Sioux Falls Car Rental Deals Your Gateway to South Dakota’s Great Places

Introduction: Welcome to Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city a vibrant hub often called the “Best Little City in America” for its friendly charm and big-city amenities. Here, having a rental car means you can experience all sides of the city and beyond at your own pace. Sioux Falls is a unique blend of natural beauty and urban life: one minute you’re marveling at the cascading falls of the Big Sioux River at Falls Park, the next you’re cruising down Phillips Avenue in downtown, en route to a winery in the countryside or a hiking spot on the edge of town. With a rental car, you’re free to explore every corner of Sioux Falls and the surrounding Great Plains region on your schedule. This page is your complete guide to renting a car in Sioux Falls, SD. We’ve packed it with money-saving deals, local driving intel, and trip ideas so you can hit the road with confidence. Whether you’re a visitor flying into FSD Airport, a business traveler zipping between meetings in different parts of town, or a local looking for a weekend escape to the lakes or Badlands, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly and at a great price. Let’s get you on the road in Sioux Falls stress-free and affordably!

Sioux Falls does have a local bus system (Sioux Area Metro), but service is limited and the city and surrounding region are spread out. Depending on your plans, renting a car in Sioux Falls can be a game-changer for convenience and exploration. Here are some top reasons to have your own set of wheels in Sioux Falls:

• Freedom to Explore Beyond City Limits: Sioux Falls’ downtown and main attractions (like Falls Park, the SculptureWalk, and the Washington Pavilion) are relatively centralized, but the greater Sioux Falls area and day-trip destinations are much easier to reach with a car. With a car, you can effortlessly venture to places like Palisades State Park (a beautiful park with quartzite rock formations about 30 minutes away), visit the Porter Sculpture Park off I-90, or drive to Brookings (1 hour north, home to the Children’s Museum and university) on your own schedule. Without a car, many of these outings would require coordinating shuttles (few exist) or expensive rideshares if they’re even available. A car lets you unlock not just Sioux Falls, but the whole region.
• Convenience for Multiple Stops: If your visit involves multiple stops around town say you’re checking out different neighborhoods, or you have meetings across the city a car is by far the easiest way to hop between locations. Sioux Falls covers around 80 square miles; attractions like Falls Park, Empire Mall, the Great Plains Zoo, and various restaurants spread out across the city. Relying on taxis or friends can be a hassle, especially if you want to make spontaneous stops. With your own car, you could grab breakfast downtown, zip to a winery on the outskirts by noon, and be back for an evening event at the Denny Sanford Premier Center all without waiting on someone else’s schedule.
• Access to Regional Attractions: Sioux Falls is a great starting point for road trips. With a car, you’re not confined to city limits you can experience a sunrise at a prairie lake, visit the famous Mitchell Corn Palace (1 hour west on I-90), or even drive up to Minnesota’s Twin Cities for a day (about 4 hours northeast). Want to spend a weekend in the Black Hills? You can drive there in about 5 hours and explore Mount Rushmore and Custer Park at your leisure. Having a car means your Sioux Falls trip can effortlessly expand into a broader Great Plains adventure. (We include a few road trip ideas below!)
• Avoiding Public Transit Limitations: Sioux Falls’ bus network is useful for basic city travel, but it has limits routes might not go to the outskirts or nearby small towns you want to see, and service usually stops by early evening. If you’re enjoying the local brewery scene or a late-night event, you won’t find buses running at midnight. Taxis and rideshare cars are around, but not in huge numbers wait times can be long, especially on weekend nights or at the airport during peak times. With a rental car, you’re never stuck or stranded. You have your own ride 24/7 whether it’s an early flight, a late dinner, or an impromptu drive under the stars at a rural overlook.
• Comfort and Flexibility: Driving your own rental car offers comfort (your music, your climate control, your pace) and flexibility that other modes of travel can’t match. If you’re traveling with family, the convenience of keeping strollers, bags, or snacks in the car is invaluable as you tour around. If something catches your interest say a roadside farmers’ market or a pretty county park you can just pull over and check it out. Try doing that on a tour bus! Sioux Falls locals themselves often drive (average commute times here are under 20 minutes), and as a visitor you’ll fit right in behind the wheel. Plus, in the era of social distancing and health awareness, having a personal vehicle can feel safer and cleaner than hopping on public transport or multiple Ubers. With a rental, you’re in your own bubble, coming and going as you please, with luggage or kids comfortably in tow.

