Ellsworth Air Force Base travel guide background
RCAKRCAMedium Airport

Ellsworth Air Force Base

Rapid City, United States3,276 ft elevation

IATA

RCA

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

KRCA

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

3,276 ft

The airport sits at a high elevation, which can influence aircraft performance and weather patterns.

Coordinates

44.15, -103.10

Rapid City map position.

Airport scale

Regional Airport

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

Ellsworth Air Force Base overview

Ellsworth Air Force Base (RCA) serves Rapid City, United States. It is listed as a regional airport, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through RCA.

The airport sits at 3,276 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are 44.1450, -103.1040, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in United States.

Nearby alternatives include Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) and Black Hills Airport-Clyde Ice Field (SPF). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across North America.

RCA planning callout

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time. For this page, compare RCA with nearby airport links and the United States country guide before finalizing route choices.

Ellsworth Air Force Base unique facts

RCA fact 1

Ellsworth Air Force Base uses IATA code RCA and ICAO code KRCA.

RCA fact 2

RCA serves Rapid City in United States.

RCA fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #1582 by estimated passenger scale among listed United States airports.

RCA fact 4

Across North America, this airport ranks #1920 in the current featured airport set.

RCA fact 5

Ellsworth Air Force Base is classified as a regional airport, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

RCA fact 6

RCA sits 3,276 feet above sea level.

Ellsworth Air Force Base facilities

Ellsworth Air Force Base restaurants

At RCA, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

RCA lounges

For Ellsworth Air Force Base, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

RCA WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Rapid City airport parking

For departures from Rapid City, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

RCA accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through Ellsworth Air Force Base; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

RCA ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in United States; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

RCA currency exchange

Currency desks at Ellsworth Air Force Base are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

RCA car rental

Save RCA as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

Ellsworth Air Force Base airport hotels

Airport hotels near Ellsworth Air Force Base are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

RCA medical help

For urgent health needs at RCA, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

RCA charging

At Ellsworth Air Force Base, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

RCA business travel

Ellsworth Air Force Base business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

RCA family travel

Families using RCA should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

Ellsworth Air Force Base transportation

RCA taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at RCA when arriving late or carrying luggage into Rapid City.

RCA train or metro

If rail is available at Ellsworth Air Force Base, compare it against traffic-sensitive road transfers before choosing a taxi.

RCA bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for Rapid City, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from RCA.

RCA driving and car rental

Because RCA sits at elevation, check road weather and traffic before relying on tight car-return timing.

Ellsworth Air Force Base location

RCA

Ellsworth Air Force Base

44.1450, -103.1040

Ellsworth Air Force Base traveler tips

RCA tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

RCA tip 2

Weather and aircraft performance can be more noticeable at this elevation, so protect connection buffers.

RCA tip 3

Confirm ground transport availability for late arrivals, especially outside the main city center.

RCA tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around 44.15 latitude and -103.10 longitude.

RCA tip 5

If flying general aviation or charter, verify operating hours, handling, and fuel availability before departure.

RCA tip 6

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time.

Ellsworth Air Force Base FAQ

Where is Ellsworth Air Force Base located?

Ellsworth Air Force Base (RCA) is located in Rapid City, United States, at coordinates 44.1450, -103.1040.

What is the IATA code for Ellsworth Air Force Base?

The IATA code for Ellsworth Air Force Base is RCA. Its ICAO code is KRCA.

Is Ellsworth Air Force Base a large airport?

Ellsworth Air Force Base is classified as a medium airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a regional airport in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at RCA?

For Ellsworth Air Force Base, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is Ellsworth Air Force Base?

Ellsworth Air Force Base is 3,276 feet above sea level; The airport sits at a high elevation, which can influence aircraft performance and weather patterns..

Does Ellsworth Air Force Base have scheduled airline service?

Ellsworth Air Force Base is marked as not having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does RCA serve?

RCA primarily serves Rapid City and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to RCA?

Nearby comparison airports include Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) and Black Hills Airport-Clyde Ice Field (SPF).

What transport should I check first at RCA?

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time. For Ellsworth Air Force Base, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

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