Traveling to and within South Dakota can be easy and hassle-free. The resources below can be useful in planning and making your trip to The Mount Rushmore State.
Gateway Cities
Gateway cities serving South Dakota include:
Airports
Five South Dakota communities have airports with service by major airlines. Those communities are Aberdeen, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Watertown. The major carriers serving one or more of these communities are Allegiant Air, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Aberdeen (ABR) - www.aberdeen.sd.us
Northwest Airlines (operating as Mesaba Airlines / Northwest Airlink)
www.nwa.com - 800-225-2525
PIerre (PIR) - 605-773-7447 - www.pierreairport.com
Continental Airlines (operating as Mesaba Airlines / Northwest Airlink)
www.continental.com or www.mesaba.com - 800-523-3273
Frontier Airlines (operating as Great Lakes Airlines)
www.flyfrontier.com or www.flygreatlakes.com - 800-432-1359
Northwest Airlines (operating as Mesaba Airlines / Northwest Airlink)
www.nwa.com or www.mesaba.com - 800-225-2525
United Airlines (operating as Great Lakes Airlines)
www.united.com or www.flygreatlakes.com - 800-864-8331
Rapid City (RAP) - 605-394-4195 - www.rcgov.com
Allegiant Air
www.allegiantair.com - 702-505-8888
Delta Air Lines (operating as Delta Connection)
www.delta.com - 800-221-1212
Frontier Airlines (operating as Great Lakes Airlines)
www.flyfrontier.com or www.flygreatlakes.com - 800-432-1359
Northwest Airlines
www.nwa.com or www.mesaba.com - 800-225-2525
United Airlines (operating as Great Lakes Airlines / United Express)
www.united.com - 800-864-8331
Sioux Falls (FSD) - 605-336-0762 - www.sfairport.com
Allegiant Air
www.allegiantair.com - 702-505-8888
Delta Air Lines (operating as Delta Connection)
www.delta.com - 800-221-1212
Northwest Airlines and Mesaba Airlines / Northwest Airlink
www.nwa.com or www.mesaba.com - 800-225-2525
United Airlines
www.united.com - 800-864-8331
Watertown (ATY) - www.watertownsdairport.com
Northwest Airlines (operating as Mesaba Airlines / Northwest Airlink)
www.nwa.com - 800-225-2525
Private Pilots and Charters
If you are a private pilot, or chartering a plane to bring you to and around South Dakota, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) provides information for safe and enjoyable travel. Many airports within the state are located near vacation and recreation areas, and the DOT's online airport directory will help you chart your course.
For more information, visit the DOT Office of Aeronautics for answers to frequently asked questions, airport construction information, flight aids and more.
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Two interstate highways cross South Dakota. Interstate 90 runs east-west (Sioux Falls-Mitchell-Rapid City-Spearfish) and Interstate 29 runs north-south through the eastern part of the state (North Dakota border-Brookings-Sioux Falls-North Sioux City).
Travelers are also encouraged to get "off the beaten path" and explore other routes. Some of which are the scenic byways found throughout the state.
Maps and Routes
For online mapping options including a viewable state map as well as interactive driving directions and location maps, visit the Maps page.
To request a state highway map and/or other guides and brochures, complete and submit the form on the Online Request for Information page.
Road Conditions
Find out about current road conditions, including closures and construction, from the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT). While traveling, dial 511 from any phone to receive up-to-date, location-specifc road restriction, condition and weather information on any interstate, US, or state highway in South Dakota and several adjoining states. You can also call 866-MYSD511 (866-697-3511).
Online, visit the following DOT links for information:
Information Centers and Rest Areas
There are 13 information centers and eight rest areas along Interstates 90 and 29. The Information Centers are staffed during the main travel months (mid-May through mid-September) and offer brochures and maps as well as in-person travel information. The rest areas offer minimal services including restrooms and pay phones. Both the information centers and the rest areas include dump stations for RVs and campers. The South Dakota Department of Transportation offers an even more detailed location map (DOT) which also includes ports of entry.
Car Rentals and Public Transportation
Most major car rental companies operate in South Dakota, along with a number of local providers. The majority of these services are co-located with the five major airports listed above. For a listing of car rental options, visit the Travel Directory or the Interactive Trip Planner.
Jefferson Lines provides regularly scheduled inter-city bus (motorcoach) service within South Dakota between 24 cities and towns. South Dakota's two largest communities, Sioux Falls and Rapid City, both provide urban transit systems. Sioux Falls Transit offers 12 fixed routes serving most areas of the city. Rapid Ride offers 10 fixed routes running throughout Rapid City. More than 20 other communities offer public transit services. These can be found in the Travel Directory or the Interactive Trip Planner, as well as in the South Dakota Department of Transportation's Public Transit brochure.
A unique transportation service available in several South Dakota communities is a trolley. Limited-route services are offered in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Deadwood and Pierre/Fort Pierre.
Other transportation services such as tours and taxis can be found in the Travel Directory or the Interactive Trip Planner, or by visiting the Web sites of the cities or areas you are traveling to.
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Speed Limits
The maximum speed limit on interstate highways is 75 mph (120 kph). There are exceptions in urban areas, which are posted near Sioux Falls, Rapid City and North Sioux City. On other highways, the maximum speed limit ranges from 55 to 70 mph (88 to 113 kph).
South Dakota Codified Laws 32-25
Seat Belts and Child Restraints
South Dakota law requires drivers and front seat passengers to use seat belts. A passenger restraint system is also required for infants and children (younger than 5 years old).
South Dakota Codified Laws 32-37 and 32-38
"Move Over"
To help ensure the safety of law enforcement and other emergency and stopped vehicles, as well as that of drivers, motorists are required to move over and slow down when passing any vehicle displaying amber or yellow flashing lights. On interstates, drivers must merge into the lane farthest from the stopped vehicle. On two lane highways, drivers must slow to a speed limit that is at least 20 mph (32 kph) slower than the posted speed limit.
South Dakota Codified Laws 32-31-6.1
Motorcycles
It is unlawful for a person under 18 years of age to drive or ride on a motorcycle unless that person wears an approved safety helmet. Eye protection devices must be worn by all operators and passengers of all motorcycles.
For more driving and licensing information, see South Dakota Motorcycle Driving Laws.
South Dakota Codified Laws 32-20
Reporting Accidents
The operator of every motor vehicle involved in an accident in which there is a death, personal injury or damage to any one person's property of $1,000 or combined damage to property of $2,000 shall immediately report the matter to the nearest available peace officer who has jurisdiction.
South Dakota Codified Laws 32-34
Alcoholic Beverages
The legal drinking age for all alcoholic beverages is 21. Malt beverages are available on- and off-sale 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday morning. On Sundays, liquor and wine are sold on-sale in restaurants only, 11 a.m. to midnight. Package liquor sales on Sunday are allowed only by city or county ordinance. Some Indian reservations are alcohol-free environments. Please check with tribal offices before importing alcohol onto reservations.
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