Of course, if you’re only staying strictly in downtown Sioux Falls and nowhere else, you might manage without a car. But for flexibility, comfort, and the full South Dakota experience, many visitors find a car indispensable. And locals? They rent from us too whether it’s for a road trip to a Vikings football game in Minneapolis or when family comes to visit and an extra vehicle is needed. Read on for how we make renting in Sioux Falls easy and advantageous.

Our Sioux Falls Car Rental Benefits

Why choose AirportVanRental for your Sioux Falls wheels? Simply put, we know Sioux Falls and we leverage our local presence plus national network to give you unbeatable value. Here are some perks of booking your Sioux Falls rental car with us:

• Best Rates in the City: Sioux Falls might be a smaller market, but your rental car doesn’t have to be expensive. We work with multiple rental suppliers in the area to gather the cheapest rates available. Because we show you options from all the major brands, you can easily compare and find the best deal. Sometimes renting at the airport is cheapest; other times a downtown location might save a few bucks we’ll display those choices. We’re confident you won’t find a lower price for the same car + terms, but if you somehow do, let us know. We’ll match it, because saving you money is our priority.
• Multiple Convenient Pick-Up Locations: We’ve got you covered whether you want to pick up at Sioux Falls Regional Airport’s Rental Car Center or in the city. Many travelers grab a car straight after they land, but if you’re sticking around downtown for a day or two first, you can also rent from an in-town location like the ones near W 12th St or S Minnesota Ave. This means you can choose a pick-up spot based on what’s most convenient for you immediately at the airport, or maybe spend a couple of days in the city car-free and then pick up a rental near your hotel for the road-trip portion. Our broad coverage in Sioux Falls ensures you won’t have to go out of your way to get your car. Plus, more locations = more vehicle inventory to choose from.
• Wide Vehicle Selection (City-Friendly & Beyond): Thanks to our multiple partners, you’ll find the right car for your Sioux Falls needs. Compact and economy cars are perfect for solo or couple travelers, easy to park on Sioux Falls’ quiet streets. We also offer hybrids and electrics if you’re environmentally conscious (the city has an increasing number of EV chargers!). Traveling with family or a group? Check out our minivans or 7-passenger SUVs, perfect for visiting attractions like the Butterfly House & Aquarium or taking a day trip to Spirit Lake. Even specialty vehicles like luxury sedans can be found in Sioux Falls’ fleet if you want to cruise in style. Need a GPS or child seat? You can request add-ons during booking. Essentially, whatever your plan, we likely have a car that fits it like a glove.
• No Prepay, No Cancellation Fees: We get it, plans in Sioux Falls can change. Maybe your conference schedule shifts or a snowstorm alters your timing. That’s why most of our bookings do not require any upfront payment. Reserve your car to lock in a great rate, but pay when you pick it up. If you need to cancel or modify, do so up to 48 hours before pickup and it’s typically free. We don’t believe in burdening you with prepayments or penalties flexibility is key, especially when weather or schedules are unpredictable. This customer-friendly policy sets us apart from sites that charge you instantly or make cancellation a hassle.
• Transparent Sioux Falls Driving Costs: Renting a car in a city can come with extra fees (airport concession charges at FSD, city surcharges, etc.). We itemize all these upfront in our quotes, so you know exactly what’s included. The price we show encompasses mandatory taxes and fees, no hidden “Sioux Falls city tax” surprises at the counter. Also, we give you a heads-up on common optional expenses: e.g., the cost of the airport facility fee (already included) or approximate parking costs in town (fortunately, parking is cheap or free in most of Sioux Falls). Knowledge is power, and we want you to budget confidently for your Sioux Falls trip.
• Insider Info & Local Support: This page itself is proof we’re packing it with local driving knowledge, from navigating downtown’s one-ways to finding the cheapest gas in the area. When you book with us, you’re not just getting a car, you’re tapping into a Sioux Falls-savvy resource. We often send a pre-trip email with driving tips (like reminders of summer road construction hotspots or winter snow alert info if applicable). If you have questions, our customer support knows Sioux Falls’ layout and can help whether it’s “Where can I park for free near Falls Park?” (Answer: there’s a free lot on-site!) or “Is it easy to drive to the Badlands in one day?” (It’s about 5 hours each way we’d suggest an overnight). We go the extra mile so you can drive yours comfortably. And in case any issue arises during your rental, we’re a quick call away to assist or liaise with the rental company on your behalf. You’re not alone on the road with AVR.

