Getting around Sioux Falls from the hotel: cars, buses, rideshares

From La Quinta Inn & Suites Sioux Falls you can get around by hotel shuttle (request at the front desk), rideshare or taxi, and Sioux Area Metro buses. The property also has free self-parking if you plan to drive, and downtown/Falls Park are a short drive from the hotel.
In this guide
- Getting to and from Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD)
- Hotel shuttle, front desk help, and where to ask
- Rideshares and taxis
- Public transit: Sioux Area Metro and intercity buses
- Driving, parking, and getting around the Mall District
- Walking, biking, and short excursions from the hotel
- Practical tips from the hotel for smooth travel
Getting to and from Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD)
La Quinta Inn & Suites Sioux Falls is regularly used by travelers bound for Joe Foss Field (Sioux Falls Regional Airport). Sources list the hotel about 5–8 miles from the airport; exact distance varies by data source, so allow roughly 15–20 minutes drive time depending on traffic.
If you need a budget option, Sioux Area Metro (SAM) buses stop at the FSD terminal and provide public transit into the city; confirm current routes and schedules with SAM before travel.
- Hotel shuttle: the property advertises a complimentary local-area and airport shuttle within about 5 miles (availability and any fee should be confirmed with the front desk).
- Rideshare and taxi: Lyft and Uber operate in Sioux Falls; taxis are also available.
- Public bus: SAM services the airport terminal for downtown access.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hotel shuttle | Complimentary within about 5 miles; confirm details with the front desk |
| Rideshare / Taxi | Lyft and Uber operate in Sioux Falls; travel time to downtown ~15 minutes |
| Sioux Area Metro (SAM) | Bus stop at FSD terminal; check SAM schedules for routes |
Hotel shuttle, front desk help, and where to ask
Ask the 24-hour front desk for shuttle requests, local directions, and current pool or fitness-center hours. Policies such as shuttle radius, pet fees, and pool hours can vary across listings, so the front desk is the authoritative place to confirm.
Front-desk staff can also help call taxis or provide advice on the best rideshare pickup points near the hotel's entrance on W. 41st Street.
- Front desk phone for BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
- Confirm shuttle availability and whether a fee applies for your dates
- Ask for recommended pickup/drop-off spots for Uber/Lyft and taxis
| Service | What to confirm at the desk |
|---|---|
| Shuttle | Operating hours, radius (about 5 miles reported), request process |
| Pool / Hot tub | Current opening hours (reported to vary across listings) |
| Pet fees | Amount and any weight limits (sources vary; verify) |

Rideshares and taxis
Lyft and Uber both operate in Sioux Falls and are a quick way to reach downtown, Falls Park, and local attractions. Rideshares are commonly used for airport runs, trips to the Empire Mall, and evenings downtown.
Taxis are also available; estimated fares vary by provider—confirm a fare estimate in your app or ask the driver before starting your trip.
- Good for on-demand trips when bus schedules don't match your plans
- Drop-off locations near popular spots like Empire Mall and downtown are straightforward
- For larger groups, request a vehicle type that fits your luggage and party size
| When to choose | Pros |
|---|---|
| Rideshare (Lyft/Uber) | Fast, app-based pricing and ETA |
| Taxi | Available without an app; useful if you prefer to pay in cash/card directly |
| Hotel shuttle | May be free within a limited radius; call the front desk |
Public transit: Sioux Area Metro and intercity buses
Sioux Area Metro (SAM) runs city routes that cover much of Sioux Falls and serve major points like downtown and the airport. Buses are accessible for elderly and disabled riders; check SAM for up-to-date routes and schedules.
For intercity travel, Jefferson Lines operates an intercity bus station in Sioux Falls. If you need a low-cost option to other regional cities, check Jefferson Lines schedules and stop locations.
- SAM headquarters: 120 E. 11th St. (contact local SAM info for route maps and times)
- SAM stops at the FSD terminal—useful for airport-to-city travel
- Jefferson Lines: intercity connections at the local bus station on W. Maple St.
| Service | Useful for |
|---|---|
| Sioux Area Metro (SAM) | City travel, airport access via bus stop at FSD |
| Jefferson Lines | Intercity bus trips to nearby cities and states |
Driving, parking, and getting around the Mall District
La Quinta Inn & Suites Sioux Falls provides free self-parking for registered guests. If you plan to rent a car or drive your own, parking at the hotel is convenient for day trips and shopping at nearby Empire Mall.
The hotel sits in the Mall District just off Interstate 29, so driving is the most direct way to reach nearby shopping, sports venues, and many family attractions.
- Free on-site self-parking for guests
- Short drives to Empire Mall, The District, and many restaurants
- Use a GPS with the hotel address: 4521 W. 41st Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
| Nearby by car | Typical trip type |
|---|---|
| Empire Mall | Shopping; within minutes of the hotel |
| Downtown / Falls Park | Short drive for sightseeing |
| Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) | Airport runs -- allow ~15–20 minutes depending on traffic |

Walking, biking, and short excursions from the hotel
The hotel is in a retail and dining area with pedestrian access to nearby stores and restaurants; Empire Mall is a short walk. For downtown attractions like Falls Park, driving or a rideshare is usually faster than walking because downtown is not immediately adjacent.
If you plan to explore downtown (Falls Park, SculptureWalk, Washington Pavilion), combine a car/ride to a downtown parking spot, or use SAM buses that serve downtown routes.
- Empire Mall: about a 10-minute walk from the hotel (per property information)
- Downtown and Falls Park: better reached by car or rideshare from the hotel
- Biking and walking are more comfortable in warmer months (May–September)
| Attraction | Recommended transport from hotel |
|---|---|
| Empire Mall | Walk |
| Falls Park / Downtown | Drive or rideshare; SAM bus options |
| Great Plains Zoo / Butterfly House | Drive or rideshare |
Practical tips from the hotel for smooth travel
Confirm any shuttle details, pool hours, and pet fees directly with the front desk before arrival; listings vary on these points. The hotel requires a photo ID and credit card at check-in, and check-in begins at 3:00 PM with check-out by 11:00 AM.
Rooms and suites include convenient in-room amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker — ask at the front desk if you need a specific Room, City View, Deluxe Room, City View, or Deluxe Suite, City View configuration.
- If you need airport pickup, request shuttle service early or book a rideshare to guarantee timing
- For group travel, taxis or larger rideshare vehicles may be easier than the hotel shuttle
- Verify pool access hours on arrival; some guest reports show variations in pool availability
| Hotel policy | Confirmed detail |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in 3:00 PM / Check-out 11:00 AM |
| Children policy | Up to 4 children 18 and younger stay free in same room using existing bedding |
| Parking | Free self-parking on site |



