Bismarck to Rapid City: Road Trip Guide & Distance

222.7 miles 358.4 km · straight line
278.4 miles estimated 448 km · driving distance
5h 36min estimated drive time
$27 - $33 estimated fuel cost
~57min flight time
213° SSW bearing direction

How far is Bismarck from Rapid City?

The distance from Bismarck to Rapid City is 222.7 miles (358.4 km) as the crow flies. Rapid City is located SSW of Bismarck. By car, the driving distance is approximately 278.4 miles, taking about 5h 36min. A direct flight would take roughly 57min. Both are located in United States — Bismarck in North Dakota and Rapid City in South Dakota.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Bismarck and Rapid City. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Bismarck to Rapid City

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 5h 36min $27 - $33 Flexible stops
Fly ~57min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~6h 43min $22–$42* Budget
Train ~5h 19min $33–$97* Comfort

Quick Facts

Bismarck
46.81°N, 100.78°W
America/Chicago
514m elevation
Rapid City
44.08°N, 103.23°W
America/Chicago
966m elevation
Explore more routes from Rapid City

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 74 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 19 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 111.8 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients