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Trip from Lemmon, SD to Sioux Falls, SD

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 23m

Distance

403.9 mi

650 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$63

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
7h 13m ★
6 AM
7h 24m
8 AM
7h 45m
10 AM
7h 31m
12 PM
7h 29m
3 PM
7h 32m
5 PM
7h 43m
8 PM
7h 17m

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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city in South Dakota, United States of America

Lemmon, SD

Wikimedia Commons

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

Sioux Falls, SD

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embark on a 403.9-mile journey from Lemmon, South Dakota, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a drive that will take approximately 7 hours and 23 minutes. This trip is primarily a highway-focused experience, with 75% of the route utilizing major roadways. Given the duration, it's entirely feasible as a single-day trip, though you have the flexibility to split it if desired. Budget around $63 for fuel, and plan for at least two stops along the way. You'll traverse the expansive Great Plains region throughout your drive, experiencing its characteristic open landscapes.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

202 miles from Lemmon, SD

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 12 135.2 mi 2h 40m
I 29 122.9 mi 1h 55m
10th Street East 95.6 mi 1h 48m
US Highway 12 36.3 mi 41m
I 90 3.7 mi 4m
I 229 3.6 mi 4m
West Grand Crossing 3.4 mi 3m
Highway 12 & 83 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 12 — 135.2 mi, about 2h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lemmon, SD and Sioux Falls, SD.

1

Start on Main Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Main Avenue
2

Turn left onto US 12; SD 73

96 mi · 1 hr 48 min · 10th Street East
3

Continue on US 12; SD 20

3.4 mi · 3 min · West Grand Crossing
4

Continue on US 12; SD 20; SD 1804

19 mi · 21 min · US Highway 12
5

Continue on US 12; US 83; SD 20

1.0 mi · 1 min · Highway 12 & 83
6

Continue on US 12; US 83; SD 20

18 mi · 20 min · US Highway 12
7

Continue on US 12; SD 47

35 mi · 40 min · US 12; SD 47
8

Continue on US 12; SD 45

100 mi · 1 hr 59 min · US 12; SD 45
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 29, US 81: Watertown
10

Merge onto I 29; US 81

123 mi · 1 hr 55 min · I 29; US 81
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward Interstate 90 East: Albert Lea
12

Merge onto I 90

3.7 mi · 4 min · I 90
13

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 33 sec
Exit 400 Toward I 229 South Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto I 229

3.6 mi · 4 min · I 229
15

Take the exit onto I 229 Business

0.2 mi · 32 sec · I 229 Business
Exit 6 Toward 10th Street, Downtown Use the slight right lane.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 229 Business

0.1 mi · 20 sec · I 229 Business
Toward SD 42: Downtown, Washington Pavilion Use the slight right lane.
17

Turn right onto South Lowell Avenue

0.1 mi · 22 sec · South Lowell Avenue
18

Turn left onto East 8th Street

0.2 mi · 29 sec · East 8th Street
19

Turn right onto North Chicago Avenue

0.1 mi · 23 sec · North Chicago Avenue
20

Arrive at destination

North Chicago Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7-hour, 23-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Lemmon to maximize daylight. With 403.9 miles to cover, planning for about two stops is wise for stretching and refueling. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 135.2-mile stretch on US 12, as services might be more spread out. The $63 fuel cost is an estimate, so it's always good to have a little extra buffer. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your stop times based on how you feel.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 202 miles from Lemmon, SD, or about 3h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 135.2 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 89 miles or 1h 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 202 miles or 3h 52m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 23m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lemmon, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Lemmon, SD

This is one driving day of about 403.9 miles and 7h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from Lemmon, SD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 12 for about 135.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Dickey County, North Dakota, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oakes, ND

202 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

Mobridge, SD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 89 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oakes, ND

Meal break

The midpoint is around 202 miles from Lemmon, SD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 12 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 135.2 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 403.9

