How far is Yankton, SD from Spearfish, SD?
The driving distance from Yankton, SD to Spearfish, SD is about 401.9 miles (646.8 km), with a travel time of about 05h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 341.6 miles (549.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 33m 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 46m.
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.
Chance Rain Showers
Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Yankton and Spearfish.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Yankton and Spearfish.
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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
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4
Take the exit left
2349 ft · 57 sec
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5
Merge slight left
351.2 mi · 5 hr 35 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Jackson Boulevard, Black Hills State University
1541 ft · 43 sec
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7
Turn left onto East Jackson Boulevard
1 km · 2 min · East Jackson Boulevard
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8
Turn left onto North Main Street
45 m · 14 sec · North Main Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Yankton and Spearfish.
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
351 mi · 05h 35m
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 Rain And Snow Showers near Spearfish.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Yankton to Spearfish?
The road trip is about 401.9 miles (646.8 km) and usually takes 05h 46m 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 204.5 miles from Yankton and 197.4 miles from Spearfish.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 341.6 miles (549.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 60.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $53.47 one way or $106.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 126 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Yankton and Spearfish, 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 Rain And Snow Showers near Spearfish.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Yankton and Spearfish. Straight-line distance: 341.62 mi (549.79 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 Spearfish
City in Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 11,900 |
| Coordinates | 44.4908200, -103.8593700 |
| Altitude | 1112 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Main Street (-103.859247, 44.49086)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 647 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 13h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 10h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 08h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 05h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $53.47 | $106.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $60.31 | $120.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $65.99 | $131.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $75.21 | $150.42 |
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.