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4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Rapid City
Rapid City
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Rapid City
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Rapid City
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Rapid City
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Rapid City?
Rapid City is the gateway to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks. While tours and shuttles are available, renting a car provides unmatched flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Explore Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Many of the region's most iconic attractions are spread out, making a rental car essential for efficient sightseeing.
Enjoy Flexibility and Freedom. With a rental car, you can easily customize your itinerary, visiting attractions when and where you want, without being tied to rigid schedules.
Access Remote Locations. Discover hidden gems and scenic drives that are inaccessible by public transport or organized tours. A rental car opens up a world of possibilities.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Rapid City
Before booking a rental car in Rapid City, familiarize yourself with the rental terms. Key considerations include age requirements, licensing, insurance, deposits, and potential extra fees.
Area
62.3 square miles
Population
Approximately 75,000 residents
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)
Ideal for
Exploring Black Hills and national parks
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.6/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Rapid City require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Rapid City – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9.50 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices rising by 20-30%.
Low season (November to February): Often features discounts due to lower tourist traffic.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Rapid City?
To secure a rental car in Rapid City, compare prices, choose the right vehicle, and review rental terms. Book early for the best rates, particularly during peak seasons. Remember to bring your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the Black Hills.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Rapid City
Rapid City serves as a convenient base for exploring the Black Hills region. Understanding local traffic conditions, parking, and fuel access is essential, especially if you plan to venture beyond the city center.
Rapid City, South Dakota, is a vibrant city known as the gateway to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. While the city itself offers attractions, a rental car is invaluable for exploring the surrounding natural wonders, including national parks and scenic drives.
Top Attractions to Discover
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Iconic monument featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Massive mountain carving still in progress, depicting the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse.
Badlands National Park
Dramatic landscapes with unique geological formations and abundant wildlife.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several garages are available downtown, providing covered and secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but time limits apply.
Park & Ride
Limited park-and-ride options may be available during peak tourist seasons.
Gas Stations in Rapid City
Easy Accessibility
Gas stations are readily available throughout Rapid City and along major highways.
Major Brands
Find brands like Shell, Exxon, and Sinclair along main routes.
Rural Areas
Ensure you refuel before venturing into more remote areas of the Black Hills.
Useful Tips for Visiting Rapid City
Check Weather Conditions
The weather in the Black Hills can change rapidly, so check the forecast before heading out.
Plan for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak tourist season, especially around major attractions.
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of wildlife, especially deer, when driving on rural roads.
Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be unreliable in some areas, so download offline maps for navigation.
Key Transportation Hubs in Rapid City
Airports
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
The main airport serving the region, providing flights to major U.S. cities.
Bus Stations
Jefferson Lines Bus Stop
Provides intercity bus services connecting Rapid City to other destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Rapid City?
Renting a car in Rapid City is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before you can drive away. Here’s what you'll need:
A valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
A valid credit or debit card in the driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Rapid City as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty good, overall
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 30.06.2025
Exploring the Black Hills with such freedom was amazing! Loved the scenery and the open road.
Alice Brown
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Relaxing, good times.
David Lee
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Having a car made exploring Rapid City so easy! Saw Mount Rushmore and the Badlands—unforgettable!
Emily Garcia
Reviewed: 25.07.2025
Summer in Rapid City was fantastic! Having a car made it so easy to visit Custer State Park and the surrounding areas. Beautiful scenery and great drives.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Rapid City was great for a quick business trip. Easy to get around, and so much to see!
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 09.08.2025
Solid, low-key vibe.
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 22.07.2025
Pretty laid-back, really
Ben Miller
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 31.01.2025