Pierre, SD to Phoenix, AZ

State capital to state capital route

23h 10m
Drive Time
1275
Miles
$148
Gas Cost
10
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Pierre Sd to Phoenix Az?

The drive from Pierre Sd to Phoenix Az takes approximately 23h 10m, covering 1275 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $148 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 32–33+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
19h 42m
🔵 Typical
23h 10m
🔴 Heavy traffic
33h 36m

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

Route Details

Distance1275 miles
Drive Time23h 10min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$148
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$163-$198

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 Pierre Sd to Phoenix Az

For a long drive like Pierre Sd to Phoenix Az, 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
23h 10m
~$148 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 3m
~$191–$446 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 33m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
23h 10m
~$148
🚌 Bus
28h 20m
~$102–$230
🚂 Train
23h 11m
~$153–$382

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 Phoenix, AZ?
The drive takes approximately 23 hours and 10 minutes covering 1275 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 42 gallons of gas, costing approximately $148 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.