Grand Forks airport (GFK)

Grand Forks International Airport (IATA code: GFK), opened on August 18, 1964, serves Grand Forks County and stands as one of the most active commercial and flight training aviation facilities in North Dakota. It operates domestic passenger flights connecting travelers to major hubs such as Minneapolis, as well as leisure destinations including Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Orlando.

Official Website: gfkairport.com

Phone: +1 (701) 795-6981

Social Media:

Terminals

Commercial flights operate out of the modern Byron L. Dorgan Terminal, laid out across two levels:

• First Floor (Level 1): Airline ticketing and check-in counters, baggage claim carousels, rental car counters, and exits to ground transportation.
• Second Floor (Level 2): TSA security checkpoint, passenger departure gates, restaurant and retail area, and the administrative offices of the Airport Authority.

The terminal does not stay open continuously 24 hours: doors open approximately two hours before the first scheduled morning flight departure (around 4:30 AM) and close after the arrival and processing of the last scheduled evening flight.

Annual passenger traffic (2025): 94,000 passengers.

Information Desks

The administrative offices of the Grand Forks Regional Airport Authority are located at the south end of the second floor, handling public inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. In addition, airline personnel assist passengers at their respective check-in counters during flight operational windows.

 Location

The airport is located 8 km (5 miles) northwest of the central business district of Grand Forks, in Grand Forks County, North Dakota.

What services does Grand Forks airport (GFK) offer?

The Byron L. Dorgan Terminal provides a selection of amenities for traveling passengers:

Finance & Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the terminal building.
• ATMs: Cash machines are accessible in the public concourse areas.
• Device Charging: Workstations and electrical power outlets for mobile devices and laptops are positioned throughout the gate seating areas.
• Currency Exchange: There are no foreign currency exchange counters at the airport.

Food & Drink

Red River Valley Tap House (RRV Grill & Market) operates with dual-side access before and after the security checkpoint, serving breakfast, grilled specialties, coffee, and a full-service bar from before the first departure through the final evening flight.

Shopping

The RRV Market gift shop carries North Dakota souvenirs, University of North Dakota (UND) apparel and merchandise, newsstand periodicals, grab-and-go snacks, and essential travel supplies.

Baggage Services

Lost and found inquiries are managed by the Airport Authority administration office on the second floor, south end, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (+1 701 795 6981 ext. 600). Federal TSA security regulations prohibit baggage storage or locker facilities on the premises.

Additional Amenities

Facilities include a private lactation room, unisex family restrooms, and visits from the GFK9's Therapy Team, bringing certified therapy dogs through passenger concourses to help soothe pre-flight anxiety.

Accommodation near Grand Forks airport (GFK)

There are no on-site hotels or sleeping pods within the terminal. However, numerous lodging options are available throughout the Grand Forks area:

Hotels with Shuttle Service

• The Olive Ann Hotel (8 km / 5 miles away) - Arranges airport shuttle service for guests upon coordination.
• Canad Inns Destination Centre Grand Forks (9.5 km / 6 miles away) - Provides van shuttle service connected with the Alerus Center complex.

Nearby Accommodations

• Knights Inn Grand Forks (6.2 km / 3.9 miles)
• Ramada by Wyndham Grand Forks (6.6 km / 4.1 miles)
• Americas Best Value Inn - Grand Forks (6.8 km / 4.2 miles)
• Super 8 by Wyndham Grand Forks (6.8 km / 4.2 miles)
• Hilton Garden Inn Grand Forks-UND (7.2 km / 4.5 miles)
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Grand Forks (13 km / 8 miles)

Public and private transportation

Ground travel to central Grand Forks and East Grand Forks typically takes around 15 minutes.

Taxis

Taxi operators serve the terminal with 24/7 coverage. Authorized companies operating on site include Grand Forks Taxi (+1 701 780 8890 / 775 8294) and S&S Taxi (+1 701 772 4142 / 218 791 4202). Wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be requested in advance.

Rideshare Services

App-based transportation companies Uber and Lyft operate in the Grand Forks area. Passengers can request pick-ups directly through their mobile apps, with vehicle loading designated curbside outside the arrivals hall.

Hotel Shuttles

Several local lodging properties, including Canad Inns Destination Centre and The Olive Ann Hotel, offer shuttle transportation for their guests. Travelers should arrange pick-up details directly with their hotel prior to arrival.

Public Transit

The local municipal transit network, Cities Area Transit (CAT), does not operate fixed bus routes directly into the airport terminal. Ground connection relies on taxis, rideshare apps, shuttles, or rental cars.

Car rental agencies

Car rental customer counters are located on the ground floor of the terminal, directly adjacent to the baggage claim area. Vehicles are picked up and returned in the designated rental parking lot right outside the building:

Operating Companies

• Avis - Tel: +1 (800) 831-2847 / +1 (701) 775-0688
• Enterprise - Tel: +1 (800) 251-7331 / +1 (701) 746-1375
• Hertz - Tel: +1 (701) 746-6426
• National - Tel: +1 (701) 746-1375

Parking services at Grand Forks airport (GFK)

The airport provides two main on-site surface parking facilities located directly opposite the terminal within easy walking distance, both monitored around the clock:

Parking Facilities

• Lot A (Short-Term / Preferred Lot): Positioned closest to the terminal entrance. Rate: USD 14.00 per day / USD 98.00 per week.
• Lot B (Long-Term / General Lot): Located adjacent to Lot A. Rate: USD 10.00 per day / USD 60.00 per week.

Key Information

Grace Period: The first 30 minutes are complimentary in both parking lots for passenger pick-ups and drop-offs.

Hourly Increments: Beyond the initial 30 minutes, parking is billed at USD 1.00 per half hour up to the daily maximum.

Payment booths accept cash and major credit cards upon exit. Check current details at official parking rates.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Grand Forks International Airport is designed in full compliance with accessible design standards.

Special Assistance Requests

Passengers requiring wheelchair service or specific physical assistance through boarding and deplaning should coordinate with their airline or booking agent prior to departure, or notify representatives upon arrival at the check-in desk.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

The terminal features accessible curb ramps, automated doorways, elevators connecting both levels, accessible and gender-neutral family restrooms, and Visual Paging monitors. Passengers traveling with medical conditions or disabilities can also contact the TSA Cares helpline (+1 866 289 9673) for checkpoint assistance.

Service Animals

Designated Pet Relief Areas are available on the airport grounds for service animals and traveling pets.

Unaccompanied Minors

Unaccompanied minor travel policies and escorts must be arranged directly through Delta Air Lines or Allegiant Air according to each carrier's specific guidelines.