Top Car Deals in Sioux Falls Today

• Economy Car, from $13/day.Example: Nissan Versa or Chevrolet Spark. These small cars are perfect for zipping through Sioux Falls’ easygoing streets and finding easy parking spots in downtown or at the mall. They’re super fuel-efficient a big plus if you plan to drive out to nearby attractions or just want to save on gas. Why so affordable? There’s healthy supply and competition, and outside of peak summer, demand is moderate. An economy car is an excellent budget-friendly choice for singles or couples.
• Full-Size Sedan, from $17/day.Example: Toyota Camry or Ford Fusion. A comfortable choice if you need a bit more room (say for a family of four with luggage) while still blending into city traffic. At under $20 a day in off-peak times, these are a steal considering the comfort great for a scenic drive to nearby state parks or even down to Omaha for a day. Many include advanced safety features and smartphone integration, making navigation a breeze.
• Compact SUV, from $23/day.Example: Hyundai Tucson or Ford Escape. A versatile option if you want a taller ride height (good for the occasional snow or just better visibility) and extra cargo space. From FSD Airport, many travelers snag SUVs for trips to the lakes or a drive up to Minneapolis you can too, at a great daily rate. (Yes, that rate often includes unlimited miles, so no worries if you venture to the Badlands or beyond.)
• Minivan, from $41/day.Example: Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand Caravan. Traveling with the whole crew? Minivans are extremely popular for Sioux Falls family vacations or group outings think a friends’ weekend to Kansas City or moving a student into SDSU in Brookings. With seating for 7-8 and ample luggage room, $21/day is an excellent value (split among 6 people, that’s only around $3.50 each!). Book early, though during summer and holidays, minivans can sell out as Sioux Falls is a starting point for many road trips.
• Luxury & Specialty, from $65/day.Example: BMW 3-Series, Tesla Model 3 or a Ford Mustang Convertible. Treating yourself? Sioux Falls’ rental selection occasionally features upscale or fun vehicles that can be quite reasonable outside major events. Picture yourself cruising along the Big Sioux River in a convertible on a sunny day, or arriving to a business dinner in a sleek luxury sedan. From ~$25 and up, you can indulge a bit. (Insider tip: weekends sometimes have lower luxury rates since business travelers rent these on weekdays.)

Pricing note: The above “from” rates are based on recent searches for 2-3 day rentals, picking up from Sioux Falls Regional Airport or local Sioux Falls locations in the current season. Rates can vary with demand expect higher prices in June–August (peak tourist season) and during big events (Sanford International tournament, college move-in weekends, etc.). Conversely, you might snag even lower rates in the winter off-season or for longer rentals (weekly discounts often apply). Always search with your exact dates for the most accurate pricing. And remember: our quotes include taxes and fees, so the price you see is the price you pay no surprise add-ons.

