Best Transportation Options from MSP to Rochester, Minnesota
Travelers flying into Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) have several options for getting to Rochester, MN and the Mayo Clinic. This guide compares every major method—private car service, shuttle, rideshare, rental car, local bus, and more—so you can choose the safest and most reliable option for your trip.
Whether you’re visiting for medical appointments, business, or family travel, this page provides a clear overview of what to expect.
MSP → Rochester Transportation Summary Table
| Option | Travel Time | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car Service | 75–95 min | Flat-rate | ★★★★★ | Mayo Clinic patients, families, seniors |
| Shuttle Service | 90–150 min | Low–Moderate | ★★☆☆☆ | Solo travelers on a budget |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 75–95 min | Varies / Surge | ★★☆☆☆ | Light luggage, off-peak arrivals |
| Rental Car | 75–95 min | Moderate–High | ★★★☆☆ | Independent travelers |
| Bus | 2–3+ hours | Low | ★☆☆☆☆ | Budget-only travel |
Option 1: Private Car Service (Best Overall)
Private transportation offers the most reliable, direct, and comfortable option—especially for Mayo Clinic visitors, seniors, international travelers, families, and medical patients.
- Direct hotel or clinic drop-off
- No waiting, no sharing, no stops
- Flat-rate pricing
- 24/7 availability
- Assistance with luggage and mobility
- Flight tracking for delays
Recommended for: medical travel, winter travel, international visitors, early/late arrivals, families, seniors.
PLAN
Number
minutes
Price
Price for 1 minute
Your text
Basic Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
$250
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
for 1 - 3 people
Prices DO NOT Include a Driver Gratuity
Request pricing over 3
(8pm to 8am)
After Hour Rides
$295
Zone 8
Black Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
$295
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
for 1 - 3 people
Prices DO NOT Include a Driver Gratuity
Request pricing over 3
(8pm to 8am)
After Hour Rides
$355
ID 20
15 Passenger Private Van
To From MSP Pricing
$315
Daytime Rides (8am - 8pm)
for 1 - 9 people
Prices DO NOT Include a Driver Gratuity
Request pricing over 9
(8pm to 8am)
After Hour Rides
$395
3.75
Helpful related guides:
- MSP → Rochester Main Hub
- Mayo Clinic Transportation Guide
- Mayo Clinic Hotels
- MSP → Rochester Pricing
Option 2: Shuttle Services
Shuttles are less expensive but slower and less reliable. Many visitors report:
- Long travel times
- No late-night or early-morning service
- Limited luggage space
- No guaranteed hotel-specific drop-off
- More stops and delays
Best for: Solo travelers on a very tight budget.
Option 3: Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)
Rideshare works inconsistently for long-distance routes:
- High cancellation rates
- Surge pricing
- Drivers unfamiliar with the 90-minute route
- Limited luggage space
- No mobility or medical support
Best for: Light luggage travelers during off-peak times.
Option 4: Rental Car
Renting a car offers flexibility but comes with several downsides:
- Driving in snow or ice (winter)
- Parking fees at hotels
- Navigation stress after long flights
- Extra paperwork and fuel costs
Best for: Independent travelers familiar with Minnesota roads.
Option 5: Public Bus
The cheapest option but also the slowest and least convenient:
- No direct MSP → Rochester route
- Multiple transfers
- Not recommended for medical or international travelers
Best for: Local budget-only travel.
Which Option Is Best for Your Situation?
| Traveler Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic Patients | Private Car Service |
| Families with Children | Private Car Service |
| International Travelers | Private Car Service |
| Seniors or Mobility-Limited | Private Car Service |
| Budget Travelers | Shuttle or Bus |
Related Transportation Guides
• MSP → Rochester Main Hub
• Rochester → MSP Return Hub
• Mayo Clinic Transportation Guide
• MSP → RST Transportation Guide
• Early Morning & Late Night MSP → Rochester Transportation
• Private Car vs Shuttle
• MSP → Rochester Pricing Guide
• Family Transportation Guide
• Mayo Clinic Hotel Drop-Off Guide
• Winter Travel Guide
• Same-Day Round Trip Guide
• Accessibility & Mobility Guide
• International Traveler Guide
• Mayo Clinic Hotel Directory
• What to Expect on the Drive
• MSP → Rochester FAQ
• Mayo Clinic Visitors Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from MSP to Rochester?
Private car service is the fastest, averaging 75–95 minutes.
Do shuttles run 24/7?
No. Most shuttles do not operate late at night or early in the morning.
Which option is best for Mayo Clinic patients?
Private transportation provides comfort, assistance, and direct drop-off at clinic entrances.
Is rideshare reliable for long-distance routes?
Rideshare drivers often cancel or decline long trips, especially during winter or peak hours.
