$260 Cheap Flights from Chattanooga (CHA) to Rapid City (RAP)

Chattanooga (CHA) to Rapid City (RAP) at a glance

Travel from Chattanooga (CHA) to Rapid City (RAP) with a selection of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Explore options for Chattanooga to Rapid City flights that suit your budget and schedule, whether you prefer full-service airlines or other choices. As you prepare for your visit, discover the key details for flights from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to Rapid City Regional Airport and get ready to experience the iconic attractions and neighborhoods of Rapid City.

• Fastest flight duration: around 5 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,100 miles (1,770 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $160–$500, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

Based on recent traveler preferences, we've compiled a list of the most popular airlines flying from Chattanooga to Rapid City. These routes often include one-stop and multi-stop options with convenient layovers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a 55-minute layover. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $160 and $485. It represents about 57% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5 hours and a total travel time of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including the layover.
• United: Another full-service option, United offers one-stop journeys with one-way fares typically costing between $200 and $465. This airline accounts for around 31% of the departures along this route, with a flight time of 5 hours and an overall journey duration of roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.

Alternative route from Chattanooga (CHA) to Rapid City (RAP)

• Knoxville to Rapid City (TYS-RAP): McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located approximately 86 miles from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA). One-way economy tickets for this journey generally fall between $140 and $415, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. This route usually features one-stop flights, with common layover points being O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Major airlines on this route include United and American Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered for travelers seeking an upgraded experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from Chattanooga (CHA) to Rapid City (RAP)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chattanooga 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book within two weeks. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often have lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday typically offers cheaper rates, whereas Friday is the busiest 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 Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport

Rapid City welcomes travelers from Chattanooga with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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.

Chattanooga to Rapid City Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Rapid City are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Chattanooga to Rapid City with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Rapid City in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $260 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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.