Saint Paul, MN to Pierre, SD

State capital to state capital route

8h 28m
Drive Time
466
Miles
$54
Gas Cost
3
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Pierre Sd?

The drive from Saint Paul Mn to Pierre Sd takes approximately 8h 28m, covering 466 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $54 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 11–12+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
7h 12m
🔵 Typical
8h 28m
🔴 Heavy traffic
12h 17m

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

Route Details

Distance466 miles
Drive Time8h 28min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$54
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$69-$104

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.

This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.

Best Time to Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Pierre Sd

For a long drive like Saint Paul Mn 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
8h 28m
~$54 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 26m
~$80–$163 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~56 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
8h 28m
~$54
🚌 Bus
10h 21m
~$37–$84
🚂 Train
8h 28m
~$56–$140

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 Saint Paul, MN to Pierre, SD?
The drive takes approximately 8 hours and 28 minutes covering 466 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 15 gallons of gas, costing approximately $54 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.