MSP Airport to Mayo Clinic: How to Get to Rochester, MN

Written By AJ .

Every week, travelers land at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with one destination in mind: Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. If it's your first visit, the logistics can feel like one more thing to worry about. This guide covers how far it is, your options for getting there, and a few tips from our chauffeurs' years on the route.

How far is Mayo Clinic from MSP Airport?

Rochester is about 85 miles southeast of MSP. The drive takes roughly 90 minutes in normal traffic, mostly on U.S. Highway 52. Allow extra time at weekday rush hour through the south metro and when winter weather moves in. Snow and wind on the open stretches of Highway 52 can slow things down quickly.

Your options for getting from MSP to Rochester

Rental car

Renting a car gives you flexibility, but it means navigating an unfamiliar highway after a flight, finding parking near your appointments, and returning the car at the end of your trip. For many patients, driving yourself after a long day of tests or a procedure isn't ideal.

Shared airport shuttle

Scheduled shuttles run between MSP and Rochester. They cost less, but you ride on their timetable, may stop at several hotels, and can wait at the airport for the next departure if your flight is delayed.

Flying into Rochester International Airport (RST)

Rochester has its own airport with a small number of daily flights, usually through a connecting hub. It can work well, but options are limited, fares are often higher, and a missed connection can cost you a day.

Private chauffeur service

A private chauffeur picks you up at MSP and drives you directly to your Rochester hotel or Mayo Clinic building, with no stops for other passengers. Your flight is tracked, so an early or late arrival is handled for you. It's the most comfortable way to make the trip, especially for patients, caregivers and families traveling together.

What to expect with For Sure Luxury

  • Flight tracking. Your chauffeur follows your flight and adjusts to your actual arrival time.

  • Meet & Greet at baggage claim. Your chauffeur can meet you at your baggage claim carousel and handle your luggage. Your first airport arrival with us includes Meet & Greet free of charge.

  • A quiet, comfortable ride. A spotless vehicle set to a comfortable temperature, with bottled water and Wi-Fi so you can rest, work or call ahead.

  • Door to door. We drop you at your hotel or the exact Mayo Clinic entrance you need.

  • Flexible scheduling. One-way, round trip, or wait-and-return on appointment days. For multi-day visits, we can schedule every leg of your stay in one reservation.

Tips for a smoother Mayo Clinic trip

  • Arrive the day before. For an early-morning appointment, plan to land the afternoon or evening before and stay overnight in Rochester.

  • Stay connected to the clinic. Several downtown Rochester hotels connect to Mayo Clinic buildings through the city's skyway and pedestrian subway system, which is a big help in winter.

  • Build in buffer time. Mayo appointments can run longer than expected, or new tests may be added. A wait-and-return or flexible pickup time saves you from rushing.

  • Know your building. Mayo Clinic's campus spans downtown Rochester and the Saint Marys Campus about a mile west. Share your appointment location when you book so we take you to the right door.

  • Plan your return flight. Give yourself at least two hours between your last appointment and your drive back to MSP, plus the usual time at the airport.

Book your ride to Rochester

For Sure Luxury has provided chauffeured transportation across Minnesota since 2012, and Rochester is one of our most-requested routes. Learn more about our Rochester & Mayo Clinic car service and MSP Airport car service, or get an instant quote online anytime, 24/7. Prefer to talk? Call or text 612-888-2008 during business hours.

AJ .