Greetings all,

Pretty simple question...have done searches @ FT and other resources, looks like drive is no less than 6 hours (I-25/US-18/US79). Is it worth it, or, is it long drive with some decent scenery, that will end up like most long driving trips...fairly exciting going, but, drudgery on the return. BTW, the return RAP-DEN will probably be at night, leaving RAP around 5P, trying to catch the 1A red-eye on DL to ATL.

It's a long drive with not a lot of scenery at all until you get close to Rapid City. Mostly high plains.

I personally have no problems with such a drive because I grew up on the plains and see incredible beauty in such expansive vistas. Most others just harumph, snort "where are the damn trees?" and get bored easily.

DenverBrian,
Wow, thanks for the quick response...to follow-up, was I fairly accurate on the time estimate and quickest route? Flying on business, ATL-DEN is $300, ATL-RAP is $450 on UA, lot more on DL/NW, which is my preferred carrier. Figured I would be getting a car anyway, and as an East Coast/city kid, have never been to that part of SD (many trips to Eastern SD). So, DEN makes me look better to corp travel, but, am I devaluing my time? Will have to leave Sunday for Monday work, in either case, and doing the proposed RAP-DEN drive will save a hotel night...company (like many) are really looking to watch expenses. There would be no problem staying the additional night, but, would like to bank some goodwill, so if I splurge in another city, beancounters might look the other way (though doubtful)...
Edit : Lastly, not an fan of the RJ, but, if no other option, prefer Skywest (ATL-DEN-RAP); definitely want to avoid the Frontier/Lynx DH-8 Q400, though, I hear it's not a bad ride.

RAP appears to be a 100% non-mainline city these days; I thought UA ran some TEDdies there last summer, but not this summer apparently.

I'd say it's more like 7 hours by car DEN-RAP.

One possible alternative would be to fly ATL-FSD and then drive to RAP. Much shorter distance and all freeway via I-90. DL does have a nonstop ATL-FSD although (of course) it's an RJ. You'll have to check pricing - probably high.

Now that I know it's business I think it's probably slightly more cost effective to fly ATL-DEN-RAP on UA/UX. Knowing DL's icky website, be sure to check manual multi-city itineraries ATL-MSP-RAP and maybe even ATL-SLC-RAP.

DB,

Looked again at FSD, no dice...$800 at this point. Looks like will have to bite the bullet and take your UA recommendation (can make it an all Airbii trip through ORD both ways), just would hate give up those DL/NW segs. I know it would only be 2, those 2 will get me to Gold Medallion, and who knows how travel for last 4 months will go, and hate to miss keeping Platinum by those 2 segs...oh well, end of year MR might be in the cards...again thanks. BTW, for some reason 7 hours sounds a lot worse than 6

Ah, you must be going soon. I don't see ORD-RAP via mainline past September 1.

Frontiers Q400 are larger than CRJ and fly at pretty much the same speed so the trip takes about the same amount of time as a jet. Once inside, you really can't tell you're in a prop plane. It's not any noisier than a jet. And, you can probably fly on Frontier for a little more than the cost of driving.

If you decide to drive, consider a detour to Devil's Tower, Wyoming, made famous in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Probably would add around 1-2 hours to the drive, plus whatever time you stop to visit.

Although unlikely to be any cheaper, as a long shot, you might also check prices into Casper, WY, as that would cut several hours off of the drive to SD, as compared to DEN.

Where would you be going in the black hills? If going to RAP and only RAP, I would fly. But if going to Custer State Park, Mt Rushmore, etc. I would drive. Sounds like you may have your tickets, but that's my opinion for future searchers.

I drove to Rapid City and back last fall, by myself with my then 2 year old. It was really a fairly easy drive. I'd say closer to 6 1/2 hours. It's not particularly interesting, but it's pretty easy. We stopped for lunch on the way up, as well as a couple of rest stops to let the toddler run around a bit. There are some interesting side trips, like the Oregon Trail ruts near Guernsey, Wyoming, and the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD. Mt Rushmore is well worth the trip, although personally, I can skip Crazy Horse, I was not impressed. Some cool stuff in Rapid City, too...the Dinosaur Park (free) and Bear Country, USA (not free, but very cool).

ive done the RAP - DEN drive a couple times when i lived out there. the five hours it took to get to denver was worth saving over $200 when flying home to wisconsin. your going to need a car if your going to rushmore and the surrounding areas. its a great time out there, the drive through custer state park is most excellent. id suggest if you have some time to stop out in deadwood its a great old west town. have fun, im a bit jealous i was hoping to make the drive out there this summer, but have now run out of time.