How far is Wagner, SD from Box Elder, SD?
The driving distance from Wagner, SD to Box Elder, SD is about 293.3 miles (472.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 249.3 miles (401.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 36m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
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 18m.
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.
Census-designated place in Lyman County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wagner and Box Elder.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wagner and Box Elder.
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1
Start on 2nd Street Southeast
31 m · 6 sec · 2nd Street Southeast
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2
Turn right onto Main Avenue South
653 ft · 23 sec · Main Avenue South
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3
Turn left onto West SD Highway 46
2.7 mi · 4 min · West SD Highway 46
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4
Turn right onto 392nd Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · 392nd Avenue
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5
Continue on SD Highway 50
2.5 mi · 4 min · SD Highway 50
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6
Turn straight onto US Highway 281
11.9 mi · 18 min · US Highway 281
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7
Continue on Braddock Avenue
1 mi · 1 min · Braddock Avenue
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8
Continue on US Highway 281
4 mi · 6 min · US Highway 281
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9
Continue on US Highway 281
3 mi · 4 min · US Highway 281
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10
Continue on US Highway 281
2.3 mi · 3 min · US Highway 281
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11
Continue on South Highway 281
1.1 km · 1 min · South Highway 281
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12
Continue on US Highway 281
18.9 mi · 25 min · US Highway 281
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13
Take the ramp left
1932 ft · 47 sec
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14
Merge slight left
242.8 mi · 3 hr 48 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward Box Elder, Elisworth AirForce Base
1962 ft · 48 sec
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16
Keep slight left
28 m · 7 sec
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17
Turn left onto Liberty Boulevard
2562 ft · 52 sec · Liberty Boulevard
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18
Turn right onto Highway 1416
1.5 km · 2 min · Highway 1416
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19
Turn left onto Oak Street
671 ft · 32 sec · Oak Street
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20
Turn right onto Front Street
29 m · 4 sec · Front Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wagner and Box Elder.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US Highway 281
Merge slight left
243 mi · 03h 48m
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.
Sunny leaving Wagner and Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Box Elder.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wagner to Box Elder?
The road trip is about 293.3 miles (472.1 km) and usually takes 04h 18m 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?
Vivian is a useful midpoint, sitting about 146.5 miles from Wagner and 146.8 miles from Box Elder.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 249.3 miles (401.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 44 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.03 one way or $78.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 92 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Wagner and Box Elder, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Wagner and Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Box Elder.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wagner and Box Elder. Straight-line distance: 249.33 mi (401.25 km).
#1 Wagner
City in Charles Mix County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 1,537 |
| Coordinates | 43.0797200, -98.2931300 |
| Altitude | 441 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Box Elder
City in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,165 |
| Coordinates | 44.1124900, -103.0682300 |
| Altitude | 925 |
| Country | United States |
End: Front Street (-103.068237, 44.112405)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 472 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $39.03 | $78.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $44.02 | $88.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $48.17 | $96.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $54.90 | $109.79 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.