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16053367522

Visit website

Red Barn Bakery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lemmon, South Dakota

0.6 mi

The Source Coffee Roastery + Taproom

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

1.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Olive Branch Eatery

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lemmon, South Dakota

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16053741791

Visit website

Flower Box and The Daily Grind

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lemmon, South Dakota

0 mi

Cenex

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lemmon, South Dakota

0.4 mi

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16053367522

Visit website

Red Barn Bakery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Lemmon, South Dakota

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+16053742253

The Source Coffee Roastery + Taproom

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+16053397207

Visit website

Lalibela restaurant LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16052710747

Visit website

The Olive Branch Eatery

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20

Lemmon, South Dakota

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16053741791

Visit website

Flower Box and The Daily Grind

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route

Lemmon, South Dakota

Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm

+16053745911

Visit website

Cenex

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Lemmon, South Dakota

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+16053743746

Visit website

Dakota Maid

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 115.4

Selby, South Dakota

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+16056491144

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 346.2

Brookings, South Dakota

+18333994638

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

EV Connect Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

+18668167584

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

EV Connect Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

+18888074522

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Mosaic Arts & Events

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 403.9

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+16052719500

Visit website

Dacotah Prairie Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 202

Aberdeen, South Dakota

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16056267117

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 271.8 and 403.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
271.8 mi into trip | ~5h 15m in

Take the exit toward I 29, US 81: Watertown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 29, US 81: Watertown
7
399.1 mi into trip | ~7h 16m in

Take the exit toward I 229 South

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 400 Toward I 229 South
8
403.1 mi into trip | ~7h 21m in | I 229 Business

Take the exit onto I 229 Business toward 10th Street, Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 6 Toward 10th Street, Downtown
9
403.4 mi into trip | ~7h 22m in | I 229 Business

Keep slight right at fork onto I 229 Business toward SD 42: Downtown, Washington Pavilion

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward SD 42: Downtown, Washington Pavilion
5
403.5 mi into trip | ~7h 22m in | South Lowell Avenue

Turn right onto South Lowell Avenue

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$63.15 one way

$126.29 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 141 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $69.33 $138.66
premium $4.89 $77.73 $155.45
diesel $5.61 $89.18 $178.35

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$63

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$88–$113

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 141.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 121.2 1 $42.41 $19.39
Efficient EV 101 1 $35.34 $16.16
EV Truck/SUV 161.6 2 $56.55 $25.85

Gas CO2

141 kg

EV CO2

47 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 18, 2026

Origin

Lemmon, SD

Evening in Lemmon on Saturday

Local time

7:08 PM

MDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sioux Falls, SD

Evening in Sioux Falls on Saturday

Local time

8:08 PM

CDT

Current temp

27°F

Mostly Clear

NW 10 to 15 mph 2% chance 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

1 hour later

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

44 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

7h 23m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This route offers a highway-focused experience, meaning you'll spend a significant portion of your time on faster roads. With 75% of the drive on highways, expect a steady pace for much of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a considerable 135.2 miles along US 12, so be prepared for extended periods of driving before reaching a town. While the profile suggests a highway-focused drive, the transition between US 12 and I-29 will offer a change in road type and speed.

75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 135.2 mi on US 12.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 12 and I 29. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 271.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 403.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 271.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 399.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 403.1 miles (I 229 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Sioux Falls, SD

Full guide →

Sioux Falls is a city of about 184,000 (2019) in Southeast South Dakota. Founded in 1883 in what was then known as the Dakota Territory, Sioux Falls has grown from a sleepy Midwestern town into a resort for shopping and tourism in the northern Great Plains. It is widely recognized as the largest urban center between Minneapolis and Denver.

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 7h 23m. Total distance: 403.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 23m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 135.2 miles on US 12. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Sioux Falls, SD before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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: at 271.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 399.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 403.1 miles (I 229 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.4 hours each way, a round trip means 14.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Sioux Falls, SD before the return drive.

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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