$118 Cheap Flights to Clear Lake, SD

Flights to Clear Lake at a glance

Traveling to Clear Lake is easy—select from a variety of full-service or budget airlines, compare travel times, and find the best fit for your budget and itinerary as you plan to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Clear Lake: Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Watertown Regional Airport (ATY)
• Closest airport to Clear Lake: Watertown Regional Airport, ATY (around 26 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,400+ flights arriving across Clear Lake airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Clear Lake: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near Clear Lake

Clear Lake is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, romantic getaways, and scenic vacations. Visitors are drawn here for its natural beauty, wellness opportunities, relaxation, and family-friendly activities. The city is conveniently accessible via two major airports, making travel easy for all.

• Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD): Situated in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, approximately 81 miles from Clear Lake, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to over 145 domestic cities and more than 25 international locations. Notable airlines servicing this airport include American Airlines, United, and Delta, with options for first class and premium economy service available, depending on the airlines and routes.
• Watertown Regional Airport (ATY): Found in Codington County, South Dakota, and around 26 miles from Clear Lake, this airport primarily facilitates domestic travel, connecting to about 5 cities nationwide. Key airlines operating here include Key Lime DBA Denver Air Connection, United, and Delta, providing travelers with various service options for their flights.

Top routes to Clear Lake

• Denver (DEN) to Clear Lake (FSD/ATY), with one-way flights starting at around $45
• Chicago (ORD) to Clear Lake (FSD/ATY), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Phoenix (PHX) to Clear Lake (FSD/ATY), with one-way flight options from around $100
• Seattle (SEA) to Clear Lake (FSD/ATY), with one-way flight options from around $120
• Portland (PWM/PDX) to Clear Lake (FSD), with one-way tickets available from around $100

Cheapest routes to Clear Lake

• Denver (DEN) to Clear Lake (FSD/ATY), with cheap one-way fares from around $45
• Chicago (ORD) to Clear Lake (FSD/ATY), with budget one-way fares from around $90
• Minneapolis (MSP) to Clear Lake (FSD/ATY), with cheap one-way fares from around $95
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Clear Lake (FSD), with affordable one-way prices from around $100
• Nashville (BNA) to Clear Lake (FSD), with budget one-way fares from around $100

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Clear Lake

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), American Airlines represents roughly 36% of the incoming traffic to Clear Lake. The typical one-way fare hovers around $300, with the possibility of first class as a premium service depending on the route.
• United: Offering services to both Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) and Watertown Regional Airport (ATY), United accounts for about 36% of arrivals to Clear Lake. The average one-way fare is around $280, with first class available as a premium cabin option depending on the specific route.
• Delta: Serving Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) and Watertown Regional Airport (ATY), Delta makes up approximately 21% of arrivals to Clear Lake. The average one-way fare is around $230, with premium cabin services that may include both premium economy and first class based on the route.
• Frontier Airlines: Providing flights to Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Frontier Airlines contributes to around 6% of the arrivals into Clear Lake. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $160.
• Key Lime DBA Denver Air Connection: This airline operates flights to Watertown Regional Airport (ATY), accounting for about 1% of arrivals to Clear Lake. The average fare for a one-way ticket is approximately $110.

Best time to fly to Clear Lake

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Clear Lake are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Clear Lake can reach up to 72.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 63.7°F. For better deals, May and July usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $245, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? August and September offer average one-way fares of around $251, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Clear Lake

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Clear Lake is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Clear Lake hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Clear Lake flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Clear Lake

Clear Lake welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Clear Lake efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Clear Lake, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Clear Lake is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Clear Lake on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Clear Lake

• Gary: Nestled 13 miles drive away from Clear Lake, Gary offers a delightful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can enjoy recreational areas and campgrounds, perfect for a weekend getaway. Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Sylvan Park, a family-friendly spot ideal for eco-conscious vacations, or relax at Lake Hendricks Public Beach, a haven for beach lovers. For nature enthusiasts, the Bluestem Prairie Preserve stands out, providing a unique glimpse into the local flora and fauna. Gary's combination of outdoor adventures and picturesque landscapes makes it a worthwhile stop.
• Astoria: Located 15 miles away from Clear Lake, Astoria is a charming city known for its stunning scenery and family-friendly activities. The area boasts various recreational spaces and campgrounds, ensuring ample opportunities for outdoor fun. Culture seekers can visit South Dakota State University, a historic institution that adds cultural depth to the region. Enjoy a day at the serene Lake Hendricks Public Beach or engage in outdoor activities at Lake Sylvan Park. Astoria's blend of relaxation and exploration promises an enjoyable experience for all visitors.
• Altamont: Situated in the area of Clear Lake, Altamont is a quaint village that invites travelers to explore its cultural gems and relaxing parks. A must-visit is the Terry Redlin Museum, which showcases captivating art, making it perfect for culture enthusiasts. For business travelers, Goss Opera Hall offers a versatile venue for events and conferences. Families can unwind at Ulen Park, which provides a peaceful setting for outdoor activities and eco-friendly outings. Altamont's charming atmosphere and local attractions create a delightful stop on your journey.

Tips for short-haul flights to Clear Lake

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more cost-effective. Maximize your packing efficiency by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning versatile outfits. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, allowing for traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Clear Lake

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, usually 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, visit a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake on the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Clear Lake

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Clear Lake on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Clear Lake. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Clear Lake. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Clear Lake, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Clear Lake

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Clear Lake in 2026 starts from $240, while one-way tickets start from from $118. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Clear Lake. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Clear Lake

United, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Clear Lake. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Clear Lake and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Clear Lake, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Clear Lake. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Clear Lake plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Clear Lake

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Clear Lake.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Clear Lake are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Clear Lake. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Clear Lake for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Clear Lake. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Clear Lake flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Clear Lake. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.