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Closest Airports To Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in southwestern South Dakota, United States. Known for its rugged landscapes, unique rock formations, and abundance of wildlife, this park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. But with its remote location, many visitors may wonder how to access the park, including whether there is an airport nearby. In this blog post, we will explore the question of whether Badlands National Park has an airport and provide some helpful tips for those looking to travel to this breathtaking destination.

Does Badlands National Park Have An Airport?

Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a direct flight in – Badlands National Park does not have an airport within its boundaries. The nearest airports are Rapid City Regional Airport and Pierre Regional Airport. Rapid City Regional Airport is the larger of the two airports, and it is about 60 miles away from the park. This airport offers direct flights to several major U.S. cities, including Denver, Dallas, and Chicago.

Pierre Regional Airport is smaller and located about 90 miles away from Badlands National Park. We’ll get into each of these in a bit more detail in the next section.

Closest Airports To Badlands National Park

If you’re planning a trip to Badlands National Park, you may be wondering about the nearest airports. The two closest airports to Badlands National Park are Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) and Pierre Regional Airport (PIR).

Rapid City Regional Airport is located about 60 miles from Badlands National Park and is the larger of the two airports. It offers direct flights to several major U.S. cities, including Denver, Dallas, and Chicago.

  • Distance From Badlands National Park: 60 miles
  • Driving Time: 1 hour
  • Airlines Served: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines

Pierre Regional Airport is smaller and located about 90 miles from Badlands National Park. It offers daily flights to and from Denver and Pierre, South Dakota.

  • Distance From Badlands National Park: 90 miles
  • Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Airlines Served: Boutique Air

Other Airports Near Badlands National Park

If you are unable to find a suitable flight to Rapid City or Pierre, there are a few other airports within driving distance.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) is located about 270 miles from Badlands National Park and offers direct flights to several major U.S. cities.

  • Distance From Badlands National Park: 270 miles
  • Driving Time: 4 hours
  • Airlines Served: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines

Denver International Airport (DEN) is located about 400 miles from Badlands National Park and offers flights from major U.S. cities and international destinations. Although it’s quite far – you’ll get to explore the beautiful landscapes of Colorado while you make your way up to South Dakota.

  • Distance From Badlands National Park: 400 miles
  • Driving Time: 6 hours
  • Airlines Served: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, and many more.

How Do You Get from The Airport to Badlands National Park?

If you are planning a trip to Badlands National Park, the best airport to fly into is Rapid City Regional Airport due to its proximity to the park and multiple flight options. However, if you cannot find a suitable flight to Rapid City, Pierre Regional Airport, Sioux Falls Regional Airport, and Denver International Airport are all viable options.

The best way to get from the airport to Badlands National Park is to rent a car. Rapid City Regional Airport and Pierre Regional Airport both have rental car facilities, and several car rental companies operate in the area, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz.

Once you have your rental car, driving to Badlands National Park is relatively straightforward. From Rapid City Regional Airport, take I-90 E to exit 110, then follow SD-240 E until you reach the park entrance. The drive takes about an hour.

If you’re flying into Pierre Regional Airport, take US-83 N to SD-14 W, then follow SD-44 W until you reach the park entrance. The drive takes about an hour and a half.

If you prefer not to rent a car, there are a few other options for transportation. Several shuttle and tour companies offer transportation to Badlands National Park from the nearby airports. Badlands Shuttle and Black Hills Van Tours are two such companies. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or an Uber from the airport to the park, but this may be more expensive than renting a car or taking a shuttle.

What Is the Closest City to Badlands National Park?

The closest city to Badlands National Park is Rapid City, South Dakota. Rapid City is located approximately 75 miles west of the park and is a great base camp for exploring Badlands National Park and the surrounding area.

Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota and is known for its vibrant downtown area, historic sites, and outdoor activities. The city is home to several attractions, including the Journey Museum and the Museum of Geology, both of which offer insight into the history and geology of the region.

If you’re looking for things to do in Rapid City, there are plenty of options. You can take a stroll through Main Street Square, a public gathering space that hosts concerts, events, and markets throughout the year. The city also boasts numerous art galleries, shops, and restaurants, offering visitors a taste of the local culture.

When it comes to outdoor activities, Rapid City is a gateway to some of South Dakota’s most iconic landscapes, including the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. You can go hiking, biking, or camping in the hills or explore the stunning granite sculptures of the presidential faces at Mount Rushmore. (Although you can’t actually HIKE up to the faces at Mount Rushmore.)

There are also several awesome dining options in Rapid City, from classic American diners to international cuisine. Some of the top-rated restaurants in the city include Tally’s Silver Spoon, The Corn Exchange, Delmonico Grill, and Kol.

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