Key Highlights
-
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is where you start your trip to Rapid City and the Black Hills.
-
This airport is the nearest commercial airport to Mount Rushmore.
-
Big airlines, like United and Delta, fly from here.
-
You can get direct flights to main airport hubs such as Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Minneapolis.
-
The terminal has good amenities. You will find dining, shopping, and car rentals all on-site.
-
Ground transportation is easy to find to take you to downtown or your hotel.
Introduction
Welcome to Rapid City, South Dakota! The city is known for its beauty and history. If you come to visit, you will most likely start your trip at one of the airports in this area. This guide is here to help you as you arrive or leave. You will learn about the main airport, what it offers, and how to get to and from the airport. It’s made to give you the info you need for a smooth trip in this part of the United States.
Overview of Rapid City Airports
When you fly into Rapid City, you will most likely land at Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). This is the closest airport with commercial flights, so it is the best choice for most people coming to this part of South Dakota. The airport is a good starting point to get to all the top places in the area.
There are also some smaller airports near Rapid City. These municipal airports offer flights for private planes or only a few other services. They may be helpful if you have special travel needs. In this guide, we will look at both the Rapid City Regional Airport and these other options in South Dakota.
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) – Main Gateway
Rapid City Regional Airport sits about nine miles southeast of Rapid City. The FAA uses the codes RAP and KRAP for this airport. It is located in South Dakota, in the United States. This airport is seen as a small but important center for travel in western South Dakota. It helps a lot of people get in and out of the area.
The airport takes up more than 1,600 acres and has two runways. The first runway, number 14/32, is made from concrete and is 8,701 feet long. The second runway, number 5/23, uses asphalt and is 3,601 feet long. With these runways, Rapid City Regional Airport can handle many types of planes.
The terminal at Rapid City Regional Airport is modern and was improved in 2012. People can enjoy a good, quick travel experience. You will also see top airlines like United, Delta, and American Eagle at RAP. These airlines take you to major places in the United States.
Additional Nearby Airports for Travelers
If you want another airport besides Rapid City Regional Airport, there are some choices you can reach by car. The closest airport with normal flights is Chadron Municipal Airport (CDR) in Nebraska. This airport is about 101 miles from Rapid City. A bit farther away, Gillette-Campbell County Airport (GCC) in Wyoming is around 147 miles away from Rapid City.
You can also look at Pierre Regional Airport (PIR) in South Dakota, which is about 176 miles east of the city. These airports are smaller and do not have as many flights, but they could be good based on where you want to go in the area.
If you fly privately or on a special charter, you can use smaller airports like Custer County Airport and Black Hills Airport in Spearfish. These places do not have normal airlines, but they are part of the rapid city area’s air travel system and help many people who use general aviation.
Airlines and Flight Destinations from Rapid City
It is easy to get to and from Rapid City Regional Airport. The airport has many airlines that fly to major hubs. No matter if you are traveling for work or fun, you will find choices that link you to the rest of the country. United is one of the airlines that gives year-round trips to important places.
Many people like to take direct flights from Rapid City. This makes travel plans much easier. The flight to Denver is very popular and has a few flights each day. In the next parts, you will see which airlines you can fly with and where you can go from Rapid City Regional Airport.
Major Airlines Operating at RAP
Many well-known airlines fly out of Rapid City Regional Airport. This means you get more options when looking to book your flights. These airlines fly all year or during certain times, so you can get to and from the Black Hills to other parts of the country. United is one of the main airlines here. It has flights often, mainly going to its hub in Denver (DEN).
Delta also flies to and from RAP. It links you with its own hubs, like Minneapolis/St. Paul or, when the season is right, Atlanta. American Eagle has flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago–O’Hare as hubs. If you want to save money, Allegiant can get you to fun travel spots.
These are the main airlines you will see at RAP:
-
United Airlines / United Express
-
Delta Air Lines / Delta Connection
-
American Airlines / American Eagle
-
Allegiant Air
Direct and Popular Flight Routes
From the Rapid City terminal, you can catch direct flights to several major U.S. hubs, which makes planning your trip much easier. These routes are your fastest way to connect to destinations across the country and around the world. The flight to Denver is by far the most popular, carrying the highest volume of passengers annually.
Other key direct flight destinations include Minneapolis/St. Paul, a major hub for Delta, and Dallas/Fort Worth, served by American. Seasonal routes are also available, such as flights to Atlanta with Delta or Chicago with American and United. These options expand your travel possibilities, especially during the peak summer tourist season.
Here is a look at some of the busiest routes from RAP:
|
Destination City |
Carriers |
|---|---|
|
Denver, Colorado |
United |
|
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota |
Delta, Sun Country |
|
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas |
American |
|
Chicago–O’Hare, Illinois |
American, United |
|
Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona |
Allegiant |
Amenities and Services at Rapid City Regional Airport
The terminal at Rapid City Regional Airport is set up to make sure you feel good and have a simple trip. After a big upgrade, the place now shows off many new features that help you relax before your flight. If you want to eat or pick up something quick at a shop, you will find it here.
