$284 Cheap Flights from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Rapid City (RAP)

Cedar Rapids (CID) to Rapid City (RAP) at a glance

Explore a range of options for flights from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Rapid City (RAP) on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly fares or a full-service experience, you can compare various airlines to find the itinerary that aligns with your travel preferences and budget. Discover the essential details for your journey from Eastern Iowa Airport to Rapid City Regional Airport as you prepare to experience the attractions and neighborhoods of Rapid City.

• Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$440, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Cedar Rapids to Rapid City, often favored for their one-stop services. Common layover points include Denver International Airport (DEN) with a typical layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with around a 1 hour and 30-minute layover, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best itinerary.

• United: This comprehensive carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $150 and $390. It is responsible for about 70% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
• Delta: Offering one-stop service as a full-service airline, Delta's one-way fares usually range from $170 to $360. It makes up around 24% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey duration of roughly 4 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in a layover.
• American Airlines: As a full-service airline providing one-stop service, American Airlines has one-way fares that typically range from $145 to $450. It accounts for about 6% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and an overall travel time of roughly 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Alternative route from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Rapid City (RAP)

• Waterloo to Rapid City (ALO-RAP): Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is located approximately 58 miles from Eastern Iowa Airport (CID).

How to find the best prices for flights from Cedar Rapids (CID) to Rapid City (RAP)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Cedar Rapids 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 within 2 weeks, although most travelers tend to book 2-8 weeks in advance. Evening departures between 6 PM and 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, Thursday is both a popular travel day and typically offers cheaper fares.
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 Eastern Iowa Airport

Rapid City welcomes travelers from Cedar Rapids 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.

Cedar Rapids to Rapid City Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Cedar Rapids to Rapid City

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids to Rapid City in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $284 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 Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids 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.