Road Trip from Abilene, Texas to Rapid City, South Dakota

The wide open spaces of the Great Plains beckon to road trip enthusiasts from all over the world. If you are planning an epic adventure from Abilene, Texas to Rapid City, South Dakota, this blog post will help you find the best route for your journey.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route to Rapid City from Abilene is via I-20 W and I-25N. This route is approximately 1,050 miles long, and it takes around 16 hours to cover at an average speed of 65 miles per hour. The distance can be covered in about 14 hours if you drive non-stop. While this route is the quickest, it also involves some toll roads and heavy traffic in urban areas, especially in Colorado Springs and Denver.

Alternatively, you can take the slowest route that takes you via I-40 W and I-44 N. While this road trip may be a little longer at approximately 1,200 miles, it can offer a more scenic drive with less traffic and way more to see. This route takes you through some of the most picturesque parts of the Great Plains and the Midwest, including the Ozarks of Arkansas. The drive would take approximately 20 hours with an average speed of 60 miles per hour.

Time to Drive Route Based on Traffic Patterns

When road tripping, you'll want to time your driving based on traffic patterns to avoid getting stuck in heavy traffic jams. Traveling during peak hours can extend the travel time due to heavy traffic, accidents, or road closures.

Assuming moderate traffic, you can drive the faster route from Abilene to Rapid City in about 16 - 17 hours. However, during peak traffic hours, this drive can take as long as 20 hours. The slower route isn't heavily congested in many areas, so it would take around 20-22 hours to complete.

Final Thoughts

Route selection is always a matter of factors such as speed, scenery, and convenience levels. When taking long road trips such as from Abilene to Rapid City, the perfect route will depend on your preferences. Those who prefer the quickest route will likely opt for the faster route for a quicker arrival time, while those who revel in the drive may choose the more scenic route to experience more of the Great Plains and Midwest.

Overall, both routes have benefits and drawbacks and a journey from Abilene to Rapid City provides ample opportunities to experience all the vast beauty and essence of the great plains. So, pack your bags, fuel up your vehicle, make your journey plan and have a fantastic adventure on your drive from Abilene, Texas to Rapid City, South Dakota!