
Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 451 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills worth booking?
Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills is a 9-hour experience in Rapid City, United States, from $133 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 451 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (451)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $133 per person
Join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Our Sightseeing Bus Tour Only package is designed for those who wish to explore the area’s stunning scenery and rich history without the additional meal package. Mount Rushmore Tours is the longest operating local family owned and operated tour company in the Black Hills. Founded in 1973 and since 2023 second generation owned and operated, we are widely regarded as the local experts in the bus tours for Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
What you get
About this experience
Join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Our Sightseeing Bus Tour Only package is designed for those who wish to explore the area’s stunning scenery and rich history without the additional meal package. Mount Rushmore Tours is the longest operating local family owned and operated tour company in the Black Hills. Founded in 1973 and since 2023 second generation owned and operated, we are widely regarded as the local experts in the bus tours for Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
What's included
Included
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- On-board restrooms
- Entrance fees
Not included
- Driver / Guide Gratuity
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Fort Hays Old West Town and Dinner Show
Your tour starts at Fort Hays Chuckwagon by checking into the Fort Hays Headquarters Building between 7:45-8am to get your printed tickets with your assigned Bus for the day.
45 minutes here
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The bus departs at 9am and heads for Mount Rushmore! You will have a little over an hour to look around at your own convenience and enjoy the sites and beauty that you came to South Dakota for. We stop here first because Mount Rushmore is at it's best in the morning sun. Gutzon Borglum carved this mountain facing east towards the morning sun and intended it to be viewed this way.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Iron Mountain Road
After leaving Mount Rushmore we will travel along the Iron Mountain Road. A beautiful 17 mile road of breath taking scenery featuring 3 one lane tunnels that perfectly frame Mount Rushmore.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Custer State Park Resort
We stop for lunch inside Custer State Park at the Game Lodge and previous summer White House for president Calvin Coolidge. Try the Buffalo Stew, it's the best you will ever find!
60 minutes here
South Dakota 87
After lunch we depart for the Needles Hwy. This 14 mile scenic drive is sure to leave you breathless and awe struck at amazing beauty of the Black Hills. Sit back and enjoy the ride and watch the crowd gather around when we drive the bus through the Needles Eye Tunnel. With only inches to spare on each side of the bus you can relish in the fact that you are not the one driving.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Sylvan Lake
Take a rest stop and coffee break at the beautiful Sylvan Lake. This is among the crown jewels of Custer State Park and the beauty within it.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Crazy Horse Memorial
We spend about an hour at Crazy Horse Memorial. You are on your own to spend this time enjoying this piece of history in the making. Upon completion it will be the largest mountain carving in the world! Truly a piece of awe inspiring history being worked on every day.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rapid City
The tour starts at Fort Hays Chuckwagon with checkin from 7:50-8:00am. Checkin is 45 mins before the bus departure to give you enough time to explore Fort Hays. It is conveniently located on Hwy 16 just south of Rapid City on the road to Mount Rushmore. (Just 12 minutes from downtown Rapid City)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour starts at Fort Hays Chuckwagon with checkin from 7:50-8:00am. Checkin is 45 mins before the bus departure to give you enough time to explore Fort Hays. It is conveniently located on Hwy 16 just south of Rapid City on the road to Mount Rushmore. (Just 12 minutes from downtown Rapid City)
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mount Rushmore Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 450 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
450 verified traveler reviews for Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Tour
Great tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We were happy to leave driving through those tunnels and on those winding roads to someone else. It was a great way to get a whirlwind tour. We went back to some places on our own,
via Tripadvisor
A Trip to Remember
This was a great experience and our guide was very informative. I highly recommend this tour. This gave us a chance to see and enjoy our surroundings without the stress of getting around ourselves. It was all day and we had plenty of time to see Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. The price was very reasonable also.
via Tripadvisor
Incredible sites
The vistas are fan-freaking-tastic!!! An Incredible historical journey. Dan made the whole day exciting. He was extremely knowledgeable and loved what he does.
via Viator
Our tour guide Toby was...
Our tour guide Toby was outstanding as he kept the tour fun and informative. I would highly recommend this tour.
via Viator
Wonderful experience!
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour! Our driver and guide, Dan, was professional, knowledgeable and very personable. It was a wonderful introduction to our stay and we learned so much. Don’t hesitate to book it!!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 158
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rapid City.
How much does Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills cost?
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Prices start at $133 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 Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 451 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Rapid City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills?
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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 Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills?
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Around 158 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills 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, Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park, PREMIER PRIVATE Tour: Mt Rushmore, CrazyHorse & 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 Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills?
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Included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.); In-vehicle air conditioning; On-board restrooms; and Entrance fees. Not included: Driver / Guide Gratuity; Lunch; Breakfast; and Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills?
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The tour starts at Fort Hays Chuckwagon with checkin from 7:50-8:00am. Checkin is 45 mins before the bus departure to give you enough time to explore Fort Hays. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills 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 Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills?
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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 Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills?
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Across 451 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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