Origin
Pine Ridge, SD
Afternoon in Pine Ridge on Thursday
Local time
1:27 PM
MDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 42m
Distance
200 mi
322 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pierre, SD
Wikimedia Commons
The drive from Pine Ridge, SD to Pierre, SD covers 200 miles and takes about 3h 42m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 90, State Highway 73, Bennett Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 61.9 miles on I 90. At current regular gas prices, budget about $31.27 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
100 miles from Pine Ridge, SD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 42m. Total distance: 200 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Straightforward navigation.
This is a 3h 42m highway drive covering 200 miles, with most of the trip on I 90 and State Highway 73. The longest continuous stretch is about 61.9 miles on I 90.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and State Highway 73. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 57.5 miles in near SD 73 / State Highway 73.
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Pine Ridge, SD to Pierre, SD is easy. At 3h 42m with 70% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 57.5 miles (SD 73 / State Highway 73): Navigation decision point; at 103.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 165.4 miles (US 83): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn left onto SD 73 / State Highway 73
Navigation decision point
Take the ramp toward I 90 East
Navigation decision point
Take the exit onto US 83 toward US 83 North, SD 53: Fort Pierre, Pierre State Capitol
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn left onto US 83; SD 53 / US Highway 83
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto SD 1889 / South Pierre Street
Navigation decision point
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Pine Ridge, SD to Pierre, SD, road signs begin pointing toward Pierre State Capitol along the way.
Pierre State Capitol
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 61.9 mi | 58m |
| State Highway 73 | 44.6 mi | 51m |
| Bennett Avenue | 31.1 mi | 37m |
| US Highway 83 | 30.9 mi | 35m |
| East Main Street | 26.4 mi | 31m |
| SD Highway 73 | 1 mi | 2m |
| South 1st Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| West Sioux Avenue | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Pine Ridge, SD and Pierre, SD.
Start on SD 407
Turn right onto US 18
Continue on US 18
Turn left onto SD 73
Continue on SD 73
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 90
Take the exit onto US 83
Turn left onto US 83; SD 53
Continue on US 83; SD 1806
Continue on US 83; SD 1806
Continue on US 14; US 83; SD 34
Continue on US 14; US 83; SD 34
Turn left onto SD 1889
Arrive at destination
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 44 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100 miles or 1h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pierre, SD than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Pine Ridge, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Pine Ridge, SD
This is one driving day of about 200 miles and 3h 42m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 100 mi from Pine Ridge, SD · 1h 58m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
100 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.
A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 100 miles from Pine Ridge, SD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.9 miles.
The final approach into Pierre, 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 Pierre, SD.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$31.27 one way
$62.54 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $34.33 | $68.66 |
| premium | $4.89 | $38.49 | $76.98 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $44.16 | $88.31 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 60 | 0 | $21.00 | $9.60 |
| Efficient EV | 50 | 0 | $17.50 | $8.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 80 | 0 | $28.00 | $12.80 |
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Pine Ridge on Thursday
Local time
1:27 PM
MDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Destination
Afternoon in Pierre on Thursday
Local time
2:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
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
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Pine Ridge, SD or browse trips ending in Pierre, SD.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse SD road trips.
Explore maps for Pine Ridge, SD or Pierre, SD on MapSof.net.