Rapid City airport (RAP)

Rapid City Regional Airport (IATA code: RAP) is the primary commercial air facility serving western South Dakota, United States. It connects Rapid City, the Black Hills region, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial with major national hubs through airlines such as Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.

Official Website: rapairport.com

Phone: +1 605-393-9924 / +1 605-791-6785

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport features a single two-story passenger terminal where all gates and facilities are within short walking distance. The terminal does not operate continuously 24 hours a day: doors open approximately two hours prior to the first departure of the morning and close following the arrival of the last commercial flight of the night.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2025): 905,211 passengers.

Information Points

In-person information and administrative assistance are available at the airport administration offices on the second floor of the terminal during regular business hours (Monday through Friday). Outside these hours, airport operations personnel assist travelers by phone.

 Location

The airport is located 9 miles (15 km) southeast of downtown Rapid City, in Pennington County, South Dakota, with direct road access via SD-44.

What services does Rapid City airport (RAP) offer?

The passenger terminal provides essential amenities and services across both levels:

Finance and Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: complimentary wireless internet access is available throughout the public and secure concourse areas.
• ATMs: cash machines are located in both the pre-security public lobby and post-security concourse.
• Currency Exchange: not available, as the airport operates domestic flights exclusively.

Dining

Concessions are operated by Sky Dine Inc. and include Flight Line Grill and Tap, Cinnabon, specialty coffee from Mountain Mudd Espresso, and Grab n' Go Express kiosks with sandwiches, salads, and vending options.

Shopping

The airport gift shop is located on the second level beyond the TSA security checkpoint, carrying Black Hills souvenirs, local crafts, clothing, snacks, reading material, and travel essentials.

Baggage Services

• Luggage Storage: under security regulations, the airport does not offer luggage lockers or storage for bags or keys.
• Lost and Found: for items left inside the terminal building, travelers should submit the report form on the airport's official website; for items left on an aircraft, contact the operating airline directly.

Cultural Displays

The terminal features permanent cultural exhibits, Black Hills historical displays, Crazy Horse Memorial replicas, and tributes to local aviation pioneers.

Accommodation near Rapid City airport (RAP)

Accommodations Inside the Airport

There are no on-site hotels or sleeping pods inside the terminal building.

Hotels with Airport Shuttle Service

• Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City: located approximately 9 miles (14 km) away in downtown Rapid City, providing airport shuttle service by advance arrangement.

Nearby Hotels

Several lodging options are located within a 10- to 15-minute drive of the airport:

• Sleep Inn & Suites Rapid City (approx. 9.3 km / 5.8 mi)
• Baymont by Wyndham Rapid City (approx. 9.3 km / 5.8 mi)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Rapid City
• Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City

Public and private transportation

Rapid City Regional Airport is located about a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown Rapid City.

Public Transit

There are no regular local public bus or rail lines providing direct service to the airport.

Taxis

Authorized taxis pick up passengers at the designated median directly in front of the terminal, marked with an orange Taxi/Rideshare sign. Local operators include City Cab, Black Hills Grab-A-Cab, Sunny's Transportation, and Rapid Taxi.

Rideshare

Both Uber and Lyft operate at RAP, picking up travelers at the designated terminal front curb median.

Shuttles and Private Transfers

Shuttle vans and private vehicle services pick up along the median marked with purple Shuttle signs. Pre-arranged service providers include Rapid Express Shuttle, Giddy-Up and Go Shuttle, Apex Transportation, Black Hills Black Car, and Hot Wheels Transportation.

Car rental agencies

Rental Car Companies

Car rental counters are situated on the ground floor of the terminal, to the right when descending the escalators, next to the baggage claim area. Vehicles are picked up and returned in the lot immediately adjacent to the terminal, just a short walk from the exits. For after-hours returns, companies provide convenient key drop boxes.

• Enterprise
• National
• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Hertz
• EagleRider (motorcycle rentals)

Parking services at Rapid City airport (RAP)

Rapid City Regional Airport offers two open-air parking lots directly in front of the terminal building:

Parking Facilities

• Lot P2 (Short Term): located closest to the terminal doors, charging USD 2 per hour up to a daily maximum of USD 18.
• Lot P1 (Long Term): situated a short walk away, charging USD 2 per hour up to a daily maximum of USD 10. The first 30 minutes are complimentary.
• Off-Airport Private Parking: nearby Aviation Parking and Storage provides covered and uncovered parking with a reservation-based shuttle connection to the terminal.

Payment and Accessibility

Both airport-owned lots include accessible parking spaces adjacent to the walkways. Payments can be made with credit/debit cards at the exit barrier gates or via the self-service Pay-on-Foot kiosk located by the ground-floor escalators in the terminal.

View official parking rates and details

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Special Assistance and ADA Coordination

Travelers requiring special accommodations or with ADA inquiries can contact airport administration Monday through Friday at +1 605-791-6785 or via official email. For assistance outside regular business hours, airport operations can be reached at +1 605-593-3419.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

• Mobility and Elevators: the facility features a public elevator pre-security near baggage claim, as well as a post-security elevator near Gate 1 (available with staff escort).
• Wheelchairs: wheelchair service should be requested in advance through your airline or upon check-in at the ticket counter. Skycaps are also on hand in the terminal to assist.
• Hearing Assistance: the terminal flight information displays feature a visual paging system running along the lower edge of display screens.
• Accessible Restrooms: all public restrooms accommodate passengers with disabilities, including unisex/family restrooms in the concourse and baggage claim.
• Sensory and Hidden Disabilities: RAP hosts the annual Wings of Wonder travel practice program for passengers with special needs, and regional tourism partners participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
• Unaccompanied Minors: handled in accordance with individual airline policies; early arrival before departure is strongly recommended.
• Pet Relief Area: an outdoor designated relief area for service animals and pets is located outside the terminal near the far east exit doors. There is no pet relief area post-security.