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Trip from Jefferson, SD to Mitchell, SD

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 20m

Distance

142 mi

228 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 11m ★
6 AM
2h 20m
8 AM
2h 40m
10 AM
2h 27m
12 PM
2h 25m
3 PM
2h 28m
5 PM
2h 39m
8 PM
2h 14m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Jefferson, SD, SD

Jefferson, SD

Tom Fisk

Downtown Mitchell, SD, SD

Mitchell, SD

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Jefferson, SD to Mitchell, SD is 142 miles and takes about 2 hours 20 minutes via I 29, I 90, and South Burr Street, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive across South Dakota. With a recommended single day for completion, it's a practical choice for those looking to cover ground efficiently. You'll find yourself on mostly highway for this stretch, making it a relatively quick transit between these two points.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

71 miles from Jefferson, SD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 29 74.4 mi 1h 12m
I 90 64.1 mi 1h
South Burr Street 0.7 mi 1m
West Dakota Street 0.7 mi 1m
East Havens Avenue 0.5 mi 1m
South Sanborn Boulevard 0.5 mi 1m
I 90 Business 0.3 mi <1m
Main Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 29 — 74.4 mi, about 1h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson, SD and Mitchell, SD.

1

Start on South 3rd Street

56 ft · 7 sec · South 3rd Street
2

Turn left onto CR 1B

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Main Street
3

Turn left onto West Dakota Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · West Dakota Street
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec
5

Merge onto I 29

74 mi · 1 hr 12 min · I 29
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 90 West: Rapid City
7

Merge onto I 90

64 mi · 1 hr · I 90
8

Take the exit onto I 90 Business

0.3 mi · 34 sec · I 90 Business
Toward Mitchell
9

Keep slight right at fork

184 ft · 4 sec
10

Turn straight onto I 90 Business

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Burr Street
11

Turn left onto I 90 Business

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Havens Avenue
12

Turn slight right

260 ft · 9 sec
13

Turn straight onto South Sanborn Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Sanborn Boulevard
14

Turn left onto West 1st Avenue

34 ft · 1 sec · West 1st Avenue
15

Arrive at destination

West 1st Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour 20 minute duration, leaving Jefferson, SD in the morning allows ample time to reach Mitchell, SD well before evening. The drive is short enough that you won't need to split it, offering flexibility for departure. Factor in the estimated $22 fuel cost for your budget. Keep an eye out for the transition from I 90 to South Burr Street as you approach Mitchell, as this marks the end of the high-speed highway driving.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 71 miles from Jefferson, SD, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.4 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 31 miles or 31m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 71 miles or 1h 10m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 53m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mitchell, SD than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Jefferson, SD so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Jefferson, SD

This is one driving day of about 142 miles and 2h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Jefferson, SD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 29 for about 74.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in and seat of Minnehaha County, and largest city in South Dakota, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Sioux Falls, SD

71 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Worthing, SD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Sioux Falls, SD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71 miles from Jefferson, SD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 29 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 74.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · around the midpoint

Lalibela restaurant LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset · 1h 10m in / 1h 10m to go 1 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16052710747

Visit website

Culver’s

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mitchell, South Dakota

1.7 mi

The Source Coffee Roastery + Taproom

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

2.7 mi

Lalibela restaurant LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16052710747

Visit website

Culver’s

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Mitchell, South Dakota

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+16059955868

Visit website

The Source Coffee Roastery + Taproom

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+16053397207

Visit website

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16053367522

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

EV Connect Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

+18888074522

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16059771438

Visit website

Flying J Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Vermillion Rest Stop Area & Information Center

0.1 mi from route

Salem Rest Area Westbound

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Salem Rest Area Eastbound

0.2 mi from route

Coffee Cub Travel Plaza - TA Express

0.3 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.3 mi from route

The World's Only Corn Palace

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Mitchell, South Dakota

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+16059958430

Visit website

Mosaic Arts & Events

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+16052719500

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 141.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | CR 1B / Main Street

Turn left onto CR 1B / Main Street

Navigation decision point

4
75.6 mi into trip | ~1h 14m in

Take the exit toward I 90 West: Rapid City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 90 West: Rapid City
4
139.9 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in | I 90 Business

Take the exit onto I 90 Business toward Mitchell

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward Mitchell
5
140.2 mi into trip | ~2h 16m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
141.9 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in | West 1st Avenue

Turn left onto West 1st Avenue

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.66 one way

$43.33 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.27 $23.86 $47.72
premium $4.81 $26.87 $53.74
diesel $5.61 $31.35 $62.70

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 49.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 42.6 0 $14.91 $6.82
Efficient EV 35.5 0 $12.42 $5.68
EV Truck/SUV 56.8 0 $19.88 $9.09

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Jefferson, SD

Afternoon in Jefferson on Tuesday

Local time

1:24 PM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Mitchell, SD

Afternoon in Mitchell on Tuesday

Local time

1:24 PM

CDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

3 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 20m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is almost entirely on the highway, with 98% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll experience a longest stretch of 74.4 miles on I 29 before transitioning to other roads. Expect mostly rural cruising with a high density of exits on the interstate segments. The final portion on South Burr Street will shift you to surface roads.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.4 mi on I 29.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 29 and I 90. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CR 1B / Main Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 20m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (CR 1B / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 75.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 139.9 miles (I 90 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

About the Cities

Arriving in Mitchell, SD

Full guide →

Mitchell is a city in Southeast South Dakota on Interstate 90 about 75 miles (121 km) west of Sioux Falls. Mitchell is located in the heart of South Dakota, with rich rolling farmland leading into wide open prairies.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 20m. Total distance: 142 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 74.4 miles on I 29. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 7 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through SD can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (CR 1B / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 75.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 139.9 miles (I 90 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Mitchell, SD before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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