
All Aboard the 1880 Train
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is All Aboard the 1880 Train worth booking?
All Aboard the 1880 Train is a 6-hour experience in Rapid City, United States, from $312 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (7)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $312 per person
This isn't just another tour; it's a chance to experience the Black Hills at their best, during the prime season of May through September. What makes this tour unique is its personalized touch. We take the hassle out of your day by picking you up directly from your Rapid City hotel at 8:00-8:30 AM, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure. Then, we transport you to the charming town of Keystone, SD, where you have the freedom to explore for at least 1½ hours, crafting your own experience. Whether you're drawn to the unique shops, the thrilling Big Thunder Gold Mine, or the insightful Rushmore Borglum Story, you're in control. It's your day, your way, in the heart of the Black Hills.
What you get
About this experience
This isn't just another tour; it's a chance to experience the Black Hills at their best, during the prime season of May through September. What makes this tour unique is its personalized touch. We take the hassle out of your day by picking you up directly from your Rapid City hotel at 8:00-8:30 AM, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure. Then, we transport you to the charming town of Keystone, SD, where you have the freedom to explore for at least 1½ hours, crafting your own experience. Whether you're drawn to the unique shops, the thrilling Big Thunder Gold Mine, or the insightful Rushmore Borglum Story, you're in control. It's your day, your way, in the heart of the Black Hills.
What's included
Included
- English Guide
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entrance fee
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
You will need to be at the train depot a little before 10 AM to get your tickets for the one way train ride to Hill City. The train boards at 10:00 AM and leaves at 10:15 AM, arriving in Hill City at approximately 11:15 PM. The 1880 Train ride is a one-hour, narrated 10-mile trip between Hill City and Keystone. Passengers view vistas of Harney Peak, mining encampments and participate in good old-fashioned fun. Trains follow the original route of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad laid down in the late 1880s to service the mines and mills between Hill City and Keystone. The Black Hills Central Railroad is the oldest continuously operating tour railroad in the nation and operates three steam and two diesel engines throughout the season. One of their steam engines is close to 100 years old!
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hill City
We have lunch at any one of the restaurants listed below in Hill City. Afterwards you have time to visit the shops, or go to the Black Hills Natural History Museum (with awesome dinosaur fossils), or visit the new South Dakota Train Museum by the depot. Then we depart for Rapid City. If you desire we can stop at any or all of the three winery tasting rooms outside Hill City on the way back. We return to your hotel via Highway 16 or past Pactola Lake and down Highway 44. It is a relaxing and fun day in both towns with a soothing and scenic train ride in between.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Affordable Adventures
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for All Aboard the 1880 Train. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not like it used to be!
Did not even know Keystone depot now went in to Keystone. Was so much better when staff dressed in period dress and things were pointed out on trip. Now it is just a train ride. Also liked picking out our own car and seats before. It needs to be “an experience,” not just a train ride, especially considering the cost!
via Tripadvisor
Good but not worth the money.
It was a nice experience just wonder why it cost so much when a round trip was only 43.00. And we didn't go round trip.
via Tripadvisor
South Dakota gems
This was a great tour with a great tour guide named Ellen.
via Tripadvisor
Special treatment
Very much enjoyed our train ride. Ms Flo even added an extra stop at the Cosmos Mystery House at our request. We also had a lot of fun shopping in Keystone and Hill City
via Tripadvisor
Pleasant train trip
Very enjoyable experience! The conductors were very friendly and answered questions as they moved through the train cars. Pleasant experience during our vacation. Enjoyed the stores near the depot at both towns.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Affordable Adventures, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.0.
See everything Affordable Adventures runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
All Aboard the 1880 Train: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rapid City.
How much does All Aboard the 1880 Train cost?
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Prices start at $312 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rapid City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does All Aboard the 1880 Train take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rapid City is not rushed.
Is All Aboard the 1880 Train worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rapid City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule All Aboard the 1880 Train?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is All Aboard the 1880 Train suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book All Aboard the 1880 Train?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rapid City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rapid City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does All Aboard the 1880 Train start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rapid City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rapid City?
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Rapid City is the base for Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse tours, Badlands National Park loops, Custer State Park wildlife drives and Black Hills cave visits. On Outty we rank every Rapid City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show, Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rapid City?
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May to September, with Sturgis crowding early August. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rapid City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in All Aboard the 1880 Train?
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Included: English Guide; Bottled water; In-vehicle air conditioning; Entrance fee; and Snacks. Not included: Gratuities; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does All Aboard the 1880 Train include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 50 listed pickup locations in and around Rapid City.
What languages is All Aboard the 1880 Train offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for All Aboard the 1880 Train?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is All Aboard the 1880 Train wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to All Aboard the 1880 Train if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rapid City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about All Aboard the 1880 Train?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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