Rst Airport

Introduction

Rochester International Airport (IATA code RST) is a small but essential transportation center located in Rochester, Minnesota. RST accommodates more than 400,000 passengers each year and offers air service to destinations worldwide while maintaining its status as an economic driver for Southeast Minnesota. Even though it is a small airport, there are plenty of options and amenities to help make the travel process as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Airlines and Destinations

Rochester International Airport is currently serviced by three major airlines: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. There are about 30 daily flights on the network to a dozen or so key U.S. cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, and Phoenix from carriers like these.

RST is also a major Delta Air Lines hub for its regional flights, representing the largest carrier at RST. American Airlines and United Airlines also have frequent service due to their hubs. The other is for seasonal service from Sun Country Airlines to some vacation destinations.

Passenger Flights

As Minnesota's second-busiest airport, RST provides air service to over 400,000 passengers annually. The airfield sees around 3,000 late arrivals per year, and the average delay at departure is half an hour. You can also check the status of your flight, get the estimated arrival and departure times for early pick-up or late drop-offs at RST.

How to Get Here

The airport was known as Rochester Municipal Airport until mid-1995, when the term "international" replaced it. The city (Olmsted County) owns and operates it as a public service business community. As of Wednesday, residential housing has been added nearby. It is a more accessible airport for passengers who can drive to the terminal, since the primary entrance is located off Brooks Avenue. Curbside pickups and drop-offs are allowed, but vehicles cannot be left unattended.

Parking

RST has several on-site parking options, including short-term lots and a long-term lot. The economy lot begins at $2.75 per day with shuttle service to and from the terminal. Offsite parking lots are also available, usually at a cheaper price and include free shuttle service of some kind.

Transportation Prices

Taxis are available at the airport and cost a flat rate of $33 to downtown Rochester. Another common form of transportation to and from the airport is rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. There is not a lot of public transportation, but the Rochester Public Transit system does have a direct bus route from RST to the Mayo Clinic campus.

Terminal Layout

Rochester International Airport Terminal is a small, single two-level terminal building. Gates 1 to 6 are on the lower level, and Gates 7-14 are located on the upper level. It was a nice terminal, clean and fulfilling all the necessities when you travel.

Navigate the Airport

It is very easy to find your way around RST's terminal with all of their signage and consistent wayfinding throughout the facility. The north end and south side each have their own security checkpoints to serve the gates in those areas. Travelers should come to the airport 90 minutes before departure time due to security checkpoints.

Getting Between Terminals

Since RST is a single terminal, you do not have to switch between multiple terminals. The airport is one building housing the gates, amenities, and services all in a contained space, ensuring passengers can easily navigate.

Services and Amenities

Rochester International Airport is relatively small, but the airport offers a number of services and amenities designed to cater to its passengers. The terminal has free Wi-Fi and plenty of convenient power outlets to charge mobile devices. A mini-library on the airside lower-level gate area also allows passengers to "borrow" and donate books.

Restaurants and Shops

RST offers a condensed list of dining and retail choices from the terminal. The Flight Deck Diner is located near Concourse A and open on Thursdays and Fridays, while the On the ROCs Sports Bar & Grill can be found by gate B in the post-security area. Vending machines are stationed throughout the terminal as well.

Security and Customs

Rochester has a multi-lane, checkpoint security area on both the north and south ends of the terminal. Passengers should arrive at the airport a minimum of 90 minutes prior to departure, taking into account the time required for security screening.

In addition, the airport offers a personalized TSA Cares program with Passenger Support Specialists trained to help travelers with disabilities or medical conditions. This program helps to facilitate a stress-free security screening process.

Accessibility

We at RST strive to offer its travelers a comfortable and inviting experience, with plenty of access available for those in need. The passenger terminal is fitted with lifts, ramps, and specially designed parking spaces suitable for disability access. As described above, the access to Rochester International Airport is enhanced by providing folks going through security at any of its checkpoints with custom support via the TSA Cares program.

Travel Tips

Travel Tips For Mayo Clinic patients and others flying through Rochester International Airport…

• Pack for your travel day now. Take advantage of the services provided by the airport, such as ArtAccess or the program managed by TSA Cares for any special assistance.
• Get to the airport no less than 90 minutes before your flight is set to depart. This will also give you time to explore the terminal, clear security, and locate your gate.
• With free Wi-Fi and charging stations, you can stay connected the whole time while at RST.
• Use off-airport parking, which is normally cheaper than the on-site lots and offers a free shuttle to/from the airport.

Remember these tips as you pass through the Rochester International Airport and begin your next adventure on a happier note.