South Dakota, United States
Most tours are full-day trips to Mount Rushmore and Black Hills, with prices starting at $15.
In Rapid City, nearly three-quarters of all tours are bus or private vehicle trips, with 70% priced over $200. The focus is on full-day excursions to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and the Badlands, with 54% of all options falling between $200 and $400. Only 16% of tours cost under $40, and the overall median is $281, inflated by private tours priced per vehicle.
The best-reviewed experiences are consistently full-day trips including entry to major sites, often with extras like meals or live shows. Among the top-rated, none are rated below 4 stars, and most include admission fees, snacks, or meals. Lower-priced options are rare and tend to be self-guided or admission-only tickets.
Rapid City offers 82 tours, with 73% labeled as bus tours and 82% as private or luxury—these labels often overlap, so you'll find everything from public sightseeing buses to high-end private vehicles in the same category. The median starting price is $281, but this is skewed by private tours priced per vehicle. Only 15% of tours are under $25, while 70% are over $200, and 9% top $500.
Free cancellation is standard on 65% of listings. Just 6% of all tours are rated below 4 stars, and none of the most-booked have persistent low ratings. Quality is generally high among the most popular options, with many including admissions, meals, or unique experiences like live music shows or ziplining.
Most tours are full-day trips to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park, with durations of 7–10 hours. Admission fees are often bundled in, but always check what's included—some cheaper options require paying for entry separately. The few short tours are mainly self-guided audio experiences or attraction tickets.
| Private and Luxury | 67 | $250 |
| Bus Tours | 60 | $250 |
For travelers wanting to see the major sites in a single day, full-day bus tours offer good value, typically from $100–$250 per person and including admissions to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park. The two major bus tours differ mainly in extras: one includes two meals and a live show, while the other covers admissions but leaves meals to you. Both spend most of their hours at the sites, not just driving, and both are praised for knowledgeable guides, though some reviews mention uncomfortable buses or rushed narration.
Private tours, starting around $275–$320 per person, offer a more flexible pace and often include snacks, drinks, and hotel pickup. These are best for groups or those wanting a tailored experience. The highest-rated private tours consistently include all admissions and spend at least three-quarters of the day at the main stops. Some even add picnic lunches or extra wildlife viewing. Complaints about private tours are rare, but one review noted the guide skipped some promised stops.
Shorter or cheaper options are limited. The $23 self-guided audio tour covers the same sites but does not include entry fees or park passes; several critical reviews mention technical difficulties and a confusing app setup. The $15 Cosmos Mystery Area ticket is a 40-minute attraction with a local guide, but reviews note crowding and, at times, poor health precautions.
Adventure seekers can try the $94 zipline tour, which is highly rated for safety and staff but occasionally criticized as overpriced for the experience. Night tours, such as the $225 stargazing trip, are less common and have mixed reviews: some praise the unique perspective, while others cite poor communication and no refunds for cancellations.
Overall, the best value is found in full-day tours that include admissions and minimize travel time. Private tours are worth the premium for flexibility and depth, while the lowest-priced options are best for independent travelers willing to handle logistics and entry fees themselves.
Most Rapid City tours confirm instantly, with 42 of the top 60 offering immediate booking. Only a few are flagged as likely to sell out, mainly the most popular full-day tours and sunset wildlife trips. If you want a specific date or a spot on a top-rated tour, book at least a week ahead, especially in peak periods.
Free cancellation is offered on 65% of tours, so you can secure your spot early without risk. Last-minute bookings are possible, but the most popular options may not be available.
The only under-$25 tour covering all major sites, but entry fees are extra.
4.3 ★ · 175 reviews · 4 h
Includes Support: Toll free phone, chat and email · Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline · Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
3 h 4 min at the stops, of 4 h in total
The shortest and cheapest, but does not include transport or entry to other sites.
4.6 ★ · 233 reviews · 40 min
Includes Local guide
Costs less than half the full-day tours, but is two hours and adventure-focused.
4.9 ★ · 475 reviews · 2 h
Includes All Fees and Taxes · Experienced guide
Cheaper than most, includes all admissions, and spends 365 of 540 minutes at stops.
4.8 ★ · 433 reviews · 9 h
Includes Public transportation · Air-conditioned vehicle · Restroom on board
6 h 5 min at the stops, of 9 h in total
Only one with two meals and a live show, for just $24 more than the basic bus tour.
4.8 ★ · 1,043 reviews · 9 h
Includes This Tour package includes the Chuckwagon Supper and Show that evening. · Entry fees to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse are included. · Public transportation
8 h 20 min at the stops, of 9 h in total
Longest duration—600 minutes—with all admissions and 555 minutes at attractions.
4.9 ★ · 86 reviews · 10 h
Includes All Fees and Taxes · We have unbrellas for folks in case it rains! · Bottled water and light snacks.
9 h 15 min at the stops, of 10 h in total
The only night tour, but all sales are final—no refunds for cancellations.
4.5 ★ · 82 reviews · 4 h 45 min
Includes Bottled water · Driver/guide · Fees
2 h 40 min at the stops, of 4 h 45 min in total
No reviews below 4 stars; includes all admissions and snacks for a full day.
5.0 ★ · 81 reviews · 8 h
Includes English Guide · Bottled water · Umbrellas and blankets in van
4 h 30 min at the stops, of 8 h in total
Includes a picnic lunch and all admissions, with 240 minutes at three main sites.
5.0 ★ · 150 reviews · 8 h
Includes Bottled water · Snacks · Picnic lunch
4 h at the stops, of 8 h in total
Highest-rated private tour, with 214 of 215 reviews at 5 stars and all admissions.
5.0 ★ · 215 reviews · 8 h
Includes Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice · Snacks
6 h at the stops, of 8 h in total
Only one that includes a private hike and wildlife viewing in Custer State Park.
5.0 ★ · 226 reviews · 9 h
Includes Private transportation · Expert local guide who would love to show you the area! · All Fees and Taxes
The priciest, but only one with both a private guide and custom itinerary.
5.0 ★ · 99 reviews · 8 h
Includes Private transportation · Soda/Pop · Bottled water
7 h 30 min at the stops, of 8 h in total
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 07/09/2026.
Full-day bus and private tours to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park make up the majority of options. Adventure activities and short attractions are less common.
Most tours cost over $200, with the median at $281. Full-day bus tours start around $100–$124 per person, while private tours are $275 and up.
Many full-day tours include admissions to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park. Always check the inclusions, as cheaper or self-guided options may not cover entry fees.
Free cancellation is available on 65% of Rapid City tours. Always review the cancellation policy before booking, as some tours are non-refundable.
Popular tours and those flagged as likely to sell out should be booked at least a week ahead. Most tours confirm instantly, but last-minute availability is not guaranteed.
Some reviews of self-guided audio tours mention technical difficulties and confusing setup. A few bus tour reviews mention uncomfortable buses, rushed narration, or missed stops. Night tours receive occasional complaints about poor communication and strict cancellation terms.
Yes, self-guided audio tours and attraction tickets start at $15–$23, but these do not include entry fees or transportation.
Some full-day tours include meals, such as breakfast and a live show, while others only provide snacks or leave meals to your discretion. Check what's included before booking.
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
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Booking is handled by Viator, part of TripAdvisor. Live prices, free cancellation on most.