Mayo Clinic Visitors Guide (Appointments, Travel & Hotels from MSP → Rochester)
Visitors traveling to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota often arrive through Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Whether you are flying in for an appointment, traveling with a family member, or supporting a patient after a procedure, this guide provides everything you need to know to make your visit smooth, comfortable, and stress-free.
This includes transportation options from MSP, hotel recommendations, accessibility notes, assistance for seniors and international travelers, and what to expect when visiting Mayo Clinic campuses.
Understanding Mayo Clinic Campuses in Rochester
Gonda Building
The Mayo Clinic consists of several connected hospitals and clinic buildings located throughout downtown Rochester. The main areas include:
Mayo’s primary outpatient clinic with check-in areas, diagnostics, and specialty departments.
The Gonda building is the primary “Mayo Clinic” Drop off point for a lot of people visiting the Mayo Clinic.
Mayo Clinic Methodist Campus
Connected via elevators, tunnels, and skyways. Many procedures and diagnostic services take place here.
Saint Marys Campus
A larger hospital located about a mile from downtown. Often used for surgeries, inpatient care, and specialty procedures.
Subway & Skyway System
These indoor walkways connect several Mayo and hotel buildings, making it easy to move around during winter or for mobility-limited visitors. Key connected locations include:
- Gonda Building
- Mayo Clinic Methodist Campus
- Rochester Marriott
- Kahler Grand Hotel
- Kahler Inn & Suites
- Hilton Rochester
Getting from MSP Airport to the Mayo Clinic
Most visitors fly into Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and need ground transportation to Rochester (approx. 83 miles and 70–90 minutes). Because many travelers are arriving for medical appointments, comfort, reliability, and timing are especially important. Weather, traffic volume, and individual mobility needs can all influence the best transportation choice, making proper planning essential. Private car services are often preferred because they provide door-to-door convenience, assistance with luggage or medical items, and predictable travel times. Rideshares and shuttles are available but operate with variable schedules, limited space, and less consistency—especially during winter or early morning arrivals
Best Transportation Options
1. Private Car Service (Recommended)
The most convenient and reliable way to travel from MSP to Mayo Clinic. Benefits include:
- Door-to-door service
- Help with luggage and mobility equipment
- Direct drop-off at Mayo buildings or hotels
- 24/7 availability
- Spacious SUVs and vans for seniors or medical travelers
Learn more at MSP → Rochester Transportation.
2. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Available at MSP, but unpredictable for early morning or late-night travel. Limited cargo space and no guaranteed assistance.
3. Shuttle Bus
Some shuttle options exist, but schedules are reduced and do not operate reliably during early/late hours or winter storms.
4. Rental Car
Possible, but not ideal for medical travelers unfamiliar with Minnesota roads—especially in winter.
Current Traffic & Construction Notice Near the Gonda Building
Ongoing construction around the Mayo Clinic Gonda Building is causing increased traffic congestion and occasional lane closures in the surrounding blocks. This can add time to curbside drop-offs, especially during morning and mid-afternoon appointment peaks.
For patients and visitors, we recommend planning for an additional 10–15 minutes when arriving directly at the Gonda entrance. Congestion changes throughout the day, and foot traffic from nearby construction zones can slow down vehicle flow.
Using a private car service helps minimize delays. Professional drivers are familiar with the temporary traffic patterns, alternate approaches, drop-off points, and the best timing to reach the Gonda building efficiently. This ensures a smooth arrival without added stress—especially helpful for seniors, patients after procedures, and international travelers.
Transportation Advice for Different Types of Travelers
For Seniors
- Choose vehicles with easy step-in height
- Request curbside assistance
- Avoid unreliable rideshare availability
For Patients After Procedures
- Temperature-controlled vehicles
- Quiet, comfortable cabin
- Direct drop-off at Mayo entrances
For International Travelers
- Assistance with luggage and navigation
- Simplified travel experience
- No need to understand local transit
For Mobility-Limited Travelers
- Room for walkers, canes, and folding wheelchairs
- Extra time for boarding
- Avoidance of crowded shuttles or steep steps
Hotels Closest to Mayo Clinic
For the full directory of hotels, see: Mayo Clinic Hotel Directory.
Skyway/Subway Connected Hotels
- Kahler Grand Hotel
- Kahler Inn & Suites
- Rochester Marriott
- Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area
Hotels 1–3 Blocks from Mayo Clinic
- Aspen Suites
- DoubleTree Rochester
- Hyatt House
- Home2 Suites
Hotels Outside Downtown (Quiet & Spacious)
- Staybridge Suites
- SpringHill Suites
What to Expect at a Mayo Clinic Appointment
Arrival & Check-In
Most patients begin at the Gonda Building. Allow time for:
- Registration
- Insurance verification
- Diagnostic questionnaires
- Elevator travel between floors
Most patients begin at the Gonda Building. Allow time for:
Appointment Length
Mayo Clinic appointments can last 1.5 to 4+ hours, especially when multiple tests or consults are required.
Winter Travel Notes
Rochester winters can be harsh. Always plan additional travel time if arriving the same day as your appointment.
Food & Amenities
Restaurants, coffee shops, and lounges are available inside the connected clinic buildings.
MSP → Mayo Clinic Travel Timing Tips
- Early morning appointments: Arrive in Rochester the day before.
- Mid-day appointments: Land at MSP before 10 AM.
- Late afternoon appointments: Land before 1 PM.
- Winter travel: Add 30 minutes for weather delays.
MSP → Rochester Pricing
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
Request a Private MSP → Mayo Clinic Ride
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
- MSP → Rochester FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Mayo Clinic from MSP Airport?
The Mayo Clinic is about 83 miles from MSP Airport. Typical travel time is 70–90 minutes.
Is private transportation better for medical visits?
Yes. Private transportation offers door-to-door service, mobility assistance, and predictable travel times.
Which hotels are closest to the Mayo Clinic?
Kahler Grand, Kahler Inn & Suites, Rochester Marriott, and Hilton Rochester are the closest and connected via skyway or subway.
Can drivers assist with walkers or folding wheelchairs?
Yes. Private services can accommodate walkers, canes, folding wheelchairs, and additional luggage.
Do shuttles still run between MSP and Rochester?
Some do, but schedules are limited. Private transportation is more reliable for early or late travel and medical appointments.
