Car Rental at Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) from $196

Reasons to book a car rental at Rapid City Airport

Renting a car at Rapid City Airport offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your exploration of the area. As a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, national park explorers, and road trippers, a rental vehicle allows you to discover key attractions at your own pace. You can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed. Within a short drive from the airport, you can visit Main Street Square, a modern square ideal for city experiences, located 9 miles away, or the Central States Fairgrounds, perfect for outdoor family experiences, just 8 miles from the airport. Additionally, the historic South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, also 8 miles away, offers a taste of local culture. Exploring nearby destinations is equally convenient with your rental car. Ellsworth AFB, located 7 miles away, features The Monument Civic Center and Bethlehem Cave Wild Adventure Park. Historic Rapid City, 9 miles from the airport, is home to both The Monument Civic Center and Main Street Square. For families and art enthusiasts, the flexibility of a rental car ensures you can experience everything Rapid City has to offer seamlessly.

Most popular car rentals near Rapid City Airport

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice among travelers at Rapid City airport, accommodating up to 5 passengers and offering space for 3 large suitcases. This vehicle is ideal for families, couples, or small groups, providing comfortable seating and ample cargo space for your outdoor gear or luggage. Its versatility makes it perfect for exploring the scenic attractions around Rapid City at your own pace.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option is highly favored at Rapid City airport, fitting up to 5 travelers and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families and groups needing extra room for their belongings. With the comfort and capacity it offers, the Fullsize vehicle ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride as you navigate the beautiful landscapes of the region.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another great option for those renting a car at Rapid City airport. It comfortably fits 5 travelers and has space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is well-suited for couples, families, or groups looking for a reliable and spacious ride. The Standard SUV allows you to enjoy the freedom of the open road while providing enough space for your essentials during your journey.

Top rated car suppliers near Rapid City Airport

• Alamo Rent A Car: This supplier has 1 rental location situated 0.3 miles away from Rapid City airport. Alamo is recognized for its friendly service and has an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10. The most commonly booked vehicles with Alamo include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, making it a great choice for travelers looking for comfort and space while exploring the area.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations, the nearest being 0.3 miles from Rapid City airport, Enterprise also boasts an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10. Known for its friendly service, this supplier offers a smooth rental experience. Travelers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles from Enterprise, providing ample options for both individuals and families.
• Hertz: Located 0.5 miles away from Rapid City airport, Hertz has 1 rental site and an overall rating of 7.4 out of 10. This supplier is praised for its short wait times and clean vehicles. Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs are the most booked options, allowing travelers to enjoy both versatility and ease of handling during their adventures around Rapid City.

Where to go near Rapid City Airport

• Ellsworth AFB: Located 7 miles from the Rapid City Regional Airport, Ellsworth AFB offers a variety of attractions for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. The area is known for its military civic attractions and peaks in visitor numbers from June to August. Key points of interest include The Monument Civic Center, which serves as an event venue, and the Bethlehem Cave Wild Adventure Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Historic Rapid City: Situated 9 miles away from the airport, Historic Rapid City is an inviting neighborhood that draws travelers for its outdoor activities and shopping experiences. Seasonal visitor numbers peak in June to August. The Monument Civic Center and Central States Fairgrounds are notable highlights, with the latter catering to outdoor family fun. Main Street Square offers a vibrant atmosphere for city vacations.
• Rapid Valley: Rapid Valley is a charming village located 5 miles from the airport, attracting visitors year-round, especially during the summer months from June to August. This area is great for outdoor adventures, featuring attractions such as the Central States Fairgrounds and The Monument Civic Center. Visitors can also enjoy the recreational areas and scenic views that Rapid Valley has to offer.

9 tips to save on your Rapid City Airport car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: To secure lower rates and a wider selection, it's advisable to book your RAP car rental as early as possible. Ideally, make your reservation 1-3 months in advance, particularly before peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might have limited availability. This can also affect renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles like economy or compact cars are usually less expensive to rent and easier to park in busy locations. Mid-size rentals provide a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the best choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also work, but ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits, as debit cards are not always accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unforeseen expenses and provide peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend significant time on the road, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid additional costs on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car from Rapid City Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Rapid City Airport is April, when prices are at their lowest and demand remains average. Following April, May offers similar pricing with average demand, making it another good option. However, the summer months of June through August see moderately high prices and high demand, with July being the most expensive month for rentals. September also experiences high demand, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	26.2°F (-3.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
February	25.3°F (-3.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
March	36.9°F (2.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
April	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
May	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
July	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	72.7°F (22.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Moderately High
September	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
October	48.0°F (8.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	37.4°F (3.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	26.6°F (-3.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average