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Rapid City car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Rapid City

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Economy car
Economy
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Compact car
Compact
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Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People mover car
People mover
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
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Commercial
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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring 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
  • Standard rental cars in Rapid City are around 19% cheaper than other car types, on average

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

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Rapid City 
Verified travelerAug 2024
Choose Hertz. Smallest lines for pick up.
Verified travelerSept 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.

  • How much is the price of fuel in Rapid City?

    The average price of fuel in Rapid City is $5.60 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $67 and $90, depending on the car size.

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

    Standard (Chevrolet Blazer or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Rapid City.

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

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

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Rapid City?

    A Standard car hire in Rapid City costs $129 per day, on average.

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

    A Full Size car hire in Rapid City costs $143 per day, on average.

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

    An Intermediate car hire in Rapid City costs $320 per day, on average.

Rapid City car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.0

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.9

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 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

People mover

KAYAK
Steph and the staff at the Rapid City location were super helpful and kind. The car ran great and was super clean. A bit pricey but worth it.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, 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

Kent, 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

Anonymous, 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

Anonymous, 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

Tracie, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

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

1 out of 7

Hertz

8.3

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

7.8

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Road

+1 605 393 0160

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Initial flight to Denver was delayed causing us to miss our connection to RapidCity. Airline re-routed us to Billings given limited flight options to RapidCity. Spent over an hour on the phone once in Bilings(not counting the time my wife was on the phone while I was in the air) routed through multiple call centers only to be told that they couldn’t help and we’d need to email support. Fed up and stranded, I rented a car from Enterprise. Never again…

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Compact

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

Anonymous, Jan 2022

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

8.0 Very Good

Joseph, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Service was courteous and expedient.

2.0 Poor

Anthony, 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

Kayleen, 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.

1 out of 8

Alamo

9.6

Best rated

Cleanliness

9.4

Comfort

9.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.5

Value for money

9.3

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Rd

+1 833 445 1504

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

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Reviews

9.6 Wonderful

HR, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

all around good deal!

Cons:

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

9.2 Wonderful

Gary, 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

Anonymous, Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

speed at check in

Cons:

Better tires to navigate through the snow

10.0 Wonderful

Vicki, Feb 2022

KAYAK
The car handled the icy roads nicely.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2021

KAYAK
No complaints. The vehicle had all the amenities, room and comfort. I am 4’10” and I am able to drive it. Thanks for an excellent vehicle.

10.0 Wonderful

Anne, Aug 2021

KAYAK
The girl at the desk was very friendly and helpful

1 out of 3

Budget

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.3

Value for money

7.3

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Road, Suite 116

+1 605 393 0488

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday07:00 - 23:30
Sunday07:00 - 23:30

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Reviews

1.9 Poor

Robert, 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

Glenn, May 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

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

1 out of 1

Avis

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

6.8

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Road Suite 107

+1 605 393 0740

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday07:00 - 23:30
Sunday07:00 - 23:30

Filters

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
I liked getting an upgrade because they were out of the class of car I rented. The charge for drop off at different airport was ridiculously high!

8.0 Very Good

Mike, May 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Fairly easy

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Oct 2022

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

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, 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.

10.0 Wonderful

Pat, Nov 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
Great! I needed to pick the car up a day early. There was no problem. The young lady that was at customer service was great help.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Reserved a small car and was told they only had a SUV using twice as much gas for my trip.

1 out of 4

National

Cleanliness

6.6

Comfort

7.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.3

Value for money

6.6

One location in Rapid City

Show locations

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Rd

+1 833 445 1503

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Laurie, Sept 2023

People mover

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

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Full-size

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

Anonymous, 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

One location in Rapid City

Locations in Rapid City

Rapid City Regional Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Rent-A-Wreck

2.4

Poor

One location in Rapid City

Locations in Rapid City

1600 South Dakota 44

+1 605 348 3050

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30

Filters

No reviews available

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in Rapid City

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

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Road

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

No score available yet

One location in Rapid City

Locations in Rapid City

4550 Terminal Road

+1 605 393 0160

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

Filters

No reviews available

128 travellers who rented a car in Rapid City gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.8

Car hire locations in or near Rapid City

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in Rapid City

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Rapid City car hire information

Pick-up locationRapid City
Car types
Hire locations12
Airport locations9