Hays to Mount Rushmore: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Hays from Mount Rushmore?

The distance from Hays to Mount Rushmore is 406.4 miles (654 km) as the crow flies. Mount Rushmore is located NNW of Hays. By car, the driving distance is approximately 487.7 miles, taking about 9h 49min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 19min. Both are located in United States — Hays in Kansas and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. 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 Hays and Mount Rushmore. 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.