Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Rapid City has to offer.

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Where to Eat in Rapid City

If you’re looking for affordable options, Murphy's Pub and Grill (510 9th Street) and Gold Bison Grill (505 N 5th St) are great picks.

When to visit Rapid City

Rapid City in November
Estimated package price
$115
2 travelers
Flight to Rapid City
3 nights at hotel
Rapid City in November
Estimated package price
$115
2 travelers
Flight to Rapid City
3 nights at 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 United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Rapid City departs from Las Vegas and takes around 2h 15m.

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 United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Rapid City departs from Las Vegas and takes around 2h 15m.

Bus

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

Airports near Rapid City

RAPRapid City
CDRChadron

Airlines serving Rapid City

KLM
Good (1,517 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,452 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,588 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,735 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,570 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,726 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,217 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,504 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,577 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (334 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (688 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,646 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (645 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (709 reviews)
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Where to stay in Rapid City

Average rates range from around $165 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $626 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Comfort Inn & Suites Rapid City South - Mt Rushmore Gateway and Best Western Plus Rapid City Rushmore. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Rapid City, with prices from $41 to $447 per night. Downtown is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Rapid City are about 40% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Most popular hotel in Rapid City by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Rapid City

Most booked hotels in Rapid City

See all
Residence Inn by Marriott Rapid City
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 663 reviews)
$161+
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Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 398 reviews)
$187+
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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 2699 reviews)
$75+
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Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 861 reviews)
$158+
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Rapid City
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 633 reviews)
$138+
View
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rapid City
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 751 reviews)
$115+
View

Renting a car in Rapid City

Renting a car in Rapid City costs $74 per day, on average, or $222 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo 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 Budget branch at 4550 Terminal Road, Suite 116, 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 37% cheaper than airport locations in Rapid City.

Expect to pay $4.77 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 $57.24 and $76.31. The most frequently booked car type in Rapid City is Full-size (Volkswagen Jetta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Accent or similar) are, on average, 56% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Rapid City costs $74 per day, on average, or $222 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo 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 Budget branch at 4550 Terminal Road, Suite 116, 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 37% cheaper than airport locations in Rapid City.

Expect to pay $4.77 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 $57.24 and $76.31. The most frequently booked car type in Rapid City is Full-size (Volkswagen Jetta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Accent or similar) are, on average, 56% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Rapid City

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$43/day

Supplier choice

Standard

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$43/day

Standard
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