Memphis to Mount Rushmore: Road Trip Guide & Distance

933.2 miles 1501.8 km · straight line
1177.7 miles actual route 1895.3 km · driving distance
21h 30min estimated drive time
$113 - $139 estimated fuel cost
~2h 23min flight time
314° NW bearing direction

How far is Memphis from Mount Rushmore?

The distance from Memphis to Mount Rushmore is 933.2 miles (1501.8 km) as the crow flies. Mount Rushmore is located NW of Memphis. By car, the driving distance is approximately 1177.7 miles, taking about 21h 30min. A direct flight would take roughly 2h 23min. Both are located in United States — Memphis in Tennessee 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 Memphis 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 Memphis to Mount Rushmore

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 21h 30min $113 - $139 Flexible stops
Fly ~2h 23min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~25h 48min $94–$177* Budget
Train ~27h 57min $141–$412* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Memphis & Mount Rushmore

Quick Facts

Memphis
35.15°N, 90.05°W
America/Chicago
102m 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 311 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 78 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 26.7 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM