Airports in Rochester, Minnesota

Rochester, Minnesota is served primarily by Rochester International Airport (RST), a full-service regional airport located approximately 7 miles south of downtown Rochester along US Highway 63. As the gateway to one of the world's most renowned medical destinations — Mayo Clinic — RST handles a unique blend of leisure travelers, medical patients, and business professionals arriving from across the United States. The airport sits at an elevation of 1,317 feet and operates a single modern terminal designed to streamline connections for the thousands of patients and families who depend on convenient air access to Rochester's world-class healthcare facilities each year.

Rochester International Airport (RST)

Rochester International Airport (IATA: RST, ICAO: KRST) is owned and operated by the City of Rochester and serves as Olmsted County's primary commercial aviation hub. The airport features a recently renovated terminal that underwent significant infrastructure improvements as part of Rochester's broader Destination Medical Community (DMC) initiative — a $5.6 billion economic development effort anchored by Mayo Clinic's continued expansion. These terminal upgrades have improved passenger amenities, enhanced accessibility for mobility-impaired medical travelers, and modernized security screening checkpoints to handle growing demand.

Airlines serving RST include American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, offering daily nonstop and connecting service to major hubs. American Airlines provides connections through Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), while Delta Air Lines connects Rochester through Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). These hub connections open up one-stop access to hundreds of domestic and international destinations, which is particularly valuable for international medical patients traveling to Mayo Clinic from overseas.

The airport's runway infrastructure includes a primary runway measuring 8,500 feet in length, capable of accommodating regional jets and certain narrow-body aircraft. RST handles approximately 200,000 passengers annually, a figure that has seen growth alongside Mayo Clinic's expanding patient base and Rochester's rising profile as a medical tourism destination. Parking at RST is straightforward and affordable, with both short-term and long-term surface lots available directly adjacent to the terminal, and rates that are considerably lower than those found at larger metropolitan airports.

Ground transportation from RST into Rochester is well-organized and medical-traveler-friendly. Rochester Public Transit operates fixed-route bus service connecting the airport to downtown and Mayo Clinic's Saint Marys Campus. Taxi, rideshare services including Uber and Lyft, and dedicated medical shuttle services are readily available at the terminal's ground transportation area. Many Rochester hotels offer complimentary shuttle service specifically catering to Mayo Clinic patients, recognizing that a significant share of arriving passengers are headed directly to medical appointments.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) as an Alternative

For travelers seeking broader airline options, greater flight frequency, or lower fares through increased competition, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) serves as a practical alternative approximately 90 miles northwest of Rochester along US Highway 52. MSP is a major Delta Air Lines hub and one of the busiest airports in the Midwest, offering nonstop service to over 150 domestic destinations and direct international routes to Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. The drive from MSP to Rochester takes roughly 90 minutes under normal conditions, making it a viable option for travelers who plan ahead.

Several ground transportation services specialize in the MSP-to-Rochester corridor, including Rochester Direct and various medical transportation companies that provide direct shuttle runs timed to Mayo Clinic appointment schedules. For Rochester-bound international patients, MSP offers significantly more connectivity through customs and immigration facilities than RST, making it the standard entry point for those arriving from outside the United States.

Private Aviation at RST

Rochester International Airport also maintains robust general aviation and private charter facilities, managed through the airport's fixed-base operator (FBO). Given Mayo Clinic's international reputation, RST regularly accommodates private jets carrying high-profile patients, corporate executives, and international dignitaries. The FBO provides fuel, hangar space, crew amenities, and ground support services for private aircraft. Charter flight companies operating into RST can provide on-demand service from virtually any U.S. city, offering the ultimate flexibility for time-sensitive medical travel situations.

International Airports

An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.

An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.

These major Minnesota Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.

A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.

There are 1 International Airport in Rochester, Minnesota. Rochester International Airport - RST is one of the busiest international airports in the Olmsted County and in the state of Minnesota.

Rochester International Airport - Rst

View Details Call Now (507) 282-2328

Rochester International Airport - Rst

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Private Airports

Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.

One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.

These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.

Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.

There are 0 Private Airport in Rochester, Minnesota.

Regional Airports

Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.

Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.

One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.

There are 0 Regional Airport in Rochester, Minnesota.

Municipal Airports

Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.

Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.

One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.

Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.

There are 0 Municipal Airport in Rochester, Minnesota.

Local Airports

There are 2 Local Airport in Rochester, Minnesota.

Rochester Airport Company

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Rochester Airport Company

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Rochester Airport Fire Department

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Rochester Airport Fire Department

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Airports near Rochester

Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Rochester, Minnesota

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are the two commercial carriers currently operating at Rochester International Airport (RST). American Airlines offers connecting service through Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), while Delta provides connections through Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Detroit (DTW). These hub connections give RST passengers access to hundreds of onward destinations. Flight schedules and available routes can change seasonally, so travelers are advised to check directly with the airlines or through booking platforms for current timetables when planning trips to or from Rochester.

Rochester International Airport (RST) is located approximately 7 miles south of downtown Rochester and roughly 8–9 miles from Mayo Clinic's main Saint Marys Campus and Gonda Building complex. Under typical traffic conditions, the drive from RST to Mayo Clinic takes between 15 and 20 minutes. Rideshare services, taxis, hotel shuttles, and Rochester Public Transit buses all provide transportation between the airport and Mayo Clinic facilities. Many hotels in the Rochester Medical District — within walking distance of Mayo — offer complimentary airport shuttle service specifically designed for patients and their families arriving for medical appointments.

The choice between RST and MSP depends largely on your origin city and priorities. Flying into RST is the most convenient option — it places you just 15–20 minutes from Mayo Clinic with no lengthy highway drive. However, RST has limited airline options and flights can carry a premium price. Flying into MSP offers far more airline choices, greater flight frequency, and often lower fares due to greater competition. MSP is about 90 miles from Rochester, and the drive takes roughly 90 minutes on US-52. Several dedicated shuttle services run the MSP-to-Rochester corridor on schedules aligned with Mayo Clinic's patient traffic. International travelers almost always arrive through MSP, which has full customs and immigration facilities.

Yes, Rochester International Airport offers both short-term and long-term surface parking directly adjacent to the terminal building, making it easy to drop off luggage and reach the check-in counters without a long walk. Parking rates at RST are significantly more affordable than those at larger hub airports like MSP, which is a practical advantage for patients or family members leaving a vehicle for an extended Mayo Clinic stay. The parking lots are well-lit and monitored. RST does not currently operate a multi-level parking garage, so travelers during peak periods — particularly around major medical conferences or busy holiday travel windows — should arrive with some extra time to locate available spaces.

Yes. Rochester International Airport actively supports general aviation and private charter operations through its on-site fixed-base operator (FBO), which provides fueling, hangar space, ground handling, and crew amenities. Due to Mayo Clinic's global reputation, RST regularly receives private jets carrying international patients, corporate executives, and dignitaries who require direct, confidential access to Rochester's medical facilities. Charter flight companies can arrange on-demand service into RST from virtually any airport in the United States, often on short notice — which is particularly valuable for time-sensitive medical situations. RST's 8,500-foot primary runway is suitable for most private jets and turboprop aircraft commonly used in charter operations.