When you are traveling to and from Rochester International Airport (RST), it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. 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 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.
- A Brief Overview of Rochester International Airport in Minnesota, USA
- About Airport’s Terminal
- On-site and Off-site Parking Options
- Airlines Operating at Rochester International Airport
- Facilities and Services Available at Rochester International Airport
- Hotels On-site and Nearby Rochester International Airport
- Ground Transport Options To and From Rochester International Airport
- Conclusion
A Brief Overview of Rochester International Airport in Minnesota, USA
Situated at a distance of about 11 km (7 miles) southwest of Rochester city in Olmsted County of the U.S. state of Minnesota, lies the Rochester International Airport.
In addition to operating commercial airlines, the airport is also the main hub for the popular Mayo Clinic MedAir and FedEx Express.
IATA: RST
Address:
7600 Helgerson Drive SW
Rochester, MN 55902
USA
Airport Contact: +1 (507) 282 2328
Website: https://flyrst.com
Operation Hours: Rochester International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, 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 Airport’s Terminal
Rochester International Airport has a single, main terminal. The main terminal is connected to facilities and services at the airport.
Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped 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
Rochester International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at every terminal of the airport. There is the availability of long-term parking and short-term parking where long-term parking is perfect if you go for a long vacation and want to park your vehicle for a longer duration. Here we’ll discuss the parking lot which is available at this airport.
Hourly Parking: This parking lot is nearest to the terminal which facilitates the walking distance to reach the terminal. This parking lot is better if you park your car for a few hours or less than an hour. The rate for the parking is $2 for the first hour then $1 for an additional half-hour and for 24 hours you will have to pay a maximum of $24.
Economy Shuttle Parking: This parking lot is also known as Red Lot which is best suitable for longer period duration parking. It is cheap and economical as compared to other parking Lot. But keep in mind that this is the farthest from the terminal so from here you can get the bus shuttle service every 15 minutes which is free. The rate of this parking lot is $1 for each hour and if you park for the whole day (24 hours) then you have to pay $8.
Garage Parking: At this airport, you have the option to park your vehicle as well as your bicycle or two-wheeler under the roof. At the garage parking, there is a covered facility that helps to protect your vehicle from direct sunlight and rain. It is nearest to the terminal, you can go to the terminal from the skyway through level 2. The rate for garage parking is $4 for 0 to 2 hours, $2 for each additional hour, At levels 1 and 2, you can park at $16 for 24 hours and at the roof $12 for 24 hours. You can park your bicycle free of cost.
Weekly parking: Weekly parking is also situated at the shortest distance from the terminal so that you can reach by walk. It is an outdoor parking facility that is also available on the weekly basis. This lot is much cheaper if you park on a weekly basis. You can park here and can go for a long vacation without any hassle. The rate for the parking is $12 for 24 hours and $72 per week.
Airlines Operating at Rochester International Airport
Rochester International Airport serves only a few domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s Terminal include:
American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.
Facilities and Services Available at Rochester International Airport
Rochester International Airport offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.
Security Check-points
There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.
Help Desk
When you are at the Rochester International airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They are open 24 hours and can be found at the airside and landside of the Terminal. There are also automated kiosks that passengers and travelers can use to get information quickly.
Additionally, there is a Mayo Clinic Information Desk at the airport. Patients of Mayo Clinic that are arriving at the RST airport can visit the help desk for information and/or assistance. It also provides a business intranet service. The Mayo Clinic Information Desk is located in the lobby of the Main Terminal and is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm Sunday through Thursday.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points
Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Wi-Fi (connect to the “RST FREE” network, the password is not needed) is free throughout the main Terminal.
In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. Mobile charging points are located throughout the main Terminal.
Baggage Handling and Storage
Luggage Lockers:
Lockers and luggage storage facilities are not available at the airport.
Luggage Wrapping:
Luggage wrapping services are not available at the airport.
Luggage Trolleys/Carts:
Luggage carts are available at the airport.
Porter Services:
Porter’s 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 Rochester International 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:
Quiet Rooms:
There are a total of three quiet rooms available at the airport. The rooms are private, each having its own bed, recliner, and restroom facilities. These quiet rooms can also be used by nursing mothers and medical travelers by requesting access from either the airline or airport personnel.
Stores and Duty-Free Shopping
There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals 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.
Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. These are located throughout the main Terminal.
Cafe, Bar, and Restaurants
Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Rochester International 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 are been operated throughout the airport with various time schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. There are two bar and meal service areas located on the upper level of Gate 1, Gate 3, and Gate 4.
Vending machines are also provided throughout the main Terminal.
Other Amenities Available at Rochester International Airport
There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:
Children’s Play Area:
There is a play zone for children available at the airport.
Baby Care:
Baby care facilities are available at the airport. There is a family restroom in the lobby. In addition, restrooms throughout the main Terminal provide diaper-changing facilities.
Mini-Library:
There are mini-library and electronic kiosks available at the airport that provide books and e-books for free. Books On The Fly Mini-Library is operated by Rochester Public Library. Passengers and travelers are allowed to take books for no fee and they can also donate reading materials to the mini-library. The mini-library is located in the upper-level gate area, a post-security check-point.
Pet Relief Services:
The Rochester International Airport offers pet relief services through its Caring Tails Pet Therapy program.
ATM:
ATMs are available at the airport. 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 in airside and landside areas of the Main Terminal.
Currency Exchange:
The currency used in Rochester is the United States Dollar (USD). There is no currency exchange service available at the airport.
Banking Services:
Banking facilities are not available at the airport.
Skycap Curbside Assistance:
Skycap curbside assistance services are available at the main Terminal. Passengers can request curbside assistance with baggage and/or wheelchairs.
Hotels On-site and Nearby Rochester International Airport
Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Rochester International 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 Minnesota, USA.
A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:
AmericInn Hotel & Suites Rochester Airport:
The hotel is located about 2 minutes from the airport. There is also a free shuttle transfer to the airport and Mayo Clinic. It operates on an hourly basis from 6 am till 6 pm Monday through Friday, except on holidays.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Rochester:
The hotel is located about 7 minutes from the airport. There is a free shuttle service available.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rochester South:
The hotel is located about 7 minutes from the airport. There is a free shuttle service available to local attractions, including the popular Mayo Clinic.
Ground Transport Options To and From Rochester International Airport
Getting to and from Rochester International 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 Rochester International airport, 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 airport.
Airport Shuttle Service
There is an airport shuttle service available to passengers.
Hotel Shuttle Service
Few hotels in the city may offer free and premium shuttle services to their guests.
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.
Train and Metro Services
Rochester International Airport is connected by train and metro services.
Taxi Service
Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Yellow Cab, Rochester Taxi, and Med-City Taxi offer services to and from the airport. Taxi stands can be found outside.
Limousine Service
Upon arriving at Rochester International Airport, travelers can hire a limousine to get to places in the city.
Car Rental Service
You can hire a car at Rochester International 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, inside the Main Terminal.
The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
Ride-Sharing Service
Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Rochester International Airport, ride-sharing services are also offered. Lyft and Uber are companies that operate at the airport. The rideshare pickup location can be found at the terminal curb, near the ticketing doors.
Conclusion
Rochester International Airport’s main Terminal exhibits an art and culture gallery that is worth taking a look at.
Traveling to and from Rochester International Airport in Minnesota, USA, 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.
