MSP → Rochester Transportation FAQ (Complete Guide)
Traveling from Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Rochester, Minnesota or the Mayo Clinic? This mega FAQ page provides answers to the most common questions about transportation, pricing, luggage, winter travel, hotel drop-offs, accessibility, timing, and more.
This page is especially helpful for Mayo Clinic visitors, families, seniors, international travelers, and early/late arriving passengers.
General Travel Questions
How far is Rochester from MSP Airport?
Rochester is approximately 85 miles from MSP Airport.
How long is the drive from MSP to Rochester?
Most trips take 75–95 minutes under normal conditions, longer during winter.
Is the route from MSP to Rochester easy?
Yes. It’s almost entirely on Highway 52, a major four-lane divided highway.
Is there a direct shuttle from MSP to Mayo Clinic?
There are shuttle services, but they are slower, shared, and have limited hours. Many travelers prefer private transportation for comfort and reliability.
What’s the best transportation option for Mayo Clinic visitors?
Private car service is recommended for medical travelers due to comfort, direct drop-off, and assistance with luggage or mobility.
Is rideshare (Uber/Lyft) reliable for this route?
Not always. Many drivers decline long-distance trips, especially during winter or busy times.
Is public transportation available?
No direct bus connects MSP to Rochester. You would need multiple transfers.
Pricing Questions
How much does a private ride from MSP to Rochester cost?
Flat-rate pricing is available. See the MSP → Rochester pricing guide.
Do prices change based on time of day?
No. Private transportation is flat-rate with no surge pricing.
Are tips included?
Tips are optional and appreciated but not required.
Luggage and Comfort Questions
How much luggage can I bring?
Most private vehicles can handle 4–6 large bags depending on the service level.
Do you help with luggage?
Yes. Drivers provide curbside assistance and help load/unload bags.
Is food or drink allowed during the trip?
Water is fine. Food is permitted but please avoid messy or spill-prone items.
Can the driver stop for a restroom break?
Yes. Just ask—Zumbrota and Pine Island are common stop locations.
Mayo Clinic–Specific Questions
Can you drop me off directly at Mayo Clinic?
Yes. Direct drop-off is available at Gonda, Methodist, and Saint Marys.
Which Mayo Clinic campus do most visitors use?
Most patients visit the Gonda/Methodist campus (downtown). Saint Marys is west of downtown.
Do you pick up from Mayo Clinic hotels?
Yes. See the Mayo Clinic Hotel Directory.
Can you provide transportation after medical procedures?
Yes. Drivers accommodate comfort needs and assist with mobility as needed.
Early-Morning & Late-Night Travel Questions
Do you offer 24/7 transportation?
Yes—ideal for late-night arrivals and early-morning Mayo Clinic appointments.
What if my flight arrives at 1AM?
Private service will be waiting for you. Flight tracking adjusts your pickup automatically.
How early can I be picked up for a Mayo Clinic appointment?
Any time. Many patients request 4–5AM pickups.
Family & Group Questions
Can families book a ride?
Yes. Families frequently use private transportation for comfort and flexibility.
Do you provide car seats?
You may bring your own. Some transportation providers offer them upon request.
How many passengers can travel together?
Sedans hold 1–3, SUVs hold 4–6, and vans hold up to 14.
See Family Transportation Guide.
International Traveler Questions
Do you support international travelers arriving from overseas?
Yes—drivers track flight delays and accommodate long customs times.
Can you assist with heavy or oversized luggage?
Yes. Drivers assist with all luggage items.
Do you accept international credit cards?
Yes—payment is typically completed during booking.
Is there WiFi in the vehicle?
Some vehicles include WiFi. Check availability when booking.
Accessibility & Mobility Questions
Can you accommodate mobility-limited passengers?
Yes. Drivers help with curbside support, mobility assistance, and loading devices.
Do you offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
Some transportation companies do—check availability in advance.
Is the sedan or SUV better for accessibility?
SUVs provide easier entry for mobility-limited travelers.
Winter & Weather Travel Questions
Is the drive safe in winter?
Yes. Highway 52 is a high-priority route and heavily plowed.
What if there is a snowstorm?
Private drivers monitor conditions and adjust timing for safety.
Do cancellations happen in winter?
Cancelled flights are far more common than cancelled drives. Private rides nearly always operate.
Pickup & Drop-Off Questions
Where do MSP pickups happen?
Terminal 1: Level 2 “Ground Transport Center”
Terminal 2: “Ground Transport Area”
Will the driver meet me inside?
Some services offer meet-and-greet. Most meet at the designated pickup point.
Do I need to call when I land?
No. Flights are tracked automatically.
Booking & Reservation Questions
How far in advance should I book?
Same-day is often fine, but Mayo Clinic weeks fill quickly.
Do you send confirmation messages?
Yes—email or text confirmations are standard.
Can I book round-trip service?
Yes. Many travelers book both MSP → Rochester and Rochester → MSP.
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
• Transportation Options Comparison
• What to Expect on the Drive
• Mayo Clinic Visitors Guide
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