Driving in Sioux Falls: What to Know

Driving in Sioux Falls is generally a breeze, especially if you’re used to larger cities. Still, every city has its quirks. Here are some tips and local insights for navigating Sioux Falls and the surrounding area:

• Traffic & Rush Hours: Sioux Falls has a modest rush hour on weekday mornings and evenings, mainly on a few arterial roads. I-229 (the downtown bypass) and 41st Street (the major east-west retail corridor) can see heavier traffic around 7:30–8:30 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM. You might hit a few red lights or slow spots, but “traffic jam” here usually means maybe an extra 5-10 minutes, not hours. Even on I-29 or I-90 near the city, congestion is rare and usually construction-related if anything. If you want to avoid any slowdown, plan drives outside the peak or use alternative routes (locals often take Minnesota Avenue or other parallel streets to skip 41st St.). Overall, compared to major metros, Sioux Falls traffic is very light most anywhere in town is a 15-20 minute drive or less.
• Downtown Navigation & Parking: Downtown Sioux Falls is compact and quite straightforward to drive. The main downtown area is roughly between the Big Sioux River and Minnesota Avenue, and from Falls Park down to about 14th Street. There are a few one-way streets (notably parts of 8th & 9th Streets, and a couple north-south streets like Main & Dakota Ave), but they’re well-marked. If you miss a turn, no biggie just go around the block. Parking downtown is ample and affordable. Street parking is free after 5 pm and on Sundays; during the day, meters are $1.50/hour with a 2-hour limit (you can use the ParkSmarter app for coins-free payment). The city also has several public parking ramps the first hour is often free, and evening parking in ramps is usually free or a flat $2. For example, the First Avenue Ramp and the Mall Avenue Ramp are centrally located and almost never full. If you’re visiting Falls Park, there’s a large, dedicated parking lot at the park that’s free and typically only fills during big events. Bottom line: you won’t struggle to find convenient parking in Sioux Falls, and it won’t cost you much either. Just heed any posted time limits downtown and you’re good to go.
• Local Driving Etiquette: Sioux Falls drivers are generally polite and law-abiding. You won’t typically encounter aggressive driving or horn-happy commutes. Do be prepared for numerous four-way stop intersections in residential areas the rule first comes, first go; if two arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right has the right-of-way. At larger intersections, you’ll see protected left turn arrows at many lights; if the arrow ends and you have a green ball, you can still cautiously turn left if oncoming traffic is clear (standard practice). The city has a growing number of bicyclists and joggers especially on nice days in areas like the bike trails along the river. When driving downtown or near parks, yield to pedestrians at crosswalks (state law) and give cyclists at least 3 feet when passing. Also, note that Sioux Falls enforces a hands-free law now it’s illegal to use a handheld phone while driving (fines can apply). Keep your focus on the road and you’ll be fine. Sioux Falls is a very driver-friendly city overall.
• Weather Considerations: Sioux Falls experiences all four seasons in full. In winter, the city does a great job plowing emergency snow routes quickly you’ll see main streets cleared soon after a snowstorm begins. Residential streets get cleared too, but may stay snow-packed a bit longer. If a snow alert is declared (usually after a big snowfall), avoid parking on emergency routes or you could be ticketed/towed your hotel will usually advise on this if it happens. Driving after a snow, go slower and allow more braking room black ice can occur especially in the mornings. The city uses sand and de-icer, but it can still be slick. In spring, be ready for rain and possibly some flooding in low spots if there’s heavy rain (rare in the city proper, more so in rural areas). In summer, watch for thunderstorms if severe weather hits (hail, strong winds), it might be wise to pull into a gas station or under some cover until it passes (hail can ding a car). Also, road construction tends to peak in summer keep an eye out for orange cones and slower zones around work crews. They usually post detours if a road is fully closed. By fall, construction wraps up and driving is easy plus you get beautiful fall foliage in early October! Always check the forecast during your visit; Sioux Falls weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall.
• Out-of-Town Drives: One reason people rent cars in Sioux Falls is to explore beyond the city maybe a drive to Badlands National Park or up to Minneapolis. When leaving town, interstates and state highways are your main routes and are well-maintained. If you head into truly rural areas, you may encounter gravel roads drive slowly on these (30 mph or so) to maintain control and avoid kicking up dust for locals. Cell phone coverage is generally solid on interstates and near towns but can get spotty in remote stretches (like US-18 across the plains). It’s a smart idea to have a paper map or offline maps downloaded if you’re venturing far just in case. Rest areas on I-90 and I-29 are clean and frequent, but smaller highways might rely on the occasional town for a bathroom break (when in doubt, stop in the last town for gas and a rest stop). As mentioned, South Dakota has no tolls, so you can roam freely without worrying about fees. And a note on scenery: eastern South Dakota drives are pleasant and pastoral (think cornfields and open skies), but as you approach the Missouri River and beyond, the landscape gets more dramatic with rolling hills and then the Badlands/Black Hills out west having a car lets you truly appreciate this gradual change.

