How far is Yankton, SD from Fort Pierre, SD?
The driving distance from Yankton, SD to Fort Pierre, SD is about 239.5 miles (385.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 180.7 miles (290.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 07m 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 03m.
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 Aurora County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Yankton and Fort Pierre.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Yankton and Fort Pierre.
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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
150.3 mi · 2 hr 21 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 83 North, SD 53: Pierre State Capitol, Fort Pierre
1983 ft · 48 sec
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7
Keep slight left
98 m · 9 sec
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8
Turn right onto US Highway 83
30.7 mi · 35 min · US Highway 83
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9
Continue on South 1st Street
2896 ft · 38 sec · South 1st Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Yankton and Fort Pierre.
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 81
Merge slight left
150 mi · 02h 21m
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 Cloudy leaving Yankton and Chance Snow Showers near Fort Pierre.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Yankton to Fort Pierre?
The road trip is about 239.5 miles (385.5 km) and usually takes 04h 03m 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?
White Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 119.6 miles from Yankton and 119.9 miles from Fort Pierre.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 180.7 miles (290.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 58.8 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 8:52 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.86 one way or $63.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 75.1 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Yankton and Fort Pierre, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Yankton and Chance Snow Showers near Fort Pierre.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Yankton and Fort Pierre. Straight-line distance: 180.71 mi (290.82 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 Fort Pierre
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 2,236 |
| Coordinates | 44.3535900, -100.3737400 |
| Altitude | 437 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Pierre (-100.37374, 44.35359)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 386 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.86 | $63.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $35.94 | $71.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.33 | $78.65 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $44.82 | $89.64 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.