RCA - Ellsworth Air Force Base
Rapid City, United States
IATA Code: RCA · Rapid City, United States
The airport code RCA is the IATA identifier for Ellsworth Air Force Base. You may also find it referred to as Rapid City Airport (RCA).
Ellsworth Air Force Base (RCA) serves Rapid City, United States, in the North America fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
RCA is the IATA airport code for Ellsworth Air Force Base, located in Rapid City, United States. The airport is situated at coordinates 44.1450°N, 103.1040°W. The current jet fuel price in the North America region is $5.21/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (North America)
$5.21/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- RCA
- City
- Rapid City
- Country
- United States
- Timezone
- America/Denver
- Latitude
- 44.1450°
- Longitude
- -103.1040°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- North America
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from RCA
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAP - Rapid City | 12 km | $175 | $0/passenger |
| SPF - Spearfish-South Dakota | 66 km | $963 | $2/passenger |
| CDR - Chadron | 145 km | $2,115 | $4/passenger |
| GCC - Gillette | 195 km | $2,845 | $6/passenger |
| PIR - Pierre | 226 km | $3,297 | $7/passenger |
| AIA - Alliance | 234 km | $3,414 | $7/passenger |
| VTN - Valentine | 251 km | $3,662 | $7/passenger |
| BFF - Scottsbluff | 256 km | $3,735 | $7/passenger |
| MBG - Mobridge | 264 km | $3,851 | $8/passenger |
| DIK - Dickinson | 296 km | $4,318 | $9/passenger |
| CPR - Casper | 304 km | $4,435 | $9/passenger |
| SHR - Sheridan | 315 km | $4,595 | $9/passenger |
| MLS - Miles City | 334 km | $4,872 | $10/passenger |
| SNY - Sidney | 339 km | $4,945 | $10/passenger |
| BIS - Bismarck | 345 km | $5,033 | $10/passenger |
| GDV - Glendive | 358 km | $5,223 | $10/passenger |
| CYS - Cheyenne | 361 km | $5,266 | $11/passenger |
| LAR - Laramie | 379 km | $5,529 | $11/passenger |
| WRL - Worland | 388 km | $5,660 | $11/passenger |
| HON - Huron | 389 km | $5,675 | $11/passenger |
| LBF - North Platte | 390 km | $5,689 | $11/passenger |
| STK - Sterling | 393 km | $5,733 | $11/passenger |
| ABR - Aberdeen | 397 km | $5,791 | $12/passenger |
| SDY - Sidney | 405 km | $5,908 | $12/passenger |
| MHE - Mitchell | 407 km | $5,937 | $12/passenger |
| RWL - Rawlins | 423 km | $6,171 | $12/passenger |
| SAA - SARATOGA | 427 km | $6,229 | $12/passenger |
| GXY - Greeley | 431 km | $6,287 | $13/passenger |
| FNL - Fort Collins | 440 km | $6,419 | $13/passenger |
| AKO - Akron | 441 km | $6,433 | $13/passenger |
| RIW - Riverton WY | 448 km | $6,535 | $13/passenger |
| ISN - Williston | 450 km | $6,565 | $13/passenger |
| LXN - Lexington | 462 km | $6,740 | $13/passenger |
| JMS - Jamestown | 463 km | $6,754 | $14/passenger |
| BIL - Billings | 466 km | $6,798 | $14/passenger |
| COD - Cody | 473 km | $6,900 | $14/passenger |
| LND - Lindau | 477 km | $6,958 | $14/passenger |
| MOT - Minot | 479 km | $6,988 | $14/passenger |
| ATY - Watertown | 479 km | $6,988 | $14/passenger |
| OLF - Wolf Point | 479 km | $6,988 | $14/passenger |
| YKN - Yankton | 481 km | $7,017 | $14/passenger |
| MCK - McCook | 484 km | $7,061 | $14/passenger |
| WBU - Boulder | 489 km | $7,134 | $14/passenger |
| MIB - Minot | 493 km | $7,192 | $14/passenger |
| DEN - Denver | 494 km | $7,206 | $14/passenger |
| BJC - Broomfield-CO | 499 km | $7,279 | $15/passenger |
| SBS - Steamboat Springs | 508 km | $7,411 | $15/passenger |
| BFK - Buckley | 513 km | $7,484 | $15/passenger |
| FSD - Sioux Falls | 514 km | $7,498 | $15/passenger |
| HDE - Holdredge | 514 km | $7,498 | $15/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your RCA Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the North America region has jet fuel priced at $5.21/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from RCA
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at Rapid City
Rapid City experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally pleasant (18-28°C / 64-82°F), while winters can be cold and may bring snow or ice that occasionally affects flight schedules. Travelers arriving in winter should be prepared for potential weather-related delays and dress in warm layers.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through RCA
Traveling through Rapid City in the Americas, passengers should be aware that fuel prices in the North America region directly influence ticket pricing. North and South American airports generally have well-established ground transportation networks, including ride-sharing services, shuttles, and rental car agencies. For international arrivals, customs and immigration processing times vary significantly by country.
🇺🇳 United States Travel Tips
Within the United States, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can significantly reduce security wait times. Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport starting in 2025. Jet fuel prices in North America tend to be among the most competitive globally, though they remain sensitive to Gulf of Mexico refining capacity.
Planning Your Trip via RCA
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Ellsworth Air Force Base
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from RCA
- Fuel impact awareness: The North America region currently prices jet fuel at $5.21/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to RCA are RAP, SPF, CDR — consider these for potentially lower fares