Columbus, OH to Pierre, SD

State capital to state capital route

22h 8m
Drive Time
1218
Miles
$142
Gas Cost
10
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Columbus Oh to Pierre Sd?

The drive from Columbus Oh to Pierre Sd takes approximately 22h 8m, covering 1218 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $142 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 31–32+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
18h 49m
🔵 Typical
22h 8m
🔴 Heavy traffic
32h 6m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1218 miles
Drive Time22h 8min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$142
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$157-$192

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Columbus Oh to Pierre Sd

For a long drive like Columbus Oh to Pierre Sd, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
22h 8m
~$142 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 56m
~$183–$426 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 26m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
22h 8m
~$142
🚌 Bus
27h 4m
~$97–$219
🚂 Train
22h 9m
~$146–$365

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Columbus, OH to Pierre, SD?
The drive takes approximately 22 hours and 8 minutes covering 1218 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 40 gallons of gas, costing approximately $142 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.