Rapid City car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65
Tue 23.04
Tue 30.04

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Rapid City car rental information

Pick-up locationRapid City
Car types
Rental locations11
Airport locations8

Cheap car rentals in Rapid City

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Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
Minivan
Passenger van
SUV
Commercial
Pickup truck

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Rapid City

  • There is plenty to discover in and around Rapid City and the best way to ensure you get to see everything is by renting a car during your stay. The city has various places of interest like the Dinosaur Park, Skyline Wilderness Park, or Watiki Waterpark, but, being nestled next to various major national parks, it is also the perfect base for extended walks and hikes. With their own hire car, travelers are guaranteed maximum freedom to explore everything on their wish list.
  • There is a regional airport (RAP) east of the city and it features various onsite car hire agencies, so the easiest way to start your time in Rapid City is by picking up a car right there. Internationally acclaimed agencies like Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise offer their vehicles for travelers, and with a car you will be in Rapid City in approximately twenty minutes via the SD-44 W.
  • Driving in and around Rapid City during the winter can be adventurous, as the cold season can bring plenty of snow to the mountainous region. It is imperative to prepare for driving on snowy and icy roads when visiting in winter. First of all, ensure there are the appropriate tires on your hire car and consider renting additional snow chains if weather conditions are severe. Adjusting your speed and slowing down are important aspects when driving in wintery conditions, and remember to switch on your headlights so other cars can see you better.
  • Like every city, Rapid City has certain times in which traffic increases and main arterial roads can be clogged up. If possible, avoid driving through the city during the morning rush hour between 7 and 9 am and the evening rush hour from 5 to 8pm. Especially the I-190 and I-90 can face severe traffic increase during these times, with commuters coming in and out of Rapid City.
  • Book your rental car in Rapid City at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in Rapid City are around 59% cheaper than other car types, on average

Rapid City car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Rapid City 
Verified travelerSep 2023
Make sure you have a credit card (they won’t take a debit card)
Verified travelerJun 2023
Rapid City is easy to navigate. We toured the Badlands and Custer State Park area. Having a car with navigation made our trip super easy.

FAQs about renting a car in Rapid City

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Rapid City?

    A 4-wheel-drive car is certainly a wise option when visiting Rapid City, especially when planning to venture out into the National Forest. Good traction is required when driving up winding roads, or when driving on snow or ice. For the winter, check whether there is an ice scraper in the car, as you may need it.

  • What’s the speed limit in Rapid City?

    Depending on the area, the speed limit within city limits is between 20 mph and 40 mph. Always check the posted signs and street markings. On rural roads drivers can go up to 65 mph, provided the weather conditions permit it, and 80 mph can be driven on most freeways and interstates, but there are exceptions close to urban areas.

  • Where are the best places to park in Rapid City?

    Parking in Rapid City is a pleasant experience, as many city lots are free after 4 pm on weekdays and are entirely free on weekends. On-street parking is often without any charge for the first few hours, like parking on Main Street, for example. Metered parking is also available and costs around $0.50 per hour and is enforced Monday through Friday.

  • What is the best rental car company in Rapid City?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company in Rapid City is Hertz (8.6, 55 reviews).

  • How much is gas price in Rapid City?

    The average gas price in Rapid City is ₪14.42 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between ₪173 and ₪231, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Rapid City?

    Intermediate (Nissan Versa or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Rapid City.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Rapid City?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Rapid City?

    An Intermediate car rental in Rapid City costs ₪134 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car rental cost in Rapid City?

    A Special car rental in Rapid City costs ₪153 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Rapid City?

    A Full Size car rental in Rapid City costs ₪155 per day, on average.

Rapid City car rental reviews and directory

Hertz

8.6

Very good

105 reviews

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.8

Value for money

8.1

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Road

+1 605 393 0160

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday08:00 - 23:00
Sunday08:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2024

KAYAK
The price of rental..I should have picked a different car for trip that didn't have low profile tires for trip to Badlands..not able to drive on seinic roads

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2022

KAYAK
Everything was awesome, the car was super clean and the whole process was completely easy and painless

8.0 Very good

Nov 2021

KAYAK
Service was courteous and expedient.

