Rapid City travel guide

Rapid City Tourism | Rapid City Guide

You're Going to Love Rapid City

With a population of 67,956, Rapid City is a must-see destination in South Dakota, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Rapid City deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Rapid City

If you’re looking for affordable options, Murphy's Pub and Grill (510 9th Street) and Kathmandu Bistro (727 Main Street) are great picks.

Most popular restaurants in Rapid City

Gastro Pub
Very good (881 reviews)
American
Very good (164 reviews)
Steakhouse
Wonderful (99 reviews)
American
Very good (59 reviews)
Contemporary American
Wonderful (21 reviews)
Gastro Pub
Very good (881 reviews)
American
Very good (164 reviews)
Steakhouse
Wonderful (99 reviews)
American
Very good (59 reviews)
Contemporary American
Wonderful (21 reviews)

When to visit Rapid City

Rapid City in November
Estimated hotel price
$72
1 night at 3-star hotel
Rapid City in November
Estimated hotel price
$72
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Rapid City in July, when the average temperature is 73.4 °F, and the highest can go up to 87.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 12.2 °F, with an average temperature of 24.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in May, when precipitation is around 3.2″. In contrast, January is usually the driest month of the year in Rapid City, with an average rainfall of 0.3″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Rapid City

Plane

When flying to Rapid City, you’ll arrive at Rapid City (RAP), which is located 9 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Rapid City include Emirates, Air New Zealand and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Rapid City departs from Los Angeles and takes around 2h 50m.

Bus

Rapid City’s bus station is located 0.3 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Rapid City, you’ll arrive at Rapid City (RAP), which is located 9 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Rapid City include Emirates, Air New Zealand and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Rapid City departs from Los Angeles and takes around 2h 50m.

Bus

Rapid City’s bus station is located 0.3 miles from the city center.

Airports near Rapid City

Airlines serving Rapid City

KLM
Good (849 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,591 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,925 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (775 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (814 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (770 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (5,775 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (137 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (516 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (307 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (441 reviews)
Southern / Mokulele
Good (7 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Rapid City

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Comfort Inn & Suites and Sleep Inn and Suites Rapid City.

Where to stay in popular areas of Rapid City

Most booked hotels in Rapid City

Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City
3 stars
Excellent (9, 550 reviews)
$87+
Residence Inn by Marriott Rapid City
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 342 reviews)
$92+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 2342 reviews)
$71+
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1352 reviews)
$79+
Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 484 reviews)
$114+
Home2 Suites by Hilton Rapid City
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 418 reviews)
$86+

Renting a car in Rapid City

Renting a car in Rapid City costs $73 per day, on average, or $146 if you want to rent if for 2 days. Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hertz are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Rapid City is the Avis branch at 4550 Terminal Road Suite 107, which is 9 miles from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 5% cheaper than airport locations in Rapid City.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Rapid City (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Rapid City is Compact (Nissan Rogue or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 45% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Rapid City costs $73 per day, on average, or $146 if you want to rent if for 2 days. Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hertz are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Rapid City is the Avis branch at 4550 Terminal Road Suite 107, which is 9 miles from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 5% cheaper than airport locations in Rapid City.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Rapid City (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Rapid City is Compact (Nissan Rogue or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 45% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.