# Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) > Rapid City, US · 9 mi (14 km) southeast of Rapid City Web: https://airport.flights/airport/rap JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/rap.json ## Facts - **IATA**: RAP - **ICAO**: KRAP - **Timezone**: America/Denver - **Runways**: 2 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Passengers**: .64M/yr - **Official site**: https://rapairport.com ## Overview ## Welcome Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) doesn’t feel like your typical commercial hub. Nestled just 9 miles southeast of Rapid City, it channels small mountain-town vibes with big-window views over the prairie and a laid-back pace. Despite the influx of tourists during peak season, it remains relaxed. The small footprint makes mastering rental cars, shuttles, and parking crucial for the savviest visitors—they save more time and money here than anywhere inside the terminal. ## At a glance With just over 640,000 passengers annually, Rapid City Regional is a compact operation. The airport features two runways and a singular terminal, but it hosts reputable airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, and American Airlines. Notably, rental cars are a hot commodity; securing one ahead, especially during events, can be critical. Parking on-site ranges from $12 to $18 per day, providing options close and far, while rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber serve the airport for ease of access to the city. ## Terminals & layout The airport consists of a single terminal with seven gates. The setup is straightforward, offering a relaxed journey through its facilities. It reflects Rapid City's character with essential services, though it does mean limited dining and retail options once you've passed security. The terminal’s intimate design allows for quick movement from curb to gate, potentially in as little as 15-20 minutes during usual conditions. ## Getting to and from the city The airport’s proximity to Rapid City—approximately a 15-20 minutes drive—makes it convenient using various transportation options. Rental cars are readily available from multiple agencies like Hertz and Budget. If driving isn't ideal, taxis like City Cab and Sunny’s Transportation run often along with Rapid Express Shuttle and rideshare options. Visitors should consider scheduling rideshares in advance upon landing, particularly during low-demand periods like late nights or off-peak seasons. ## Traveller essentials Security clearance at RAP generally goes swiftly, with most passengers clearing checkpoints within 10 to 20 minutes. Given its small size, walkers and those without checked luggage can expect a seamless exit. Though parking is amply provided, the farthest economy lot at $12/day offers savings for longer stays. One caveat—if you’re taking late flights, know that food options might be limited beyond vending machines if not planned in advance. ## Dining & shopping highlights For dining, options include the Pre-Security Restaurant and Post-Security SkyDine, with a relaxing spot offering prairie views near the gates bar post-security. SkyBlu Gifts offers a selection of regional souvenirs and travel essentials, which is handy if you need last-minute pickup items for adventures in the Black Hills. However, dining shuts down early, so grabbing a meal before passing through security might be wise for those with later departures. ## Lounges Rapid City Regional lacks formal lounges, but comfort can be found elsewhere at SkyDine’s scenic bar area. It's a favored spot for a drink while observing the wide prairie vistas and plane activity through the large windows. ## Insider tips - **Time:** Arrive 60–75 minutes early for domestic flights; security lines are usually short but can extend during peak holiday mornings. - **Insider:** Pre-book a rental car during summer peaks—Sturgis and nearby events often deplete available cars quickly. - **Time:** Schedule Uber or Lyft upon landing; wait times can lengthen off-peak, especially in winter or late at night. - **Avoid:** Don’t expect food past regular hours. Eat beforehand or risk vending machine reliance for late flights. - **Quiet:** Seek the far end of the concourse past the gates for a quieter place to relax between flights. - **Local:** For a glimpse of regional aviation, head to SkyDine's bar area for sightings of general aviation and military traffic. - **Money:** Opt for the economy parking lot for savings on week-long trips without sacrificing MUCH proximity. ## Terminals (2) - **Main Terminal** — Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines Single-terminal regional airport with pre-security and post-security areas on the second level. - **Rapid City Regional Airport terminal** — 7 gates · Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines The terminal features a modern design with essential amenities. ## Dining (3) - **Post-Security Restaurant** — Main Terminal · Local · American · $$ - **Pre-Security Restaurant** — Local · American · $ - **SkyDine Restaurant** ## Lounges (1) - **SkyDine Lounge Bar** — Main Terminal · Ticketed passengers ## Shops (3) - **SkyBlu Gifts** — Gift Shop - **SkyDine Post-Security Restaurant** — Dining - **SkyDine Pre-Security Restaurant** — Dining ## Parking (4) - **Accessible Parking** - **Airport Parking** — Surface lot · On airport property - **P1 - Furthest Lot** — Long stay · $12/day, $2/hr · 0.5 mi - **P2 - Closest Lot** — Short stay · $18/day, $2/hr · Next to terminal ## Ground transport (20) - **Alamo Rental Car** — Other · Third‑party RAP guides place the driving time between the airport and Rapid City at about 15-20 minutes by car. - **Avis Rental Car** — Other · Independent RAP airport guides estimate the drive between the airport and Rapid City at roughly 15-20 minutes by car. - **Black Hills Car Rentals** — Other - **Black Hills Grab-A-Cab** — Taxi - **Black Hills Rent A Wreck** — Other - **Budget Rental Car** — Other · 15-20 minutes from downtown Rapid City to RAP by car, as cited in third‑party airport guide material. - **Bus** — Bus · Varies Public transit service is not clearly documented in the available results. - **City Cab** — Taxi - **Enterprise Rent-A-Car** — Other · Third‑party RAP information resources list the drive into Rapid City at roughly 15-20 minutes by car. - **Giddy-Up and Go Shuttle** — Shuttle - **Hertz Rental Car** — Other · 15-20 minutes from downtown Rapid City to RAP by car, as noted in independent airport guide coverage. - **Lyft** — Rideshare - **National Rental Car** — Other · 15-20 minutes by car between RAP and Rapid City per third‑party airport guide coverage. - **Rapid Express Shuttle** — Shuttle - **Rapid Taxi** — Taxi - **Rideshare** — Rideshare · About 15-20 min to downtown Rapid City Typical curbside pickup and drop-off option for arriving and departing passengers. - **Shuttle** — Shuttle · Varies by hotel or tour destination Hotel and regional shuttle service may be available for travelers heading into Rapid City or the Black Hills. - **Sunny's Transportation** — Taxi - **Taxi** — Taxi · About 15-20 min to downtown Rapid City Available from the airport for ground transportation into Rapid City and the Black Hills region. - **Uber** — Rideshare ## Insider tips - _Time_: Arrive 60–75 minutes early for domestic flights; security lines are usually short but can extend during peak holiday mornings. - _Insider_: Pre-book a rental car during summer peaks—Sturgis and nearby events often deplete available cars quickly. - _Time_: Schedule Uber or Lyft upon landing; wait times can lengthen off-peak, especially in winter or late at night. - _Avoid_: Don’t expect food past regular hours. Eat beforehand or risk vending machine reliance for late flights. - _Quiet_: Seek the far end of the concourse past the gates for a quieter place to relax between flights. - _Local_: For a glimpse of regional aviation, head to SkyDine's bar area for sightings of general aviation and military traffic. - _Money_: Opt for the economy parking lot for savings on week-long trips without sacrificing MUCH proximity.