By keeping these pointers in mind, you’ll find that Sioux Falls and the surrounding region are very easy to drive around. It’s one of those places where a car truly lets you discover both the city’s highlights and the natural beauty just beyond. Buckle up, enjoy the ride, and as always, feel free to ask us if you need any specific local driving advice!

Day Trips & Road Trips from Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls isn’t just a great place to explore on its own it’s also an excellent launching pad for discovering nearby attractions in South Dakota and surrounding states. With your rental car, you can venture out on some memorable road trips. Here are three ideas for fun day trips or weekend getaways from Sioux Falls:

• Badlands National Park & The WestLong Day/Overnight. Route: Sioux Falls ➔ Mitchell ➔ Badlands National Park ➔ Rapid City/Keystone (Mt. Rushmore). ~350 miles one-way.

Highlights: Head west on I-90 across the prairie. After about 1 hour, stop in Mitchell to see the whimsical Corn Palace (free to visit, quick photo op). Continue west (~3.5 more hours) to Badlands National Park an utterly unique landscape of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Drive the Badlands Loop Road (SD-240) for jaw-dropping views at overlooks like Big Badlands and Panorama Point. Watch for bison and bighorn sheep! Nearby Wall Drug in Wall, SD makes a fun kitschy pit stop for pie, souvenirs, and a dose of roadside Americana (you’ve likely seen its billboards for miles). If you’re ambitious, push on to Rapid City (another 1.5 hours west) or Keystone (for Mt. Rushmore) to overnight. Next day, see the sunrise on the presidents at Mount Rushmore, drive the scenic Needles Highway in Custer State Park (granite spires and narrow tunnels), and then head back to Sioux Falls (or continue your Dakotas adventure).

Tips: This is a lot for one day consider making it a 2-day trip. The Badlands are best at morning or evening light, so maybe overnight near Badlands (Interior or Wall has lodging) to catch sunset or sunrise, then do Rushmore day two. Bring water, sunscreen, and a full tank of gas services are sparse in the Badlands loop (there is a visitor center with water/refills). The drive across South Dakota on I-90 is long but easy set the cruise and enjoy the big sky views. If you return via a different route, you can swing south at Chamberlain to follow part of the Missouri River for a scenic detour before rejoining I-90.

• Minnesota’s Twin CitiesOvernight recommended. Route: Sioux Falls ➔ Blue Mounds State Park ➔ Minneapolis/St. Paul. ~240 miles one-way (4 hours).

Highlights: Drive 40 minutes northeast to Blue Mounds State Park (Minnesota) to see bison herds and Sioux quartzite cliffs a great leg stretcher. Then continue to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul. In Minneapolis, check out Mall of America in Bloomington (the nation’s biggest mall even has a theme park inside), stroll around Lake Bde Maka Ska or Minnehaha Falls, or dive into culture at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. In St. Paul, history buffs might tour the grand Minnesota State Capitol or Cathedral of St. Paul. With a car, you can also venture to the Mississippi River bluffs or nearby Stillwater, a charming river town. The next day, grab some famous Minnesota breakfast (maybe Swedish pancakes at Al’s Diner in Dinkytown) and then head back to Sioux Falls.

