โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Rochester International Airport operates as the premier gateway to Mayo Clinic and Minnesota's second-busiest aviation facility, positioned 7 miles south of downtown Rochester on two concrete runways including a 9,034-foot primary runway capable of accommodating international charter flights from business jets to Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Originally founded in 1928 by the Mayo Foundation specifically to transport patients to Mayo Clinic, this unique facility is owned by the City of Rochester and operated by the Rochester Airport Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mayo Clinic, reflecting its specialized medical aviation mission.
The compact terminal features a single-building design spanning two levels with 14 gates (1-6 on the lower level), specifically optimized for medical travelers with specialized amenities including private rooms equipped with beds or recliners and adjacent restrooms for nursing mothers and patients requiring quiet spaces before departure. The facility operates dedicated Mayo Clinic concierge services within the main lobby, providing appointment information, local resources, and ground transportation coordination, while maintaining U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities specifically added in 1995 for international medical charter operations.
Terminal amenities emphasize patient comfort and convenience including free Wi-Fi ('RST FREE' network), quiet rooms, mini-library, and Tailwind concessions offering meals and local craft beer, supported by comprehensive medical aviation infrastructure including air ambulance services critical for Mayo Clinic operations. The facility processes approximately 200,000 annual passengers (6% increase in 2024) while serving specialized international medical charter traffic ranging from routine business aviation to emergency medical evacuations.
Strategic partnerships with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines provide daily service to Chicago O'Hare and Minneapolis-Saint Paul, while the airport's proximity to IBM Rochester campus supports significant business aviation traffic. The facility's unique dual role as both a commercial regional airport and specialized medical aviation hub positions it as an essential component of Mayo Clinic's global healthcare delivery system, serving patients and medical professionals from around the world while maintaining critical connections to national transportation networks.
๐ Connection Tips
Rochester International Airport (RST) operates as the premier gateway to Mayo Clinic, uniquely owned by the City of Rochester and operated by Mayo Clinic's wholly-owned subsidiary Rochester Airport Company, facilitating specialized medical aviation from its 9,034-foot runway capable of accommodating international charter flights from business jets to Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Patient Travel Services (toll-free 866-551-3392) arranges airfare discounts and ground transport for qualifying medical travelers, while Angel Flight East (215-358-1900) and Miracle Flights (800-359-1711) provide free transportation for patients requiring life-changing medical care. The facility processes international medical charter operations through dedicated U.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines provide daily service to Chicago O'Hare and Minneapolis-Saint Paul, connecting Mayo Clinic patients worldwide through the facility originally founded in 1928 specifically for medical transportation. Local taxi services include Rochester Yellow Cab, Rochester Taxi, and Med-City Taxi charging approximately $30 for the 10-mile journey to Mayo Clinic. S. Customs and Border Protection facilities added in 1995, supporting emergency medical evacuations and routine medical travel from around the world.
Ground transportation centers around Mayo Clinic Concierge Services maintaining an information booth near baggage claim (507-280-9270) coordinating specialized patient transportation including Groome Transportation shuttle service, wheelchair-accessible van transportation, and direct hotel connections. Specialized terminal amenities serve medical travelers including private quiet rooms equipped with beds or recliners plus adjacent restrooms for nursing mothers and patients requiring rest before departure, complemented by skycap services providing wheelchair assistance and luggage support. Terminal operations emphasize patient comfort with the 'RST FREE' Wi-Fi network, mini-library, and Tailwind concessions, while maintaining efficient 90-minute advance arrival requirements for domestic flights through this unique medical aviation hub serving Mayo Clinic's global healthcare delivery system.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to Rochester International Airport