South Dakota Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in South Dakota

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Rapid City

Rapid City

What you need to know for your South Dakota car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in South Dakota

Renting a car in South Dakota offers you the freedom to explore the state's stunning attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. You can visit iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, which is a must-see cultural experience, and the remarkable Crazy Horse Memorial, both showcasing the rich heritage of the area. For nature enthusiasts, Custer State Park provides breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

A rental car also simplifies your journey to various popular destinations within South Dakota. You can drive to Custer County and enjoy the scenic beauty of Sylvan Lake alongside the aforementioned attractions. Rapid City, with its vibrant Main Street Square and the intriguing Black Hills Caverns, is also within easy reach. Additionally, Sioux Falls offers unique sights such as Falls Park and the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science. Overall, hiring a car enhances your travel experience in South Dakota, ensuring you make the most of your adventure in this picturesque state.

Most popular car hires in South Dakota

  • Midsize SUV: This vehicle type is a fantastic choice for families, couples, or small groups as it accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for 3 large suitcases. The Midsize SUV offers ample space, making it ideal for those travelling with extra luggage or who desire a comfortable ride while exploring South Dakota at their own pace.
  • Compact: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Compact car option also accommodates 5 travellers with room for up to 3 medium suitcases. Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate through city streets and find parking, while still providing sufficient space for passengers and their belongings—ideal for a flexible travel experience.
  • Standard SUV: Designed for couples, families, or groups, the Standard SUV can comfortably seat 5 travellers and holds up to 2 medium suitcases. This option offers a higher driving position and additional space, making it suitable for those who wish to enjoy a bit more room while travelling around South Dakota's scenic routes.

Where to stay in South Dakota

  • Custer County: Nestled in South Dakota, Custer County is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Here, you can explore Custer State Park, a national state park perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing, located a short distance from local accommodations. The Crazy Horse Memorial offers a unique cultural experience, while Sylvan Lake provides a romantic setting for leisurely activities. Visitors can enjoy nearby dining options, including local wineries, making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Rapid City: As the gateway to the Black Hills, Rapid City is a vibrant city offering a mix of adventure and urban attractions. Key highlights include Main Street Square, a modern gathering spot, and the Central States Fairgrounds, which hosts family-friendly events. The Black Hills Caverns provide thrilling outdoor exploration opportunities. With numerous restaurants and wineries nearby, Rapid City is perfect for those looking to experience both city life and the great outdoors.
  • Sioux Falls: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Sioux Falls is home to the beautiful Falls Park, an urban park ideal for outdoor activities and picnics. The Sioux Empire Fairgrounds cater to family-oriented events, while the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science adds a cultural touch to your stay. This city offers a variety of shopping centres and dining venues, including local wineries, making it a pleasant base for exploring the region.

10 tips to save on your car hire in South Dakota

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to help identify the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-sized rentals offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure to return the car empty in this circumstance.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when reserving through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in South Dakota

The best time to rent a car in South Dakota is November, which offers the lowest prices and demand levels. October also shows slightly low demand and prices, making it a reasonable option. In contrast, April tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand and elevated prices. March can be a quieter time, but it may not offer the best value compared to November and October. June through August generally see high demand and slightly higher prices, which can make renting more costly.

Renting a car in South Dakota will give you the freedom to really get to the heart of this incredible part of the world. Use your hire car to discover the best that South Dakota has to offer, from its natural beauty to its bustling towns and cities.

With Expedia, booking you South Dakota car hire is easy. Each hire car in South Dakota option offers you competitive rates and a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations around the country to make your life easier. Book your rental car in in South Dakota with confidence through Expedia.

At Expedia, our goal is to offer you a great variety of South Dakota car rental discounts at the best price. When hiring a car in South Dakota with Expedia, you can compare a massive range of vehicles, from compact economy cars with low fuel consumption to luxury or off-road solutions, depending on your preference. Every South Dakota hire car we feature will come fully equipped with the latest amenities and safety features to ensure your trips will be safe and comfortable.

It has never been easier to find a rental car in South Dakota. We offer you competitive prices and up-to-date information, ensuring quality and efficiency for all our visitors, at all times. Rent a car in South Dakota today and enjoy your holiday, or get anywhere in time for your business meetings. At Expedia, we understand that travelling can be a hassle if you are not well organized, which is why we provide a variety of car types to compare and choose from for all types of travellers. In just a few clicks you can hire a car in South Dakota with Expedia.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my South Dakota car reservation?
No worries! If you cancel your prepaid reservation at least six hours prior to pick-up, you may qualify for all of your money back. You'll want to scan your hire policy as there are some exclusions. Head to our Customer Service Portal for more info.
What types of cars can I rent in South Dakota?
Affordability, ease of parking and great mileage are just a few reasons compact vehicles are the preference in South Dakota. Their smaller size makes them perfect for getting around the city. They're a good fit for solo travellers, couples and families on a budget. Of course, how you cruise around is your call! Go even smaller with a mini or economy, or give yourself more space with a full-size or an intermediate. Need a little luxury? Browse our premium rides.
How do I find the best car hire deals in South Dakota with Expedia?
Browse our extensive range of hire cars, check out customer recommendations and compare offers from popular brands. In just a few clicks, Expedia will help you score the best deal on your ride. Got a flight or hotel booking? Add on your South Dakota car rental and save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires drivers to be 21 and above to hire a vehicle. However, young drivers will be subject to an extra charge and tighter hire conditions. Most providers impose a daily young renter fee on top of the standard car rental rate. This helps cover the extra risk of accident or damage. While many car categories (like mid-size and compact) are available to young motorists, restrictions generally apply to luxury and specialty cars.
What do you need to rent a car in South Dakota?
Be prepared to present your driver's license and a credit card in your name when you get to the hire counter. Prior to the pick-up date, check with your rental provider whether anything else is needed. For example, you may also need to provide proof of auto insurance.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in South Dakota?
Yes, so you won't need to rebook a rental vehicle in the middle of your holiday. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your details and book a set of wheels to call your own for the length of your break.
Where can I find a South Dakota hire car if I am younger than 25?
You'll need to investigate the age policy of the South Dakota hire providers you're considering. If you're under 25 years old, some companies will charge additional costs. It's good to know about this before collecting the vehicle so you can budget accordingly. Every car hire company has its own terms and conditions for young drivers, so it pays to do your research.
Why should I rent a South Dakota car with Expedia?
From quick work trips to cross-country jaunts, Expedia has vehicles to suit every style and adventure. Take your pick of multiple quality rental companies in South Dakota. And with our competitive offers and discounts, you can be confident you'll get a fantastic deal on your ride. Did you know you can combine your bookings into a holiday package? Add a hotel or flight to your hire car and watch the savings grow! Plus, when you're a member of our free One Key™ loyalty programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and redeem it on eligible hotels, activities, flights and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
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