How far is Yankton, SD from Box Elder, SD?
The driving distance from Yankton, SD to Box Elder, SD is about 347.8 miles (559.8 km), with a travel time of about 05h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 296.8 miles (477.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 03m 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 05h 01m.
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.
Town in Lyman County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Yankton and Box Elder.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Yankton and Box Elder.
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1
Start on West 4th Street
15 m · 3 sec · West 4th Street
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2
Turn left onto Broadway Avenue
4.6 mi · 6 min · Broadway Avenue
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3
Continue on US Highway 81
52.5 mi · 1 hr · US Highway 81
-
4
Take the exit left
2349 ft · 57 sec
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5
Merge slight left
296.2 mi · 4 hr 38 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Box Elder, Elisworth AirForce Base
1962 ft · 48 sec
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7
Keep slight left
28 m · 7 sec
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8
Turn left onto Liberty Boulevard
2562 ft · 52 sec · Liberty Boulevard
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9
Turn right onto Highway 1416
1.5 km · 2 min · Highway 1416
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10
Turn left onto Oak Street
671 ft · 32 sec · Oak Street
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11
Turn right onto Front Street
29 m · 4 sec · Front Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Yankton and Box Elder.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
US Highway 81
Merge slight left
296 mi · 04h 38m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Yankton and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Box Elder.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Yankton to Box Elder?
The road trip is about 347.8 miles (559.8 km) and usually takes 05h 01m 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?
Reliance is a useful midpoint, sitting about 177.5 miles from Yankton and 170.3 miles from Box Elder.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 296.8 miles (477.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 51 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 6:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $46.27 one way or $92.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 109 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Yankton and Box Elder, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Yankton and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Box Elder.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Yankton and Box Elder. Straight-line distance: 296.84 mi (477.72 km).
#1 Yankton
County seat of Yankton County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 14,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.8711100, -97.3972800 |
| Altitude | 368 |
| 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: 560 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $46.27 | $92.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $52.18 | $104.37 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $57.10 | $114.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $65.08 | $130.16 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.