How to find a cheap car hire deal in Rapid City Regional (RAP)
Searching for a cheap Rapid City Regional rental car? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging $248 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices at Rapid City Regional start from just $186.
Planning a longer trip to Rapid City and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $561 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To score the best deal on your RAP car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Prices tend to rise as your travel dates approach, and last-minute availability isn't always guaranteed.
Avis, Alamo and Enterprise are some popular providers at Rapid City Regional.
Whether you go with Avis or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Rapid City Regional car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in RAP by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a car hire in Rapid City Regional with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Want to explore without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with prices averaging $337 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $299, this provider follows in second place.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $506 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not quite sure which ride is right for you, choose something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of car at RAP.
Compare car hire types from Rapid City Regional (RAP)
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a short trip, this cheap Rapid City Regional rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this RAP car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Rapid City Regional that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different RAP car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Rapid City Regional by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers at an extra cost, so always check the policies before finalizing your booking.
Add a car seat to your RAP car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest option.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in the United States, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. In addition to your bank cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've picked up the keys to your RAP car hire, the next move is up to you. Central Rapid City is about 11 kilometres west and a drive of around 15 minutes if that's where your journey begins.
Driving from Rapid City Regional to the city centre in peak travel times can take up to 20 minutes.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
If you're not jumping into the driver's seat immediately, consider picking up a car hire in Rapid City instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Rapid City Regional (RAP)
Before you go anywhere else, do some sightseeing around Rapid City first. Major highlights like Dinosaur Park and President Abraham Lincoln Statue are a great opening act for your trip.
Spearfish should be on your to-do list if you want to see D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Lookout Mountain. This city is around 80 kilometres northwest of RAP.
Add Sturgis to your holiday plans. About 56 kilometres northwest of the airport, drive there in your Rapid City Regional car hire to see standout attractions like Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and Saab Heritage Car Museum.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Scottsbluff, around 241 kilometres south of RAP. Make your first stop Riverside Discovery Centre, then spend some time at Chuckwagon Church.
