Pierre, SD to Little Rock, AR

State capital to state capital route

18h 40m
Drive Time
1027
Miles
$119
Gas Cost
8
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Pierre, SD to Little Rock, AR?

The drive from Pierre, SD to Little Rock, AR takes approximately 18h 40m, covering 1027 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $119 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 25–26+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
15h 52m
🔵 Typical
18h 40m
🔴 Heavy traffic
27h 4m

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

Route Details

Distance1027 miles
Drive Time18h 40min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$119
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$134-$169

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 Pierre, SD to Little Rock, AR

For a long drive like Pierre, SD to Little Rock, AR, 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
18h 40m
~$119 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 33m
~$154–$359 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 3m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
18h 40m
~$119
🚌 Bus
22h 49m
~$82–$185
🚂 Train
18h 40m
~$123–$308

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 Pierre, SD to Little Rock, AR?
The drive takes approximately 18 hours and 40 minutes covering 1027 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 34 gallons of gas, costing approximately $119 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.

Driving Tips: Pierre SD to Little Rock AR

The journey from Pierre SD to Little Rock AR stretches 1027 miles along the highway and typically takes 18h 40m to complete. At today's fuel prices, expect to spend around $119 on gas. Departing during early morning gives you the best chance of avoiding congestion along the way.

This 1027-mile trek is a true American road trip. Stock up on audiobooks or podcasts, rotate drivers if possible, and build in time for roadside attractions. The journey itself is part of the adventure.

Related Routes

Pierre, SD → Bismarck, ND · 4hPierre, SD → Cheyenne, WY · 7h 30mPierre, SD → Lincoln, NE · 7h 15mPierre, SD → Saint Paul, MN · 8h 28mPierre, SD → Denver, CO · 9h 25mPierre, SD → Des Moines, IA · 9h 13mJackson, MS → Little Rock, AR · 4h 54mJefferson City, MO → Little Rock, AR · 6h 15mBaton Rouge, LA → Little Rock, AR · 7h 9mNashville, TN → Little Rock, AR · 7h 40mOklahoma City, OK → Little Rock, AR · 7h 4mSpringfield, IL → Little Rock, AR · 8h 54m