Rochester airport (RST)

Rochester International Airport (IATA code: RST) is the second busiest commercial airport in Minnesota, serving Olmsted County. A significant volume of its passenger traffic travels through this airport due to Mayo Clinic, one of the world's most renowned medical institutions.

Official Website: flyrst.com

Phone: +1 (507) 282-2328

Terminals

The airport features a single, compact, single-level passenger terminal (Main Terminal) where check-in counters, security screening, boarding gates, and baggage claim are seamlessly connected on foot on the same level. The airport does not operate 24 continuous hours for commercial passengers; its facilities close to the general public overnight following the departure and arrival of the last scheduled flights.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2018): 370,000 passengers.

Information Desks

A Ground Transportation and customer information desk is situated in the main lobby to guide and assist arriving passengers.

 Location

The airport is located 7 miles (11 km) southwest of downtown Rochester, in Olmsted County, Minnesota.

What services does Rochester airport (RST) offer?

Rochester International Airport provides essential travel services and amenities throughout its terminal building:

Financial Services and Connectivity

• Free Wi-Fi: complimentary wireless internet access available across the terminal.
• ATMs: cash machines located inside the terminal building. Currency exchange kiosks are not available.
• Device Charging: power outlets and mobile device charging stations in gate seating areas.

Food and Dining

A sit-down restaurant and cafe operates 7 days a week, typically from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Operating hours open one hour before the first morning departure and adjust to serve scheduled commercial flight activity.

Books and Reading

Free Mini-Library: situated in the lower-level gate area past the security checkpoint. Travelers may borrow books free of charge with no return obligation, or donate reading materials for other travelers.

«Books on the Fly» Kiosk: an interactive electronic kiosk located past TSA security offering free digital downloads of books and videos, along with an integrated charging station and photo booth.

Luggage and Lost Property

Skycap Curbside Assistance: curbside porter services to assist passengers with heavy luggage handling and wheelchair mobility assistance.

Luggage Storage: the airport does not provide left-luggage lockers or luggage storage facilities.

Lost and Found: for items misplaced in public terminal areas, contact airport administration; for items left at the checkpoint, contact the TSA; and for items forgotten on planes or boarding areas, contact the respective airline.

Animal Therapy

RST Caring Tails Pet Therapy Program introduces certified therapy dogs into the terminal during high-traffic travel periods to reduce stress and comfort passengers.

Accommodation near Rochester airport (RST)

On-Site Accommodations

There are no hotels, sleeping pods, or transit cabins located inside the passenger terminal building.

Hotels Offering Airport Shuttle

Numerous lodging establishments in downtown Rochester and near Mayo Clinic provide scheduled airport shuttle arrangements (complimentary or with an advance-booking fee), including the EVEN Hotel Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area. Furthermore, Rochester Shuttle Service delivers direct door-to-door transportation to most lodging destinations in the city.

Nearby Hotels

Among the closest lodging properties to the airport grounds are:

• America's Stay Inn Stewartville (4.7 km / 2.9 miles)
• La Quinta by Wyndham Rochester (6 km / 3.7 miles)

Public and private transportation

Traveling between the airport and downtown Rochester or the Mayo Clinic campus typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes by car or ground transfer.

Shuttles and Buses

Rochester Shuttle Service: shared van and shuttle services linking the terminal directly with major Rochester hotels and Mayo Clinic facilities. It also provides scheduled connections to Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) and Mall of America.

Land to Air Express: daily scheduled intercity coach service connecting RST with regional cities including Mankato, Albert Lea, Austin, Owatonna, Waseca, and Dodge Center.

R&S Transport: specialized non-emergency medical transportation service for patients.

Rideshare Services

Both Uber and Lyft are permitted to operate at RST. The designated passenger pick-up area is marked on the sidewalk curb directly outside the main terminal near the ticketing entrance doors.

Taxis

Local taxicabs, such as Med City Taxi, are available outside the terminal exit or can be requested through the Ground Transportation desk in the main lobby.

Car rental agencies

The following car rental companies maintain on-site service desks inside the Main Terminal lobby:

• Avis
• Budget
• Enterprise
• National

Rental desks generally remain open until the arrival of the day's last scheduled commercial flight and monitor delayed arrivals. Rental vehicles are picked up and returned at the adjacent parking lot, located just steps from the terminal exit doors, requiring no shuttle bus transfers.

Parking services at Rochester airport (RST)

Rochester International Airport offers an open-air surface parking facility situated directly opposite the main passenger terminal, allowing quick walking access in seconds.

Main Parking Lot Rates

• First hour: Free.
• 1 to 2 hours: USD 2.00.
• Each additional hour: USD 1.00.
• Maximum daily rate: USD 12.00.

Payment can be made at the exit lanes using cash or major credit cards.

Passenger Drop-Off and Pick-Up

A sheltered curbside zone located right in front of the main terminal under the canopy is reserved for active loading and unloading of passengers only. Unattended parking is strictly prohibited.

View official parking details and rates

Facilities for passengers with special needs

The RST passenger terminal is equipped to support travelers with reduced mobility, medical patients, and families traveling with children:

Special Assistance Requests

Travelers requiring wheelchair mobility or terminal assistance should coordinate with their airline (American Airlines or Delta Air Lines) at least 48 hours before their departure. Travelers with medical needs or disabilities needing screening accommodations can coordinate in advance through the TSA Cares program.

Accessibility and Facilities

The terminal features step-free access, automated entry doors, dedicated Companion Care Restrooms with diaper-changing stations, and curbside Skycap service.

Quiet Rooms and Lactation Rooms

RST features 3 private Quiet Rooms (one pre-security in the main lobby and two post-security in the concourse). These spaces offer recliners or rest beds and adjoining private restrooms, designed for recovering clinical patients and nursing mothers. Access can be requested through airport or airline staff.

Language Assistance

On-demand interpretation and translation services are available for non-English-speaking passengers.