$1.50 gets you from FSD to downtown on Route 8
Sioux Area Metro Route 8 is the only fixed-route city bus serving Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), stopping on North Jaycee Lane just outside Terminal T’s main entrance. The standard adult fare is $1.50 each way, payable in cash on board with exact change only. This is the cheapest motorized option from the airport into central Sioux Falls by a wide margin.
Route 8 currently runs Monday through Friday, with service generally starting around 5:45 a.m. and ending near 6:45 p.m.; there is no service on Saturdays, Sundays, or major holidays. Buses typically come about every 60 minutes, so check the Sioux Area Metro Route 8 timetable before you land or leave your hotel. If your flight lands after early evening, assume you’ll need a taxi or rideshare instead.
The airport stop on Route 8 connects you directly to the downtown Sioux Area Metro transfer center on East 6th Street, about 3–4 miles from FSD. Travel time from the airport to downtown is usually around 15–20 minutes, depending on time of day and traffic on Minnesota Avenue and Russell Street. If you’re catching another bus line, build in one full Route 8 headway to buffer missed connections.
Board at the signed Sioux Area Metro stop on the terminal loop road in front of FSD’s single passenger terminal T; you do not need to go through security to reach the stop. Drivers accept cash fares only and don’t make change, so bring $1 bills and quarters. Kids, seniors, and riders with disabilities may qualify for reduced fares, which are generally $0.75, but you’ll need appropriate ID or eligibility set up with Sioux Area Metro.
Luggage space on Route 8 is limited to regular bus seating and aisle areas, and there are no dedicated baggage racks, so keep it to one suitcase and one small carry-on per person. The buses are standard city coaches with front-door boarding and bike racks mounted outside. If your flight is delayed close to the last outbound trip of the day, call Sioux Area Metro’s main line to confirm the final Route 8 departure time before betting your whole plan on it.
Tip: Screenshot the latest Route 8 schedule from the Sioux Area Metro website before you fly, then set an alarm for 10 minutes before your target departure so you’re at the stop early.