The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Aurora, CO to Rapid City, SD
Are you planning on taking a road trip from Aurora, Colorado to Rapid City, South Dakota? Whether you're visiting family, exploring new sights, or just taking a break from your busy life, driving is a fun way to travel. But before you hit the road, you need to know how long the trip will take. Here's everything you need to know about driving from Aurora to Rapid City.
Fastest and slowest routes
The fastest route to travel from Aurora to Rapid City is interstate 25 to Interstate 80, then onto Interstate 90. This route is approximately 388 miles long, and you can expect to take around 6 hours and 19 minutes if you drive non-stop. However, this time can vary depending on the traffic patterns, and you can always opt for the scenic routes if you have time.
If you prefer to take it slow and want to enjoy the scenery along the way, you can take a leisurely drive through the Rocky Mountains. This route is approximately 682 miles long, and it takes around 11 hours and 19 minutes if you drive non-stop. However, this route is not recommended in the winter months due to snow and icy conditions.
Distance and time based on traffic patterns
The distance and driving times will be affected by the traffic you encounter. The fastest route of 388 miles typically takes 6 hours and 19 minutes, while the scenic route of 682 miles from Aurora to Rapid City can take up to 12 hours or more depending on the traffic. It's important to note that if you're traveling during peak traffic times, such as morning or evening rush hours, your journey is more likely to take longer than if you're traveling during off-peak times.
Driving times for peak traffic and low traffic times
To give you an idea of the difference between the times you'll encounter in heavy traffic and during off-peak times, we've put together some estimated driving times for you to consider.
- Fastest route:
- During peak traffic: 7 hours and 43 minutes
- During low traffic: 6 hours and 19 minutes
- Scenic route:
- During peak traffic: 14 hours and 58 minutes
- During low traffic: 11 hours and 19 minutes
It's clear that peak traffic could add extra hours to your journey, making it a less desirable route for those in a rush.
In conclusion, there are varying routes to travel from Aurora, Colorado to Rapid City, South Dakota, and whether you choose the fastest or scenic route, the distance and driving times will greatly be affected by the traffic you encounter. So plan ahead and check the traffic patterns to make your driving experience more comfortable. Whatever route you choose, you're sure to have an exciting and enjoyable road trip. Safe travels!