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Distance from Custer to Rapid City

Driving Distance
44.6 mi 71.8 km
Flying Distance
28.4 mi 45.7 km

Route Information

The driving distance from Custer, South Dakota to Rapid City, South Dakota is 44.6 mi (71.8 km)

The straight-line (air) distance is 28.4 mi (45.7 km)

The estimated flight time is 0 hr 3 min

The estimated travel time by road is 1 hour 1 minute

Traveling mixed highways and local roads, moderate in a northeast direction. Average speeds around 50 mph.

Location Details

Origin:

Custer
Place Custer
State/Province South Dakota
Country US
Latitude 43.766651
Longitude -103.598806
GPS 43.766651° N, 103.598806° W
Local Time 11:36 PM
Timezone America/Denver

Destination:

Rapid City
Place Rapid City
State/Province South Dakota
Country US
Latitude 44.080543
Longitude -103.231015
GPS 44.080543° N, 103.231015° W
Local Time 11:36 PM
Timezone America/Denver

Journey Summary

Traveling from Custer, South Dakota to Rapid City, South Dakota covers 44.6 mi (71.8 km) in a northeast direction. This mixed highways and local roads, moderate route typically takes 1 hour 1 minute under normal conditions.

Drivers have 2 route options between these locations (41.1-44.6 miles / 66-72 km). The primary route shown here saves 14 minutes compared to alternatives.

The route features scenic views along the way. with average speeds around 50 mph (80 km/h).

Available Routes

US-16A E and SD-79 N
44.6 mi 1 hour 1 minute
Shortest
US-16 E/US-385 N and US-16 E
41.1 mi 48 minutes
Fastest

How is the distance calculated?

Driving distances are based on actual road data. We use advanced routing algorithms that consider traffic, tolls, highways, and local streets. For air distances (as the crow flies), we use the Vincenty formula. It's a precise method that accounts for the Earth's shape and provides accuracy up to 0.5 mm.

When multiple route options exist, we display both the shortest and fastest paths. Travel times are estimated based on typical speeds for each road type, though actual times may vary with traffic and weather conditions. All distances are shown in both miles and kilometers for convenience.