Car Rental in South Dakota | Book at Unbeatable Prices

1. What is the cost of renting a car in South Dakota?

The cost of renting a car in South Dakota varies depending on the type of car, rental duration, and the time of the year. On average, daily rentals can range from $30 to $70. Prices may rise during peak tourist seasons. It's always best to check prices online before your trip.

2. What is the most popular car model to rent in South Dakota?

Considering South Dakota's diverse landscape, SUVs and minivans are commonly rented. These vehicles are ideal for family trips, especially if visiting state parks or experiencing South Dakota's scenic byways.

3. Which are the popular car rental spots in South Dakota?

Major airports and city centers, like Sioux Falls and Rapid City, are popular places to rent cars in South Dakota. These areas have a range of car rental agencies which provide a variety of vehicle types.

4. Do car rental agencies offer 24-hour pick-up and drop-off services?

Yes, many car rental services in South Dakota offer 24-hour pick-up and drop-off. However, this feature may not be available at all locations or companies.

5. Is there a minimum rental period?

Most car rental companies typically have a one-day minimum rental period. However, the duration can be flexible depending on the company's terms and conditions.

6. What is the minimum driving age to rent a car in South Dakota?

The minimum age to rent a car in South Dakota is generally 21. However, drivers under the age of 25 are often subject to additional fees.

7. What documents do I need to rent or drive a car in South Dakota?

To rent a car, you need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a leading credit card in your name. International renters should present an international driving permit along with their home country's driver's license.

8. What's the best time of the year to visit South Dakota by car?

Summer (June through August) is the busiest season, especially for visiting national parks. However, fall (September to November) offers more pleasant driving conditions with beautiful fall foliage.

9. What are the main airports in South Dakota?

South Dakota's key airports include Sioux Falls Regional Airport and Rapid City Regional Airport. These airports often have several car rental agencies on-site.

10. Can I pick up the car in one city and drop it off in another city in South Dakota?

Yes, many car rental companies offer one-way rentals. However, this service may incur an additional fee and requires advance notice.

1. Sioux Falls: South Dakota's largest city, known for its park system, and the bustling downtown.
2. Rapid City: Gateway to the Black Hills and the iconic Mount Rushmore.
3. Aberdeen: A cultural hub famed for the Storybook Land and the Dacotah Prairie Museum.
4. Brookings: Home to South Dakota State University and the Children's Museum of South Dakota.
5. Watertown: Noted for its vibrant art scene, it also hosts an annual car show.
6. Pierre: The state capital, renowned for the South Dakota State Capitol and museums.
7. Yankton: A historical city where the Missouri National Recreational River is located.

1. Sioux Falls - Mount Rushmore: A 380 km route on I-90 W with an approximate 4-hour drive. The highway offers smooth driving, partly passing through scenic Badlands.
2. Rapid City - Crazy Horse Memorial: Explore this 40 km stretch on US-16 W/US-385, taking roughly 30 minutes. The road stays in excellent condition year round.
3. Pierre - Badlands National Park: Covering 220 km via I-90 E, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. This route offers well-maintained roads and stunning landscapes.
4. Deadwood - Devils Tower National Monument: This 125 km route on US-85 N takes around 1.5 hours. A beautiful drive with minor road elevations.
5. Aberdeen - Jamestown: 160 km journey on US-281 S with around 1 hour and 50 minutes drive. Roads are well kept all year, making it a comfortable journey.
6. Brookings - Sioux City: A relaxed 115 km drive on I-29 S which usually takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The highway is clean and well-maintained.
7. Watertown - Fargo: Approximately 180 km route on I-29 N taking about 2 hours. The drive is smooth with good road conditions.

1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Monument showcasing 60-foot sculpted faces of four U.S. presidents.
2. Crazy Horse Memorial: An ongoing mountain carving honoring Native American culture.
3. Badlands National Park: Offers dramatic landscapes spanning layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires.
4. Custer State Park: Known for its bison herds, scenic drives, historic sites, and camping spots.
5. Deadwood: Historic town known for its gold rush history embodied in preserved 19th-century buildings.
6. Needles Highway: Scenic Black Hills drive offering tunnels, towering formations and wildlife sightings.
7. The Corn Palace: A unique structure decorated with murals made from corn and other grains.
8. Wind Cave National Park: Famous for its rare boxwork cave formations, wildlife and prairie lands.

1. Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway: This 31-mile long drive through Badlands National Park offers tourists breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, spires and layered rock formations.
2. Needles Highway: A 22-km journey through granite spires and pine-covered hills in the Black Hills National Forest. Look out for the Needle's Eye and Cathedral Spires formations.
3. Iron Mountain Road: This 27-km trip connects Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore with plenty of unique wooden bridges and granite tunnels giving unobstructed views of the monument.
4. Wildlife Loop: A 29-km drive through Custer State Park offering opportunities to spot bison, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, coyote and prairie dog communities.
5. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: This 19-mile long drive offers beautiful views of waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and aspen trees that turn a radiant gold in the fall.
6. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway: This 109-km four-lane byway circuits through wildlife-rich areas, granite formations, and the Black Elk Peak, the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains.
7. Belle Fourche to Devils Tower: This 64-km route in the northwestern corner of the state leads to Devils Tower, America's first National Monument.

1. What is the maximum permitted speed in South Dakota?

The maximum speed limit on Interstates outside urban areas in South Dakota is 80 mph. Within urban areas, it is 65 mph and it is 55 mph on other roads.

2. Do I need a special driver's license to drive in South Dakota?

No special license is required. Foreign visitors may drive in South Dakota for up to 90 days using their domestic license.

3. Are there many speed cameras in South Dakota?

Speed cameras are not commonly used in South Dakota, however, there are occasional speed enforcement zones.

4. Are there toll roads in South Dakota?

South Dakota has a free-flowing motorway system without tolls, with the exception of some bridges and tunnels.

5. What are some driving rules to keep in mind?

Drive on the right side of the road, all front seat occupants must wear a seat belt, and children under 5 years old and under 40 pounds must be in a car seat.

6. How often will I find gas stations in South Dakota?

Gas stations are plentiful, especially along major highways. But be aware that in remote areas they can be quite distant from each other.

7. What side of the road should I drive on in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, like the rest of the United States, you should drive on the right-hand side of the road.

8. Is there a grace speed over the speed limit?

While some states adopt a '10% rule', it's not applicable in South Dakota. Any speed over the limit can result in a ticket.

9. What type of driving license is accepted?

South Dakota accepts licenses issued by all U.S states, Canada, and an International Driver's Permit (IDP) along with the native driving license if from another country.

10. Can I turn right on red in South Dakota?

Yes, unless posted otherwise, it's legal to turn right at a red light after a complete stop.

11. Is lane splitting allowed?

Lane splitting, like in many states, is not legal in South Dakota.

12. Can I carry a loose pet in my car?

Though not specifically illegal, it's not advised as it can be a distraction. Pets should be restrained or placed in a crate.

13. Do I need a permit for oversized or overweight vehicles?

Yes, any vehicle exceeding legal size or weight limits will require a permit that can be obtained from the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

14. What items must I have in my car?

There is no legal requirement for safety equipment to be carried in the vehicle but it's recommended to have a spare tire, jack and a hazard warning device.

15. How is the road infrastructure in South Dakota?

The state has well-maintained roadways, particularly the Interstate and highway systems. However, some rural roads may be less maintained or gravel-strewn.