Chances are, you're planning a trip to Rapid City to see Mount Rushmore. Rapid City car rental means you don't have to worry about booking a shuttle or adventuring on somebody else's schedule. Rapid City is a destination full of surprises, whether you're a dinosaur lover, an avid hiker, or just want a cozy winter getaway.

Turo makes it easy to find the perfect rental car for your exploration, whether it's a durable 4WD to get you around the snowy mountain highways, or a zippy compact car to explore the Museum of Geology and the Journey Museum all in one day. Whether you're a local or visiting from out of town, discover what Rapid City has to offer with the ease of renting a car on Turo.

Rapid City, SD car rental: How it works

On Turo, renting a car in Rapid City is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Rapid City, South Dakota and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.

1. Find the perfect car

Enter a date and location in Rapid City, SD (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.

2. Select a pickup location

Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.

3. Hit the road

Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Rapid City, SD! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.

Explore rental cars in Rapid City, SD

Recent reviews

Toyota Camry 2019

His car is very well maintained and gave us great mileage.

Chaitanya K.

Honda Accord 2021

Had great experience with my first time using this app

EVELINE S.

Tesla Model 3 2019

Our initial vehicle had issues before our trip and he upgraded our vehicle for no extra cost.

Mason O.

Toyota Camry 2019

The car was great in the snow.

LaRhonda D.

Toyota Camry 2019

Aaron is a professional! Flexible and communicative. 10/10

Braden T.

Rent a car and explore Rapid City, SD

Things to do and places to see in Rapid City, SD

With beautiful landscapes that have been forming for eons, scenic highways to Badlands National Park that will take your breath away, and a rich history and culture to explore, Rapid City has something to discover for everyone. Get up close and personal with your favorite wildlife at places like the Reptile Gardens, or see rare fossils at the Museum of Geology.

Rent the perfect car

Mount Rushmore

Just a 30-minute drive from Rapid City, the iconic Mount Rushmore is a must-visit for any traveler in the area. This sculpture came to fruition in 1923 when a historian wanted to find a way to attract more tourists to South Dakota. Mount Rushmore is now visited by 3 million people every year, so his idea clearly worked! Whether you're hiking the trails around the Black Hills, or just admiring the seemingly impossible rock carving, you have to tick Mount Rushmore off your bucket list if you're in the area.

Dinosaur Park

Whether you're coming for the dinosaurs or the views, Dinosaur Park is sure to spark joy. Nestled in the Black Hills that look over Rapid City, this park has seven life-size dinosaur models so that you can journey through time and imagine a world where these huge creatures roamed around. Be inspired by the panoramic views of the city, and if you squint just hard enough, it might just feel like there are dinosaurs walking toward you.

Bear Country USA

If hiking isn't your thing, or you'd prefer not to come face-to-face with a bear, good news - you can drive through 200 acres of beautiful pine forests and meadows while you spot wildlife like black bears, reindeer, mountain lions, and elk. Watch from the comfort of your car, as bears go about their day as if you aren't even there. Just a short 13-minute drive from Rapid City, Bear Country is the best way to get up close and personal with wildlife from the comfort of your rental vehicle.

Why rent a car on Turo?

Cheap Rapid City, SD car rental

Find deals on all kinds of drives in Rapid City, SD and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.

Convenient Rapid City, SD car rental pick up options

Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Rapid City, SD, like airports, train stations, and hotels.

Relax with support & damage protection

24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.

Find the perfect car

Rapid City car rentals for any occasion

Hiking trip car rental

The surrounding landscape of Rapid City is absolutely stunning, and if you're planning to hike around the trails of these hills, having a rental car means you can have the adventure you want, on your schedule. Explore spacious SUVs like the Toyota Sienna for all of your hiking gear, or squeeze into a compact car like the Kia Soul to zip around the mountain highways and take in the views before you hike to the top.

Long-term car rental

If you're visiting Rapid City long-term, or relocating - lucky you! South Dakota is a beautiful spot to be long-term, and you'll need a car to help you get around. Turo offers car rental rates for weeks or even months, whether you want a pickup truck to blend into the mountain community, or a sleek electric vehicle to make your life in Rapid City as buzzy as possible.

Vacation car rental

A cozy winter vacation in Rapid City wouldn't be complete without a reliable AWD or 4WD to get you around those snowy roads. You can find lots of different 4WDs on Turo, and some hosts can even include snow chains and ice scrapers to make your vacation seamless and stress-free.

Turo vs. Traditional car rental

Turo

App-based experience
No waiting in line
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Contactless pickup and dropoff available

Traditional car rental

Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Get one type of car “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Requires in-person handoff

Rental car pickup locations throughout Rapid City

Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Rapid City, SD, including Rapid City, SD airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Rapid City, SD pickup locations include:

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

If you want to skip the airport rental counters and hassle, Turo makes it easy to breeze through baggage claim and pick up your rental vehicle from the Short Term and Long Term Parking Lots. Otherwise, you can meet your Turo host on the Terminal Curbside of the Rapid City Airport for a seamless start to your Rapid City adventure. Whether you choose a compact car to zip around the mountain highways, or a spacious SUV to fit all of your hiking gear, there's the ideal Rapid City Regional Airport rental car just for you on Turo.

Downtown Rapid City

Want to kick-start your South Dakota adventure in the heart of Rapid City? Consider meeting your Turo host, or arranging pickup of your rental vehicle in Downtown Rapid City. Whether you're exploring the fountains at Main Street Square, discovering the art galleries that line the streets, or just admiring the charming architecture of the downtown, booking on Turo makes it easy for you to get on the roads of South Dakota, stress-free.

The Journey Museum

Located right next to the Memorial Park, The Journey Museum is an excellent place to pick up your rental vehicle or meet your Turo host. If you want to start your trip by journeying back through 3 billion years of history, this museum is the perfect place to start. When you rent a vehicle with Turo, you can worry about the more important things - like exactly how many dinosaurs wandered around the location you picked up your rental car.

Explore rental cars in Rapid City, SD

Top cities

Browse by category

Top tips for renting a car in Rapid City

With Rapid City's charming streets, breathtaking mountain highways, and rich prehistoric history, it's easy to get wrapped up in the whimsy. To make sure you can dedicate all of your energy to discovering what this South Dakota city has to offer, it's great to brush up on road rules, parking, and where to fuel up. Here are some top tips to keep your adventure moving smoothly.

What are the road rules and driving conditions in Rapid City?

Driving in Rapid City is very relaxed, and drivers are generally very friendly. The speed limit in Rapid City is 45mph on residential roads, and 80mph on interstate highways. If you're planning to visit the Badlands National Park or Mount Rushmore and are worried about driving on mountain roads, there's no need for concern. These are both beautiful drives with scenic vistas the whole way. Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road are twisting and winding mountain roads, but if you exercise caution, your drive will be seamless and stress-free.

Always adhere to South Dakota's road rules, like wearing a seatbelt, operating your phone only on hands-free mode, and yielding to traffic driving straight on when turning left. Remember to turn your headlights on 30 minutes after sunset, and 30 minutes before sunrise, to ensure you're safely sharing the road with other drivers.

Rapid City has very cold and snowy winters, so the roads can freeze and turn icy. You should carry snow chains, and renting an AWD or 4WD on Turo is the smart choice if you're visiting this lush city in winter. Always check driving conditions before you head out on your adventure.

What is parking like in Rapid City?

Parking limits in Rapid City encourage turnover of parking spaces, so everyone can find a park and enjoy the attractions the city has to offer. Smart meters show rates, hours, and time limits, which makes it super easy to find a park for your rental car. Whether you're exploring the Museum of Geology or the Journey Museum, there's free parking at both Loaf N Jug and Walgreens on Mt Rushmore Road. Rapid City offers ample free parking, whatever incredible attraction you're planning to immerse yourself in.

Are there toll roads in Rapid City?

No, there are no toll roads in South Dakota! You can explore Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and beyond without worrying about paying tolls.

Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Rapid City?

You'll find lots of places to pump your gas and keep your adventure going in Rapid City. Take your pick of Exxon, Sinclair Gas Station, or Maverik Adventure's First Stop on East North Street if you're heading downtown. If you're planning to explore the area surrounding Rapid City, Circle K and Sinclair Gas Station on Omaha Street have got you covered.

If you've rented an electric vehicle from Turo, there are so many charging stations to keep your trip (and you) charged up. Choose between Tesla Supercharger on Disk Drive, Electrify America Charging Station on Eglin St, or EV Connect and Blink Charging Stations on East Mall Drive.

Do I need to rent a car in Rapid City?

Yes, you should definitely rent a car in Rapid City! Although Dinosaur Park and the Museum of Geology are close to downtown Rapid City, parks like Memorial Park and the Chapel on the Hill are quite spread out. Restaurants like the Colonial House and Tally's Silver Spoon also aren't super close to each other, so having a rental car means you can eat your way through town, without worrying about how you're going to get there.

If you want to take the trip to Mount Rushmore you'll need a rental car, whether it's a sleek SUV to fit all of your hiking gear or a compact car to zip around downtown Rapid City and explore.

Explore rental cars in Rapid City, SD

Frequently asked questions about Rapid City car rentals

What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.

In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.

When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

How does car rental insurance work on Turo?

No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.

In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*

In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.

Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?

You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.

On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.

Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.

Learn how the loyalty bonus works

Is there long term car rental on Turo?

Yes there is - whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

See more about promotions & discounts

Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?

Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.

Can other people drive the car that I rented?

Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.

To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Rapid City?

The cost of car rental in Rapid City can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Rapid City, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.

What rental car types are there in Rapid City?

Whether you want to spin around Rapid City and its surroundings in a sleek Tesla, or you're looking for a reliable Honda Accord, you can find a wide range of rental car types on Turo. Vehicles available include compact cars that beat all other car rental rates, stylish Cadillacs that will make you feel like the main character driving in from Rapid City Airport, or just a classic Kia Forte to keep your travel moving. Turo makes it easy to find the perfect car for your adventure.

* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.

For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.