Detroit to Mount Rushmore: Road Trip Guide & Distance

1032.7 miles 1661.9 km · straight line
1217.3 miles actual route 1959 km · driving distance
21h 39min estimated drive time
$117 - $144 estimated fuel cost
~2h 35min flight time
283° WNW bearing direction

How far is Detroit from Mount Rushmore?

The distance from Detroit to Mount Rushmore is 1032.7 miles (1661.9 km) as the crow flies. Mount Rushmore is located WNW of Detroit. By car, the driving distance is approximately 1217.3 miles, taking about 21h 39min. A direct flight would take roughly 2h 35min. Both are located in United States — Detroit in Michigan and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. 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. For a trip of this distance, flying is significantly faster. However, driving offers the flexibility to explore stops along the way.

Coordinates come from public place data for Detroit and Mount Rushmore. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Detroit to Mount Rushmore

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 21h 39min $117 - $144 Flexible stops
Fly ~2h 35min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~25h 59min $97–$183* Budget
Train ~28h 9min $146–$426* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Detroit & Mount Rushmore

Quick Facts

Detroit
42.33°N, 83.05°W
America/Detroit
183m elevation
Mount Rushmore
43.88°N, 103.46°W
America/Chicago
1745m elevation
Explore more routes from Mount Rushmore

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 344 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 86 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 24.1 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM