Mount Rushmore to West Yellowstone: Road Trip Guide & Distance

382 miles 614.7 km · straight line
458.3 miles estimated 737.6 km · driving distance
9h 13min estimated drive time
$44 - $54 estimated fuel cost
~1h 16min flight time
281° W bearing direction

How far is Mount Rushmore from West Yellowstone?

The distance from Mount Rushmore to West Yellowstone is 382 miles (614.7 km) as the crow flies. West Yellowstone is located W of Mount Rushmore. By car, the driving distance is approximately 458.3 miles, taking about 9h 13min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 16min. Both are located in United States — Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and West Yellowstone in Montana.

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 Mount Rushmore and West Yellowstone. 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 Mount Rushmore to West Yellowstone

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 9h 13min $44 - $54 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 16min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~11h 4min $37–$69* Budget
Train ~8h 45min $55–$160* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Mount Rushmore & West Yellowstone

Quick Facts

Mount Rushmore
43.88°N, 103.46°W
America/Chicago
1745m elevation
West Yellowstone
44.66°N, 111.10°W
America/Denver
2028m elevation
Explore more routes from West Yellowstone

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 127 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 32 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 65.2 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients