How Long Is the Drive from Sioux Falls to Badlands?
The drive from Sioux Falls to Badlands takes approximately 6h 22min, covering 351 miles via I-90. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $40 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 8–9+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
5h 25m
🔵 Typical
6h 22min
🔴 Heavy traffic
9h 14m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance351 miles (564 km)
Drive Time6h 22min
RouteI-90
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~11.7 gallons
Est. Cost$40
Route Tips: I-90
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 Sioux Falls to Badlands
For a long drive like Sioux Falls to Badlands, 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)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
6h 22min
~$40 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 12m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~42 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
6h 22min
~$40
🚌 Bus
7h 48m
~$28–$63
🚂 Train
6h 23m
~$42–$105
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Sioux Falls to Badlands?
The drive from Sioux Falls to Badlands takes approximately 6h 22min covering 351 miles via I-90. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Sioux Falls to Badlands?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $40 on gas for this 351-mile trip. You'll need about 11.7 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Sioux Falls to Badlands?
Early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Sioux Falls to Badlands route?
There may be minor tolls (around $10) on parts of this route. Some sections have toll-free alternatives.
