Raleigh, NC to Pierre, SD

State capital to state capital route

30h 23m
Drive Time
1672
Miles
$195
Gas Cost
14
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Raleigh Nc to Pierre Sd?

The drive from Raleigh Nc to Pierre Sd takes approximately 30h 23m, covering 1672 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $195 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 42–43+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
25h 50m
🔵 Typical
30h 23m
🔴 Heavy traffic
44h 3m

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

Route Details

Distance1672 miles
Drive Time30h 23min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$195
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$210-$245

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 4 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Raleigh Nc to Pierre Sd

For a long drive like Raleigh Nc 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
30h 23m
~$195 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 51m
~$251–$585 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 21m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
30h 23m
~$195
🚌 Bus
37h 9m
~$134–$301
🚂 Train
30h 24m
~$201–$502

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 Raleigh, NC to Pierre, SD?
The drive takes approximately 30 hours and 23 minutes covering 1672 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 55 gallons of gas, costing approximately $195 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.