2.0 Poor

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Quick check in and check out.

Cons:

I returned the car a day early but I was still charged for that day.

4.0 Mediocre

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The ease of pick up.

Cons:

I rented a car two weeks ago to see my elderly mother in the hospital. A week later I had to return for her funeral as she passed away. The price of the rental was three times higher than it was when I rented from them the week before. The car was also dirty, and was definitely not cleaned to COVID standards. I had arrived late at night, so I did not have time to see the inside of the car until the next morning. I called the Hertz 1-800 number and they told me it was a Hertz Licensee Rental location and I would have to call the local number. I called and they told me the rates had gone up in the last week (almost 60%!?). Hertz also said they did not have a bereavement policy. On the call, I told the employee about the car being dirty and he said they would check into it. I never received a call back from Hertz. When I returned the car on April 17 two employees were behind the counter. They told me the same thing about the price increase, and when I told them about the interior of the car being dirty they both said "oh I know who that was". Evidently, there had been several complaints recently regarding the cleanliness of their cars, and all the complaints had been cleaned by the same employee. I continued my check out and left to catch my flight home. I would like to thank the two employees who checked me out as they both told me their condolences. They were also helpful in making notes in the computer regarding my complaint. I do realize there was nothing they could do, as neither was the owner.

9.2 Wonderful

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Short line even without standing in Gold line. Low mileage modern car as upgrade when compact sedan not available. Simple return process too.

Cons:

Chevy Malibu upgrade when compact sedan not available was acceptable (no other sedans available). Just not my preferred brand/model.

1 out of 17

Alamo

9.4

Wonderful

85 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

9.1

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.5

Value for money

8.9

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Rd

+1 833 445 1504

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday08:00 - 23:00
Sunday08:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

9.6 Wonderful

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

all around good deal!

Cons:

Nissan Rogues are not the most comfortable ride, but not bad overall.

9.2 Wonderful

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The airport was difficult to find where to drop off. Had to park and go inside to ask questions.

9.6 Wonderful

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

speed at check in

Cons:

Better tires to navigate through the snow

8.4 Very good

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

the pick up and drop off was very easy

9.2 Wonderful

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Car was not clean

5.2 Fair

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was good, truck was not

Cons:

Truck was well used and could have been cleaner inside. Inside had an odor to it. Alamo must have acquired this truck used and put it into service. I had a new Ford four door pickup rented from Hertz the week before and it was great. I thought I was getting a better deal with Alamo on the trip.

1 out of 13

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.0

Wonderful

71 reviews

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

8.4

2 locations in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

1254 E North St

+1 605 399 9939

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

4550 Terminal Rd

+1 833 445 1502

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday08:00 - 23:00
Sunday08:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was friendly and helpful.

Cons:

We had paid for Sirrius radio but it was not available in our car. Enterprise was quick to credit us back the cost quickly upon having it reported to them.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The agent who rented us the vehicle was outstanding

Cons:

Nothing really. Got a tire pressure warning on way back to airport, but had nothing to do with Enterprise

9.2 Wonderful

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Pick up time was a little slow ... several callers who called AFTER I walked in office were handled while I waited instead of putting them on hold and taking care of me in proper order

5.6 Fair

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes. Drop was easy

Cons:

billing was all messed up.. could not reach pickup location prior to straiten out so wasted an hour at pick up trying to fix! Rental was on 9 days but I was being billed for 2 weeks.

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff at both the pick-up & drop-off points were very nice, courteous & professional.

3.6 Poor

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Try Casey's auto rental instead

1 out of 13

Budget

8.4

Very good

15 reviews

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

7.9

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Road, Suite 116

+1 605 393 0488

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

1.9 Poor

Jul 2021

KAYAK
Vehicle was filthy when I picked it up, I never got a receipt when I checked out and very disorganized process for renting. Keys lying all over the counter and staff acts like it’s their first day on the job trying to find your records and navigate the computer. Also pricing was not what was quoted on website.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

The whole experience far exceeded my expectations ....From pick-up to drop-off

9.2 Wonderful

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff very helpful and friendly.

