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$253 Cheap Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP)

Cheap Flights from Seattle to Rapid City (SEA-RAP)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $253 for one-way flights and $349 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Alternative airports near Rapid City

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP) at a glance

Travel from Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP) with a range of airlines offering various options on this domestic short-haul journey. Explore the available rapid city flights, whether you prefer full-service carriers or budget-friendly airlines, to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to Rapid City, you’ll find key details for flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Rapid City Regional Airport, making it easy to start your adventure.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,000 miles (1,610 km)
  • Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $150–$460, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

According to recent traveler bookings, the most popular airlines flying from Seattle to Rapid City typically offer one-stop services, often with layovers at key airports like Denver International Airport (DEN) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with a layover of around 1 hour and 45 minutes, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for roughly 1 hour. This variety allows you to customize your travel plans by considering price, total journey duration, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a comprehensive airline providing one-stop services, United dominates this route with about 84% of departures. One-way fares generally fall between $150 and $460, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: This full-service airline also offers one-stop options, managing around 11% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices usually range from $150 to $525, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and an overall journey time of roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • American Airlines: Another comprehensive carrier providing one-stop service, American Airlines accounts for nearly 4% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $280 to $470, and you can expect about 4 hours of flight time, with total travel duration around 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover times.
  • Sun Country Airlines: This budget-friendly airline offers one-stop service, making up about 1% of departures on this route. One-way fares usually lie between $220 and $275, featuring 4 hours of in-flight time and a total journey time of roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers can enhance their journey from Seattle to Rapid City with an upgrade to United's first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Seattle to Rapid City are April, June, and August, when peak temperatures in Rapid City reach up to 72.7°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider March, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 36.9°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $242. Flight availability peaks in August and September, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $242, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: October, March, and February typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $252 to $263.
  • Most flight options: August and September have the highest number of flights from Seattle to Rapid City, with approximately 13 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
MonthTemperatureDemandWeekly FlightsAverage one-way Fare
January26.2°F (-3.2°C)Average9$242
February25.3°F (-3.7°C)Average10$263
March36.9°F (2.7°C)Low8$252
April43.5°F (6.4°C)High9$290
May54.7°F (12.6°C)Average11$313
June66.9°F (19.4°C)High12$337
July74.5°F (23.6°C)Average12$311
August72.7°F (22.6°C)High13$284
September64.6°F (18.1°C)Average13$288
October48.0°F (8.9°C)Average11$252
November37.4°F (3.0°C)Low9$293
December26.6°F (-3.0°C)Low9$343

*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.

Alternative routes from Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP)

  • Seattle to Rapid City (BFI-RAP): Boeing Field Airport (BFI) lies approximately 6 miles from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA), offering convenient access for travelers heading to Rapid City.
  • Seattle to Spearfish (SEA-SPF): Black Hills Airport (SPF) is located roughly 47 miles from Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), making it a viable option for those traveling to Spearfish.
  • Seattle to Spearfish (BFI-SPF): Boeing Field Airport (BFI) is about 6 miles away from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA), while Black Hills Airport (SPF) is approximately 47 miles from Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), connecting these two destinations effectively.

How to find the best prices for flights from Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP)

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

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures from 5 AM to 12 PM often offer lower prices and are also the most sought-after flight times, while flying on Thursday provides both cheaper rates and is the most popular travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Rapid City hotel and flight deals.
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Rapid City Regional Airport from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport

Rapid City welcomes travelers from Seattle with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Seattle - Tacoma International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central Seattle. Here's how to reach Rapid City efficiently:

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

Seattle to Rapid City Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Seattle to Rapid City

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Seattle to Rapid City are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Seattle to Rapid City with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Seattle to Rapid City

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Seattle to Rapid City: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Seattle to Rapid City

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Seattle to Rapid City in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $253 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Seattle to Rapid City flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Seattle to Rapid City airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $253 and cheap return flights $349 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $251 and $826, and return flights often range between $386 and $1164. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) ticket fares go up or down.

*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

January is the cheapest month to fly from Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP), with average return fares around $354. This is about 29% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand is generally lower during the winter months. Other affordable months to consider are February and October.

*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

Which airlines fly direct from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

Enter SEA to RAP and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

United is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP) with a layover in San Francisco Intl. (SFO), with round-trip tickets starting from around $250. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How do I find cheap flights from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

To find a cheap flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.

What is the best time to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

For flights from Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP), January and February are the best months to consider. January is particularly affordable with an average price of about $354, while February also offers good travel options. This balance of price and availability makes these months ideal for your trip, based on booking data from the past year.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

What is the earliest flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

The earliest flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) usually departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available during the summer months, giving you a chance to maximize your time in South Dakota. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

What are the most popular departure times for flights from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

When flying from Seattle (SEA) to Rapid City (RAP), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 31% of passengers choose this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, offer flights during this period. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to arrive in Rapid City with plenty of time to explore.

How long does it take to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

Flying from SEA to RAP with a connection usually takes about 7 hours 20 minutes, traveling roughly 955 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.

Can you fly business or first class from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

First class seats are offered on the SEA to RAP route. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

What airports do you fly into for Rapid City from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA)?

If you're planning to travel to Rapid City from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), you can fly into Rapid City Regional (RAP) Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Portland Intl. (PDX) before reaching Rapid City. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.

Is it cheaper to book a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) Rapid City Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.

Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)?

If you booked your Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Destination airport
Rapid City Regional Airport
Distance
954 miles away
Airlines serving
United, American Airlines, Delta
Popular airline
United
Roundtrip price
$349
*Available to One Key members.