Frankfort, KY to Pierre, SD

State capital to state capital route

21h 26m
Drive Time
1179
Miles
$137
Gas Cost
9
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Frankfort Ky to Pierre Sd?

The drive from Frankfort Ky to Pierre Sd takes approximately 21h 26m, covering 1179 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $137 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 29–30+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
18h 13m
🔵 Typical
21h 26m
🔴 Heavy traffic
31h 5m

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

Route Details

Distance1179 miles
Drive Time21h 26min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$137
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$152-$187

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 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Frankfort Ky to Pierre Sd

For a long drive like Frankfort Ky 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
21h 26m
~$137 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 51m
~$177–$413 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 21m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
21h 26m
~$137
🚌 Bus
26h 12m
~$94–$212
🚂 Train
21h 26m
~$141–$354

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 Frankfort, KY to Pierre, SD?
The drive takes approximately 21 hours and 26 minutes covering 1179 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 39 gallons of gas, costing approximately $137 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.