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
What is the price for rides to Rochester from MSP?
Private transportation from MSP to Rochester is offered at flat, predictable rates based on vehicle type. Pricing does not change due to traffic, flight delays, or time of day.
For a full breakdown of vehicle options and current pricing, visit the
Rochester Direct hub page for full pricing details for rides between MSP & Rochester, MN
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PLAN
Number
minutes
Price
Price for 1 minute
Your text
Basic Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
(612) 315-6080
$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
Info@CitywideMSP.Com
$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 Van
To From MSP Pricing
WhatsApp +1 763-313-6699
$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
Where can I compare all MSP to Rochester transportation options?
Quick Summary: Citywide provides private, pre-scheduled MSP ⇄ Rochester transportation with flat-rate, door-to-door service between Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and Rochester, MN (including Mayo Clinic, Saint Marys, and nearby hotels). Every ride is never shared: Basic Car $250, Black Car $295, 15-Passenger Van $315 (booked for comfort, typically up to 9 riders with luggage).
If you’re looking for clear answers before you book—pricing, timing, pickup locations, luggage, winter travel, and direct Mayo Clinic drop-offs—this MSP → Rochester transportation FAQ is your quick-reference guide. Citywide runs private, non-shared rides only, with flight-aware scheduling, curbside pickup at MSP, and door-to-door drop-off at Rochester hotels and Mayo Clinic locations.
Flat-rate pricing with no per-person charges:
Basic: $250 · Black Car: $295 · 15-Passenger Van: $315
Ideal for Mayo Clinic weeks, early-morning appointments, late-night arrivals, winter travel buffers, and travelers with multiple bags.
- Distance: about 85 miles between MSP and Rochester.
- Typical drive time: 75–95 minutes (add buffer during snow/ice).
- Primary route: Hwy 52 (simple, direct corridor).
- Private, non-shared rides — one group per vehicle (no extra pickups).
- Direct Mayo Clinic & Saint Marys drop-offs plus Rochester hotels and residences.
- MSP pickup points: Terminal 1 (Level 2 Ground Transport Center) · Terminal 2 (Ground Transport Area).
- Flight-aware scheduling for delays, early arrivals, and late-night landings.
Need the reverse direction details? Visit Rochester → MSP transportation or return to the Rochester ⇄ MSP hub to compare all Rochester route pages.