Tips: This is a full 4-hour drive each way on I-90/I-35, so leaving early is key if doing in one day (which would be very tight). Better to overnight there are endless hotel options in the Twin Cities. Traffic in Minneapolis/St. Paul is the polar opposite of Sioux Falls plan for congestion at rush hours. Use GPS apps to navigate around it if possible. Also, note that the Mall of America has free parking garages and is right off I-494 easy to include on your way in or out. If you have kids, they’ll love Nickelodeon Universe (indoor amusement park) at the mall. For a scenic drive back, consider US-169 south through Mankato then SD-34 west it’s a bit longer but peaceful and you can brag you saw more of rural Minnesota.

• Missouri River Valley & OmahaFull Day. Route: Sioux Falls ➔ Sioux City, IA ➔ Omaha, NE. ~180 miles one-way (3 hours).

Highlights: Head south on I-29 following the Missouri River’s path. Stop in Sioux City, Iowa (1.5 hours from SF) to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (learn about their expedition and see a replica keelboat; free admission!). Continue another 1.5 hours to Omaha, Nebraska. Must-see: Henry Doorly Zoo consistently rated among the world’s best zoos (don’t miss the Desert Dome or the Aquarium). Stroll Omaha’s Old Market district for lunch brick streets lined with shops and eateries. History fans can visit the Durham Museum (in a beautiful art-deco train station). Before driving back, maybe swing by Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge a cool bridge over the Missouri where you can stand in two states at once (Nebraska/Iowa). Then head back north to Sioux Falls in the evening.

Tips: Omaha is roughly 3 hours each way, so if you want to maximize zoo time, leave very early. The zoo alone can take 4-6 hours if you explore thoroughly. There’s a lot of road construction on I-29 in summers watch for updates and lane closures. An alternate scenic route back is US-75 north from Omaha to Sioux City, then I-29 (adds maybe 20 minutes but hugs the river more). Gas up before leaving Omaha there’s a stretch in northern Nebraska with fewer services. Also, when in Omaha, try a famous Reuben sandwich (it was supposedly invented there) or some Omaha steak for dinner. This trip touches 3 states in a day not bad!

Quick Reference Sioux Falls Car Rental Info

• Available Vehicle Types: From fuel-efficient economy cars and compact sedans to spacious SUVs and minivans. Sioux Falls offers the full range whether you need a simple ride around town or a 12-passenger van for a group, you can find it here.
• Average Daily Rates: Roughly $12–$21 per day for standard vehicles (economy through full-size or small SUV) in off-peak seasons. Larger vehicles (minivans, 7-8 passenger SUVs) or premium classes will be on the higher end. Save money by booking early and avoiding last-minute rentals during busy summer months.
• Primary Rental Locations: The majority of visitors rent at Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) upon arrival (all major brands available on-site). There are also a few rental offices in the city (near downtown and on the west side) if you need a car mid-trip or prefer an off-airport pick-up. AirportVanRental’s search shows both airport and city options so you can choose what’s best for you.
• Local Driving Tips: Sioux Falls is easy to navigate a grid layout with I-29 and I-90 for quick access around the region. Traffic is light; even during rush hour, delays are minimal (maybe a few extra minutes on 41st Street or Minnesota Ave). Downtown streets have a 20-30 mph limit, elsewhere in town it’s 30-45 mph. Parking is plentiful and cheap or free (meters are free evenings and Sundays, and many lots/ramps offer two hours free). There are no toll roads in Sioux Falls (or South Dakota at all), and if you’re visiting in winter, know that roads are plowed promptly after snow just drive cautiously on slick days and allow a little extra time.