is about 55.4 miles (89.1 km) and usually takes 01h 08m 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?
Rapid City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.6 miles from Sturgis and 27.7 miles from Hill City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 33.1 miles (53.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:12 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.09 one way or $16.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Sturgis and Sunny near Hill City.
Stop Ideas Near Rapid City
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Willow Park
Box Elder City Hall
Box Elder Water Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sturgis and Hill City. Straight-line distance: 33.14 mi (53.33 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 Hill City
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 1,032 |
| Coordinates | 43.9324900, -103.5751900 |
| Altitude | 1519 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hill City (-103.57519, 43.93249)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 89 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $8.09 | $16.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.39 | $8.57 | $17.14 |
| Premium | $4.97 | $9.69 | $19.38 |
| Diesel | $5.88 | $11.46 | $22.93 |
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 · Sep 15, 2026