Cons:

Price could have been lower.

9.2 Wonderful

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff at Rapid City, SD was friendly and cars were right out the airport exit doors.

Cons:

Staff could of been more familiar with the additional insurance sold on the web site. They told me it didn't cover an additional driver, which is why I purchased it through you rather then budget.

8.0 Very good

Sep 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

The car was a very smooth ride and drove very well. Was very handy to have the two extra seats in the back that made it comfortable for 6.

Cons:

They were not very good at explaining all the extra charges associated with the insurance and gas options which cause my rental to wind up being almost double the original quoted price.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Last minute rental decision made simple!

Cons:

Counter person requiring a SSN!

1 out of 2

Avis

7.3

Cleanliness

7.8

Comfort

7.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.4

Value for money

6.6

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Road Suite 107

+1 605 393 0740

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Oct 2022

KAYAK
1st car we got smelled very bad of cigarettes, 2nd car was good though.

2.0 Poor

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

The car I booked on line didn’t exist. Showed up at the counter. No one was there called the number. Lady identifies herself as the owner tells me she doesn’t even own a car like that in her business.

8.4 Very good

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Every aspect of pickup and drop-off was very easy and smooth.

Cons:

I was supposed to get a Chevrolet Impala or equal, but got a Hyundai Sonata, which I do not consider as equal.

8.0 Very good

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was great! Very friendly and quick. Explained everything.

Cons:

The price for the car for one weekend was a bit high, and the car was small and not very powerful. Only 2 suitcases fit in the trunk. But it got us where we wanted to go.

7.2 Good

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was helpful and drop off was easy

Cons:

Would have liked a smaller vehicle, like what we requested.

8.0 Very good

Sep 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

There was a mileage limit that was so low that I would not be able to complete my planned activities. They were quite willing to sell me a higher mileage rate, but the original mileage restriction was not advertised (to my recollection), so I did not have an option but to add this fee. If I had this knowledge sooner I may have reserved with a different company.

1 out of 5

National

7.0

Cleanliness

6.4

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.2

Value for money

6.7

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Rd

+1 833 445 1503

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday08:00 - 23:00
Sunday08:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2023

KAYAK
Staff at sign in was fantastic and made picking up the car a positive experience.

2.0 Poor

Jul 2023

KAYAK
I didn’t like anything. I asked for a full size car. I was given a mustang convertible. I asked about why that car. I was told that’s what my manager told me to give you. Why would people in their 70’s want a two door convertible? It was so small we had to put two suitcases in the back seat. The car sat extremely low and we had a hard time getting in and out of the vehicle. The back tires should have been replaced. We prayed every morning that the tires would make the trip from Rapid City, SD to Fresno, CA. Also at traffic lights when stopped the car kept wanting to stall out. I feel like there was no need for a convertible in South Dakota and the manager wanted to get rid of it. I feel like National should be paying me the $4700.00 I paid National for me moving the car for them. Never again. Going to use Hertz next time.

7.9 Good

Jul 2021

KAYAK
They could have done a lot better job of cleaning the windshield on the inside, Also I was told that their was a shortage on rental cars an that was why I had to pay the price I did. That was Bs As the lot was full of cars an their was more on the lot down below.

1 out of 1

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

Rapid City Regional Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Rent-A-Wreck

2.0

Poor

No reviews available

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

1600 South Dakota 44

+1 605 348 3050

Monday08:00 - 23:00
Tuesday08:00 - 23:00
Wednesday08:00 - 23:00
Thursday08:00 - 23:00
Friday08:00 - 23:00
Saturday08:00 - 23:00

Filters

No reviews available

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

2820 Harley Dr

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Road

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

306 travelers who rented a car in Rapid City gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9

Car rental locations in or near Rapid City

Good to know

Most popular car type

Intermediate

When to book a rental car in Rapid City

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches