Grand Rapids Airport (GRR)

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) Guide For Travellers

Are You traveling to and from Gerald R. Ford International Airport which is situated in the cascade township to the southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan United States? This is not a bad idea to take a flight from this airport where you get all to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Grand Rapids Airport (GRR) is one of the best airports in the US. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our Grand Rapids Airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

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A Brief Overview of Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) in Michigan, USA

Situated at a distance of about 21 km (13 miles) southeast of Grand Rapids city center in the U.S. state of West Michigan, lies its second-largest airport called Gerald R. Ford International Airport. It is also simply called Ford Airport.

The airport is named in honor and memory of Gerald R. Ford, who was the 38th President of the United States of America. Firstly it opened as a kent county airport and later kent county international airport but in Dec 1999 it was renamed, Gerald R. Ford.

IATA: GRR

Address:

5500 44th Street SE,

Grand Rapids, Michigan (MI) 49512,

USA

Airport Contact:+1 (616) 233 6000

Website: https://www.grr.org

If you want to reach the airport with the direction map click here

Operation Hours: Gerald R. Ford International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodation, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.

About Grand Rapids Airport’s Terminal

Grand Rapids Airport has a single terminal building that consists of two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B connected via jetways. There are a total of 7 gates in Concourse A and 8 gates in Concourse B.

Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagent, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicap passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.

On-site and Off-site Parking Options

Grand Rapids Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at the terminal. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the Grand Rapids Airport. These consist of short-term and long-term parking.

Cell Phone Lot: The Grand Rapids Airport provides a free Cell Phone Lot to persons waiting for arriving family members, relatives, or friends. It is located on Patterson Ct., just east of Patterson Avenue.

Valet Parking: Valet Parking service is also available at the Grand Rapids Airport’s curbside Valet Parking stand. However, there is a service fee of $14 for up to 5 hours and $28 for 24 hours. Complimentary services,  such as auto detailing are also offered.

Free parking at the Grand Rapids Airport is only offered for a limited period.

Airlines Operating from Gerald. R Ford International Airport

Ford Airport serves only a few domestic, international, charter, government, military, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s terminal include:

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Airlines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and United Express.

Facilities and Services Available at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Grand Rapids Airport in the U.S. state of Michigan offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The Grand Rapids Airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, Wi-Fi, and internet access. In 2017, Airport expand its area into a marketplace where its offerings for the retails and food chain, business centers, and lounges engage customers in the flight connecting time. In 2002 the airport was the first in the nation where new machine trials are conducted.

Security Check-points

There are security checkpoints at the Grand Rapids Airport’s terminal. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints. The area before security is called pre-security (or landside), while the area after security is called post-security (or airside).

Help Desk

When you are at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and need help, there is the visitor information desk to assist you. Here, you can enquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. It is located in the front lobby, across from the Baggage Claim area. It is open from 09:00 hours till midnight on all days.

Additionally, there are Airport Ambassadors in green coats available throughout the passenger terminal to offer assistance.

Wi-Fi and Device Charging Stations

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminal and concourses at the Grand Rapids Airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi (connect to “FlyFord” network) internet service is offered with unlimited usage.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available throughout the Grand Rapids Airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. You can find AC and USB power outlets at the airline gate areas.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Luggage Lockers: Lockers and luggage storage facilities are available at the airport. The facility is located in the main passenger terminal building.

Luggage Wrapping: Luggage wrapping services are not available at the airport.

Luggage Trolleys/Carts: Self-service luggage carts are available at the airport. These can be found in the Baggage Claim area, next to the luggage carousels.

Porter Services: Porter services are not available at the airport.

There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport.

Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Rooms

At Grand Rapids Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.

A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at the airport are:

Military Welcome Center: The Military Welcome Center includes lounge space, snacks, and beverages, a flight information screen, electrical outlets, maps, and murals. It is available 24 hours to military personnel, veterans, and their family members. It is located in the hallway, before security, and is open 24 hours.

Business Centres: GFIA offers complimentary business centers to business travelers. These are located in the Grand Hall, airside of Marketplace, Concourse A across from gate A1 and Concourse B across from Gate B1. Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, work surfaces, and seating are also available.

International Room: GFIA offers an International Room that anybody can rent for their official or personal use. However, a reservation prior to 48 hours is required and payments are accepted via cash, cheque, or credit card.

Stores and Duty-Free Shopping

There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the Grand Rapids Airport’s terminal and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay. These include Destination Michigan, Grand Rapids Magazine Travel Store, A Touch of Grand Rapids, Benefit Cosmetics kiosk, and Best Buy kiosk.

Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs.

Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants

Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Ford Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at landside and airside areas of both Concourses A and B. These include The Great American Bagel, MI Tap Room, Prospect Hill, and Starbucks.

Vending machines are also available and are located in the terminal’s main entrance hall and Concourses A and B.

Other Amenities Available at Gerald. R. Ford International Airport

There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the Grand Rapids Airport. These include:

Children’s Play Area: GFIA offers a play zone for children. There are two aviation-themed Kids Port play areas, which also include color books, toys, scenic graphics walls, tile flooring, and seating. One is located landside (pre-security) and the other is located airside (post-security).

Nursing Room: There are two private nursing rooms available at GFIA that also provide lactation facilities. Parents and guardians traveling with their infants can use the nursing rooms. One is located at the landside, next to the open stairwell across from Starbucks, while another is located at the airside, right across from Starbucks in the Marketplace.

Postal Services: Grand Rapids Airport offers mail and package drop boxes located in the front lobby, behind the Visitor Information Desk. However, only envelopes and small packages are allowed to be dropped in the mailboxes. The services are operated by USPS and FedEx.

Courtesy Phone: There are courtesy phones available at GFIA.

Shoe Shine: Cyndee’s Shoe Shine Service is located in the main hall of the terminal, next to Starbucks.

Art Program: GFIA displays rotating art exhibitions that mainly revolve around the artistic diversity and culture of the West Michigan region. Anybody can contribute to the program.

ReadySTATION Kiosks: Passengers can easily have their cash instantly converted to a fully activated prepaid debit card for up to a limit of $1000 at the ReadySTATION kiosks. These prepaid debit cards can then be used anywhere in the world, wherever it is accepted. You can buy such cards starting at $5 up to $1000.

ATM: ATMs are available at the airport. The service is operated by PNC and Fifth Third Bank. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at the landside, in the front lobby behind the Visitor Information Desk, and airside, on each concourse, in the main hallway near the Grand Rapids Magazine Travel Store.

Currency Exchange: The currency used in Michigan is the United States Dollar (USD or $). Currency exchange facilities are available at the airport. The service is operated by Chase Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and PNC Bank. Service fees may be charged.

Banking Services: Banking facilities may be available at GRR airport.

Parking Service: GRR airport has a very big parking lot where passengers can park their vehicle by paying the parking charge.

Note* Your vehicle should not exceed the height of 8 feet 2 inches of height. If you lost your parking ticket then you have to pay $10 extra as a penalty

Hotels On-site and Nearby Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Grand Rapids Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Michigan in the USA.

A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:

Springhill Suites Grand Rapids Airport Southeast: The hotel is located less than 10 minutes from the airport. There is a courtesy shuttle service available on request. Use the courtesy phone at the airport to arrange for pick-up.

Crowne Plaza Grand Rapids (Airport): The hotel is located less than 10 minutes from the airport. There is a courtesy shuttle service available.

Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Airport 28th St.: The hotel is located less than 10 minutes from the airport. There is a courtesy shuttle service available.

Ground Transport Options To and From Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Getting to and from Grand Rapids Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.

Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the GRR Grand Rapids Airport, and which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the Grand Rapids Airport.

Airport Shuttle Service

There is a shuttle transfer service available to passengers within the airport.

In addition to inter-terminal shuttle services, door-to-door and inter-city shuttles are also available to passengers. The services are operated by several companies or local agencies and are also available on request. You can contact these shuttle service providers from the airport.

Hotel Shuttle Service

Few hotels and motels in the city may offer free or paid shuttle transfer services to their guests. Therefore, it is advised that you contact the hotel for more information with regard to pick-up and drop-off, besides accommodation. The transport information center is located in the Baggage Claim area, near the Visitor Information desk. Pick-up is located on the boulevard, across from short-term parking, after exiting the terminal through door 2.

Hotels and motels that offer shuttle transfer services include Baymont Inn & Suites, Best Western Hospitality Hotel & Suites, Candlewood Suites Airport, Clarion Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn Airport, Country Inn & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport, Gatehouse Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Select, Quality Inn Terrace Club, Ramada Plaza, Sleep Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Airport and Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn.

Bus Service

Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. The Rapid and Greyhound Bus Lines operate between GFIA and downtown Grand Rapids. The Rapid buses serve via Route 17. The bus stop is located on the boulevard, across from door 4.

Train and Metro Services

GFIA may be connected with train and metro transit systems for commuting.

Limousine Service

Limousines are available for hire at GRR airport. Rates may depend on the destination you are headed to. There are several local companies that offer limousine services, which can also be found through yellow pages.

Car Hire Service

You can hire a car at Ford Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site, on the first level of the parking garage. However, there are courtesy shuttle services available from the airport.

The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Taxi Service

Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. A taxi stand can be found on-site, on the ground transportation area. Exit the terminal through door 5, across from the Valet Parking counter and to the Parking Shuttle Shelter on the boulevard. Taxis can also be booked online.

App-Based Ride-Sharing Service

Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Grand Rapids Airport, app-based ride-sharing services are also offered. Uber and Lyft have their designated pick-up and drop-off point from the Rideshare Shelter on the boulevard, across from the Delta ticket counter after exiting the terminal through door 2.

Closure

The city of Michigan offers many places of interest to both national and foreign tourists. A few such attractions include the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Meyer May House, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Blandford Nature Center, Fish Ladder Sculpture, Heritage Hill Historic District, Downtown Market Grand Rapids and many more.

Traveling to and from Grand Rapids Airport in the U.S. state of Michigan will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.