Origin
Lemmon, SD
Late night in Lemmon on Wednesday
Local time
5:00 AM
MDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lemmon, SD to Sioux Falls, SD
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
7h 23m
Distance
403.9 mi
650 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$63
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 13m
★
6 AM
7h 24m
8 AM
7h 45m
10 AM
7h 31m
12 PM
7h 29m
3 PM
7h 32m
5 PM
7h 43m
8 PM
7h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lemmon, SD
Wikimedia Commons
Sioux Falls, SD
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a 403.9-mile journey from Lemmon, South Dakota, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a drive that will take approximately 7 hours and 23 minutes. This trip is primarily a highway-focused experience, with 75% of the route utilizing major roadways. Given the duration, it's entirely feasible as a single-day trip, though you have the flexibility to split it if desired. Budget around $63 for fuel, and plan for at least two stops along the way. You'll traverse the expansive Great Plains region throughout your drive, experiencing its characteristic open landscapes.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
202 miles from Lemmon, SD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 52m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This route offers a highway-focused experience, meaning you'll spend a significant portion of your time on faster roads. With 75% of the drive on highways, expect a steady pace for much of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a considerable 135.2 miles along US 12, so be prepared for extended periods of driving before reaching a town. While the profile suggests a highway-focused drive, the transition between US 12 and I-29 will offer a change in road type and speed.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 12 is the longest continuous segment at about 135.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 12 and I 29. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 271.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 403.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 271.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 399.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 403.1 miles (I 229 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
271.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 15m in
Take the exit toward I 29, US 81: Watertown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 29, US 81: Watertown
7
399.1 mi into trip
|
~7h 16m in
Take the exit toward I 229 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 400
Toward I 229 South
8
403.1 mi into trip
|
~7h 21m in
|
I 229 Business
Take the exit onto I 229 Business toward 10th Street, Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 6
Toward 10th Street, Downtown
9
403.4 mi into trip
|
~7h 22m in
|
I 229 Business
Keep slight right at fork onto I 229 Business toward SD 42: Downtown, Washington Pavilion
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward SD 42: Downtown, Washington Pavilion
5
403.5 mi into trip
|
~7h 22m in
|
South Lowell Avenue
Turn right onto South Lowell Avenue
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 12 | 135.2 mi | 2h 40m |
| I 29 | 122.9 mi | 1h 55m |
| 10th Street East | 95.6 mi | 1h 48m |
| US Highway 12 | 36.3 mi | 41m |
| I 90 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| I 229 | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| West Grand Crossing | 3.4 mi | 3m |
| Highway 12 & 83 | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 12
— 135.2 mi, about 2h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lemmon, SD and Sioux Falls, SD.
1
Start on Main Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Avenue
2
Turn left onto US 12; SD 73
96 mi
·
1 hr 48 min
·
10th Street East
3
Continue on US 12; SD 20
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
West Grand Crossing
4
Continue on US 12; SD 20; SD 1804
19 mi
·
21 min
·
US Highway 12
5
Continue on US 12; US 83; SD 20
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway 12 & 83
6
Continue on US 12; US 83; SD 20
18 mi
·
20 min
·
US Highway 12
7
Continue on US 12; SD 47
35 mi
·
40 min
·
US 12; SD 47
8
Continue on US 12; SD 45
100 mi
·
1 hr 59 min
·
US 12; SD 45
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 29, US 81: Watertown
10
Merge onto I 29; US 81
123 mi
·
1 hr 55 min
·
I 29; US 81
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward Interstate 90 East: Albert Lea
12
Merge onto I 90
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 90
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 400
Toward I 229 South
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 229
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
I 229
15
Take the exit onto I 229 Business
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
I 229 Business
Exit 6
Toward 10th Street, Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 229 Business
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
I 229 Business
Toward SD 42: Downtown, Washington Pavilion
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn right onto South Lowell Avenue
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
South Lowell Avenue
18
Turn left onto East 8th Street
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
East 8th Street
19
Turn right onto North Chicago Avenue
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
North Chicago Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
North Chicago Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour, 23-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Lemmon to maximize daylight. With 403.9 miles to cover, planning for about two stops is wise for stretching and refueling. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 135.2-mile stretch on US 12, as services might be more spread out. The $63 fuel cost is an estimate, so it's always good to have a little extra buffer. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your stop times based on how you feel.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 202 miles from Lemmon, SD, or about 3h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 135.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 89 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 202 miles or 3h 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sioux Falls, SD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lemmon, SD so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lemmon, SD
This is one driving day of about 403.9 miles and 7h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from Lemmon, SD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 12 for about 135.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 202 mi from Lemmon, SD · 3h 52m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
202 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 89 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 202 miles from Lemmon, SD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 12 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 135.2 miles.
Arriving in Sioux Falls, SD
The final approach into Sioux Falls, SD usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Sioux Falls, SD.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$63.15 one way
$126.29 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
141 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $69.33 | $138.66 |
| premium | $4.89 | $77.73 | $155.45 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $89.18 | $178.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$63
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$88–$113
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 141.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 121.2 | 1 | $42.41 | $19.39 |
| Efficient EV | 101 | 1 | $35.34 | $16.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 161.6 | 2 | $56.55 | $25.85 |
Gas CO2
141 kg
EV CO2
47 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Sioux Falls, SD
Morning in Sioux Falls on Wednesday
Local time
6:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 23m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Lemmon, SD to Sioux Falls, SD covers 403.9 miles and takes about 7h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 12, I 29, 10th Street East. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 202 miles from Lemmon, SD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $63.15 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 403.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 271.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 399.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 403.1 miles (I 229 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Lemmon, SD to Sioux Falls, SD does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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