Rapid City Regional Airport, known by its code RAP, is the main gateway to Mount Rushmore and South Dakota’s Black Hills region. If you’re flying into western South Dakota, this is almost certainly where you’ll land. Here’s what to expect — airlines, the terminal, getting to Mount Rushmore, and a few practical tips.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | RAP (ICAO: KRAP) |
| Address | 4550 Terminal Rd, Rapid City, SD 57703 |
| Terminal | Single terminal building |
| 2025 Enplanements | 452,195 (record year, up 5.8%) |
| Distance to Mount Rushmore | ~31.7 miles (about 45 minutes) |
| Distance to Downtown Rapid City | ~9 miles (about 15 minutes) |
Airlines and Destinations
RAP is served by five main carriers, connecting the Black Hills region to destinations across the country.
| Airline | Key Destinations |
|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | Minneapolis/St. Paul, Atlanta, Detroit |
| American Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte (seasonal) |
| United Airlines | Denver, Chicago |
| Allegiant Air | Various seasonal leisure routes |
| Sun Country Airlines | Minneapolis/St. Paul (seasonal) |
Denver is the single busiest route out of RAP, accounting for roughly 43% of all weekly departures with around 55 flights a week. The longest scheduled flight from RAP runs to Orlando Sanford, taking about 3 hours 41 minutes. In total, the airport offers nonstop service to around 12 destinations, with no international routes currently scheduled.
Allegiant Airlines acquired Sun Country Airlines in May 2026, so route branding between the two carriers may continue to shift over the next year or two.
Terminal Layout
The airport operates out of a single terminal building that handles all passenger operations, including check-in, security, baggage claim, and gate access. Delta Air Lines operates out of Terminal 1, which in practice refers to this same main terminal, since the airport doesn’t split operations across multiple buildings. The small size works in your favor here — security lines move quickly, and gates are rarely more than a short walk from check-in.
A $20.5 million terminal expansion and renovation project broke ground back in 2011, and a newer expansion project, valued at roughly $191.6 million, has been moving through funding approvals as of early 2026, driven by record passenger growth that’s outpacing the terminal’s original capacity.
Getting to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
This is the main reason most travelers fly into RAP in the first place. Mount Rushmore sits about 31.7 miles away by driving distance, roughly a 45-minute drive from the terminal. The Black Hills region more broadly, including Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial, are all reachable within an hour or two of landing, which makes RAP a convenient base for exploring Western South Dakota.
Parking and Car Rentals
Several major car rental agencies operate directly out of RAP, making it easy to pick up a vehicle right after landing — a real help given how spread out the area’s attractions are.
Airport parking includes both short-term and long-term lots close to the terminal entrance.
Since so much of a Black Hills trip depends on having your own transportation, renting a car here is less of a convenience and more of a necessity for most visitors.
Getting to and from the Airport
As of recent data, there’s no public transit service directly to Rapid City Regional Airport — the nearest Rapid City Rapid Ride bus stop sits more than six miles away. Rideshare services operate in the area, and most hotels in the region don’t run dedicated airport shuttles, so planning your transportation ahead of time, whether that’s a rental car or a pre-booked ride, is worth doing before you land.
Nearby Attractions and Distances
| Attraction | Distance from Airport | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Rapid City | ~9 miles | 15 minutes |
| Mount Rushmore | ~31.7 miles | 45 minutes |
| Crazy Horse Memorial | ~40 miles | 55 minutes |
| Custer State Park | ~45 miles | 1 hour |
| Badlands National Park | ~75 miles | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Nearly every major attraction in the Black Hills sits within an hour or so of the terminal, which is part of why the airport sees such a strong seasonal spike in summer traffic.
Airport Amenities
Travelers passing through will find food and beverage options, gift shops featuring local South Dakota and Black Hills merchandise, free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and both short-term and long-term parking right next to the building. Because the terminal is small and single-level, none of these amenities require much walking to reach, which keeps things simple even during busier travel periods.
A Brief History
Rapid City has had some form of municipal airport since 1924. The Rapid City Municipal Airport was formally established in 1937 at what is now Ellsworth Air Force Base, before relocating to its current site in 1950. The airport was officially renamed Rapid City Regional Airport in 1980, and its current terminal building opened in November 1988. Since then, the airport has seen steady growth, adding its first covered jetway in 1999 and expanding service with carriers like Allegiant in 2005 and American Eagle in 2010.
Economic Impact
Beyond passenger traffic, RAP plays a real role in the regional economy, generating an estimated $535.1 million in annual economic output and supporting roughly 5,244 jobs across the area. Its catchment area extends well beyond South Dakota itself, drawing travelers from Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming, which helps explain the airport’s consistent growth in recent years.
Quick Answers
RAP (ICAO code: KRAP).
About 31.7 miles, roughly a 45-minute drive.
Delta, American, United, Allegiant, and Sun Country currently serve the airport.
No — Rapid City Regional Airport operates out of a single terminal building.
No direct public transit currently serves the airport; a rental car or rideshare is the practical option.
Before You Fly
Book flights and rental cars early if you’re traveling during the busy summer season, since roughly 65% of the airport’s annual traffic moves through those months, and both seats and vehicles can sell out. Arrive with enough buffer before your flight despite the terminal’s small size, since peak-season crowding has become more common as passenger numbers continue setting new records. And if Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills are your main destination, plan on renting a car right at the airport, since it remains the most practical way to see the region.
