Mayo Clinic is located in the heart of Rochester, Minnesota — a city known for innovations in health care and hospitality. Located roughly 90 miles south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Rochester has grown to a population of 115,000, but visitors say it hasn't lost its friendly, small-town feel.
Rochester hosts more than 1 million health care visitors each year, so transportation is a city priority. There are many easy and accessible options for getting to and from this southeastern Minnesota destination. Mayo Clinic patients choose a range of travel plans, based on their preferences and home base.
By air
If you're planning to fly to Rochester, there are two major options available to you:
Rochester International Airport (RST). Located about 10 miles south of the city center, Rochester International Airport is the closest airport to Mayo Clinic. It's a small, five-gate, easy-to-navigate airport that hosts thousands of medical travelers each year. American Airlines and Delta offer daily flights to RST.
Skycap services are available for anyone needing a wheelchair or help with luggage. If you or your loved one needs to rest before boarding, a quiet room with a bed and private restroom can be requested.
A staffed Mayo Clinic information booth and a transportation desk are located near baggage claim. There, attendants can arrange for taxi or shuttle transportation to your final destination, whether that's a hotel or a Mayo Clinic appointment.
With consultation from Mayo Clinic, RST has implemented a quality control system to ensure that the facility meets all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting guidelines. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by all cleaning staff.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is located about 80 miles, or a 90-minute drive, north of Rochester.
There are several options for getting to Rochester from MSP. The airport's transportation atrium is located one level below baggage claim and is clearly marked. There, you can access taxi or limo service, rent a car, or arrange shuttle service.
Shuttle service to Rochester is comfortable and convenient, and can be scheduled in advance. Mayo Clinic Concierge Services keeps an updated list of shuttle services and their fares.
Still have questions? Information booths with knowledgeable staff are located throughout the airport.
Helpful hint: Airlines offer special discounts for people traveling to Mayo Clinic when booking your airfare through Patient Travel Services.
By bus
Jefferson Lines has service to Rochester from locations throughout the United States. For tickets and more information, visit Jefferson Line's website.
By train
Amtrak won't take you directly to Rochester, but it will get you within an hour's shuttle ride.
Amtrak offers daily passenger service between Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul. This service includes a scheduled stop in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where a connecting shuttle bus provides transportation to Rochester.
Helpful hint: Even though you can't take the train right to Rochester, you can book your ticket to Rochester (RMN). This will ensure that you have a shuttle connection between your final train stop and Rochester. For tickets and more information, visit Amtrak's website.
Travel within the city
Once you've arrived in Rochester, you have a number of options for getting around the city. You don't need a rental car, if you don't want one.
Most Rochester hotels and motels offer free weekday shuttle service to and from Mayo Clinic. Mayo also operates a free shuttle between its downtown campus and its Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus. This shuttle runs about every 15 minutes.
Taxi services operate 24 hours a day in Rochester. The city is also an active Uber and Lyft destination. Just download their apps onto your smartphone to request a ride.
Rochester Public Transit operates bus service throughout the city on weekdays, weekends and holidays. Fares are affordable, and discounts are given for multiple-fare packages. Visit Rochester Public Transit for rates, schedules and more info.
Learn more about getting around Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
