How far is Watertown, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Watertown, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 363.1 miles (584.4 km), with a travel time of about 06h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 306.6 miles (493.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 12h 00m 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 06h 00m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in Lyman County, South Dakota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Watertown and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown and Rapid City.
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1
Start on South Broadway
1.1 km · 2 min · South Broadway
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2
Turn right onto 9th Avenue Southwest
6.4 mi · 9 min · 9th Avenue Southwest
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3
Continue on US Highway 212
10.6 mi · 12 min · US Highway 212
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4
Continue on 4th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 4th Street
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5
Continue on US Highway 212
3.9 mi · 6 min · US Highway 212
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6
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
60 mi · 1 hr 11 min · SD Highway 25
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7
Turn right onto SD Highway 34
6 mi · 7 min · SD Highway 34
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8
Turn left onto SD Highway 25
23.6 mi · 27 min · SD Highway 25
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9
Take the ramp right
1803 ft · 44 sec
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10
Merge slight left
292.2 mi · 4 hr 36 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 190, US 16: Downtown, Black Hawk National Forest, Mount Rushmore
2265 ft · 1 min
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12
Continue straight
1.4 mi · 2 min
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13
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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14
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 46 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watertown and Rapid City.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
SD Highway 25
Merge slight left
292 mi · 04h 36m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Watertown and Chance Snow Showers near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watertown to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 363.1 miles (584.4 km) and usually takes 06h 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?
Oacoma is a useful midpoint, sitting about 203.2 miles from Watertown and 159.9 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 306.6 miles (493.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 56.5 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 5:00 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $48.31 one way or $96.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 113.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Watertown and Rapid City, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Watertown and Chance Snow Showers near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watertown and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 306.63 mi (493.48 km).
#1 Watertown
City in and county seat of Codington County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 22,303 |
| Coordinates | 44.8994100, -97.1150700 |
| Altitude | 528 |
| 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: 584 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 12h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $48.31 | $96.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $54.48 | $108.96 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $59.62 | $119.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $67.94 | $135.89 |
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.