01Arriving by Air – Rochester International Airport (RST)
RST sits about ten miles south of downtown on Highway 63 and handles roughly 13 daily flights—more than a typical city of its size because of Mayo Clinic traffic. Delta connects you from Minneapolis‑St. Paul, while American offers a nonstop from Chicago O'Hare; Sun Country occasionally adds nonstop service to Laughlin, NV and Biloxi, MS, and charter flights are also scheduled.
Suggestion: Verify that your ticket lists the airport code RST, not ROC (Rochester, NY). During off‑peak months, double‑check whether Sun Country or charter options are operating, as they run only intermittently. The airport’s website (flyrst.com) provides the latest schedule and any temporary service changes.
02Ground Transportation from the Airport
On‑site car‑rental agencies give you the freedom to explore beyond the clinic, while shuttle services cost about $11.50 one‑way to downtown hotels and run on a timed schedule. Taxis are pricier at roughly $25 to downtown, but may be useful for late‑night arrivals. Several hotels also run complimentary shuttles directly to the Mayo Campus.
Suggestion: If your itinerary includes multiple off‑site attractions—like the Heritage House or nearby river towns—a rental car is the most flexible choice. Otherwise, a shuttle paired with a hotel’s free clinic shuttle can keep costs low. Remember to pre‑book rentals and confirm shuttle times with your lodging before you land.
03Choosing Accommodation
Two highlighted options illustrate the spectrum of Rochester lodging. Brentwood Inn and Suites (123 4th Ave NW) offers a continental breakfast, 24‑hour front desk, and free shuttle service to the Mayo facilities—ideal for patients or families needing easy clinic access. Kahler Grand Hotel (20 SW Second Ave) provides historic character and a boutique feel, though it lacks the dedicated clinic shuttle.
Suggestion: Prioritize Brentwood if you value guaranteed clinic transport and on‑site dining; opt for Kahler Grand if you prefer a more unique atmosphere and plan to drive yourself. Check each hotel’s current rates and any health‑related policies on their official websites before booking.
04Dining Choices
Rochester’s food scene includes both well‑established favorites and reliable fast‑food options. Hunan Garden (1120 NW 7th St) has been voted best Chinese food in the local magazine poll for eight of nine years—great for a flavorful dinner after a clinic day. Chester’s Kitchen and Bar (111 S Broadway) earned top restaurant honors in 2010‑2011 and serves creative American fare.
Suggestion: Reserve a table at Hunan Garden if you enjoy Chinese cuisine; verify current hours and reservation policies on their website. For Chester’s, confirm the exact address and opening times, as the source notes a need for confirmation. Both venues are reachable via the downtown skyway network, making winter walks comfortable.
05Cultural & Sightseeing Planning
Beyond medical appointments, Rochester offers several low‑key cultural stops. The Assisi Heights Spirituality Center (1001 14th St) showcases Romanesque architecture in a former Sisters of Saint Francis home—quiet and reflective. Heritage House (225 First Ave NW) is a restored Victorian museum that recreates a late‑19th‑century Midwestern family life with authentic furnishings. The History Center of Olmsted County (1195 W Circle Dr SW) houses rare photographs, maps, diaries, and historic structures like the William Dee Log Cabin.
Suggestion: Allocate at least half a day for one of these sites to break up clinic visits. Check each venue’s website for opening hours, admission fees, and whether guided tours require advance reservation.
06Navigating the City & Practical Tips
Rochester’s grid layout (Broadway east/west, Center St north/south) makes self‑driving straightforward. Major highways— I‑90, US‑63, US‑52, and US‑14—provide quick access from the airport and neighboring cities. Downtown parking is generally plentiful; city‑owned lots are free at night and on weekends, while Mayo Clinic lots charge $2 for the first hour and $1 thereafter, with day passes available. Public buses run hourly (half‑hour during rush) on weekdays only, with no service Sundays or holidays; the Shopper’s bus operates Tuesdays for retail districts. The skyway and underground “subway” corridors link hotels, the clinic, and downtown shops, offering climate‑controlled walking routes year‑round.
Suggestion: Use the skyway for short downtown hops, especially in winter. If you need to travel after 9 PM or on a Sunday, rely on a rental car or rideshare. Download the Rochester transit schedule ahead of time and keep a city parking map handy.