Rapid City Regional Airport gives people the things they need to make travel easy. They have rental cars and helpers for passengers, so you can move along without problems. Now, let’s take a look at the different choices for food, shops, and other things you get in the terminal.
Dining, Shopping, and Traveler Services
When you wait for the plane at Rapid City Regional Airport, there are some good places to eat and shop in the terminal. You can get a meal or grab a snack before you get on your flight. There are shops with souvenirs, things to read, and what you need for travel.
In the rapid city terminal, you will find more than just food and shopping. The airport offers many services that make your time here easier. You get up-to-date flight boards and good seating if you want to sit and rest. The restrooms are bigger now, and there is a special rooftop patio for you to use.
Key amenities and services you will find:
-
Food and beverage concessions
-
Gift shops and newsstands
-
Rooftop patio access
-
Flight information display systems
On-site Car Rentals and Parking Information
Yes, renting a car at Rapid City Regional Airport is very easy. There is a place in the terminal just for rental cars. You will find six rental counters right there. You get to step off your flight and go straight to pick up your keys. You can start your trip to the Black Hills right away, with no off-site van or shuttle rides.
Parking at the airport is simple too. There are spots for short stays and long stays, both close to the entrance of the terminal. This helps you whether you drop someone off or keep your car there while you travel.
The parking cost changes based on where you park and how long you stay. For new rates and updates, you should visit the airport’s official website.
-
Avis
-
Budget
-
Enterprise
-
Hertz
Ground Transportation Options
When you get to Rapid City, you will have a few ways to leave the terminal and go where you need to be. The airport does not have any public bus service. But you can still get to your hotel or downtown very easily. There are taxis and ride-share cars waiting for you right outside the terminal.
Some people also like to use hotel shuttles, because they can be easy and save you money. You should call your hotel before you come to see if they have this service. In the next part, you will learn how to get to downtown Rapid City and what comes with each way to travel.
Getting to Downtown Rapid City
The trip from the airport to downtown Rapid City is fast and simple. The terminal is about nine to eleven miles southeast of downtown. This makes for a 15-20 minute drive, based on traffic at that time. The short way helps you get started with your visit to rapid city or go out to the black hills soon after you arrive.
You have a few good ways to get from the airport. There are rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing. Most people pick a rental car if they want to see the black hills or other places on their own time. You can get your car right there at the terminal when you land.
If you do not want to drive, you can get a taxi or book a ride-share instead. They wait for you outside the terminal. This way, you will be taken straight to your hotel downtown or any other stop you choose. It makes things easy and gives you time to relax after your flight.
Hotel Shuttles, Taxis, and Ride Share Availability
At Rapid City Regional Airport, it is easy to get a ride after you land. There are taxis you can use. Rapid Cab cars are often parked at the terminal. You can go anywhere in Rapid City or near the city with them. This is a good choice if you want to travel by a regular taxi.
Ride-share services are also a simple way to get around. Uber and Lyft work at the airport. There is Wridz as well. You can book your ride on your phone after you get your bags. Just go to the area outside the terminal where ride shares pick up people. You will see signs to help you find it.
Some hotels near Rapid City Regional Airport give free shuttle rides to their guests. If you want to use this, ask your hotel before you make your trip. They can tell you if they have airport pick-up for you.
-
Taxis (Rapid Cab)
-
Ride Share (Uber, Lyft, Wridz)
-
Hotel Shuttles (check with your hotel)
Conclusion
Rapid City airports give people easy ways to travel to the Black Hills and other places. The Rapid City Regional Airport is the main airport in the area. It has smooth flights and the things you need to make your trip easy. You can fly with many airlines and find direct flights to popular cities. This makes it simple to plan where you want to go.
If you want to eat at the airport, rent a car, or use ground transportation, Rapid City has you covered. You will get a travel experience with no headaches. The next time you want to visit the Black Hills or go somewhere new, fly into RAP for a trip you’ll remember. Have good travels, and make sure to look at our tips for places to stay nearby!
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive before my flight at RAP?
It’s best to get to Rapid City Regional Airport about 90 minutes before your flight leaves. This helps you have enough time to check your bags, go through TSA security in the terminal, and walk to your gate without having to rush.
Are there hotels near Rapid City Regional Airport?
There are no hotels right at the airport. You will find many hotels close by in Rapid City. Most places to stay are only about 15 to 20 minutes away from the terminal by car. This is good for your plans when you travel in South Dakota.
What are the parking rates at Rapid City Regional Airport?
Parking rates at Rapid City Regional Airport are different for short-term and long-term parking. The fees can go up or down, so the best way to get the latest and clear info is to check the airport’s official website before you go to the terminal.