Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Gerald R. Ford International Airport GRR

United States

The single terminal, named after former President Gerald Ford, who was from the city, handles domestic connections.

Access point to Grand Rapids, Michigan's second largest city, known for its thriving craft beer scene.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.grr.org

How to get to Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Grand Rapids downtown is several km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 20-25 minutes by The Rapid Route 27 bus, on weekdays.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown Grand Rapids in approximately 15-20 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no railway station at the airport: Grand Rapids does not have an urban rail network.

By Bus

The Rapid Route 27 bus, with a stop at the climate-controlled shelter on the avenue opposite gate 6, connects the airport to downtown on weekdays; fare 1.75 USD cash or Wave Card (free transfers within 1 hour 45 minutes), maximum daily cap 3.50 USD and monthly 47 USD with Wave Card.
💡
Tips Route 27 operates only on weekdays: for weekend flights, taxi or ride-hailing are the only practical public alternatives.

Average travel time to GRR

TrainNot available (Grand Rapids has no urban rail network)
Shuttle bus20-25 min (1.75 USD, The Rapid Route 27, weekdays only)
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (25-35 USD)

Parking near Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Multi-level parking is located adjacent to the terminal: Short-Term Garage 2 USD/hour with no cap; Long-Term Garage 24 USD/day; North Lot 17 USD/day; Economy Lot 14 USD/day with complimentary shuttle; Cell Phone Lot complimentary (limited time).

How to get to Grand Rapids from GRR

By Train

The airport does not include its own train station.

By Bus

The Rapid Route 27 bus connects the airport to downtown on weekdays; fare 1.75 USD, daily cap 3.50 USD with Wave Card.

By Taxi

Uber/Lyft typically cost 15-17 USD; a taxi is generally comparable or slightly more expensive, to downtown, with a trip of 15-20 minutes.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The terminal hosts counters for every major car rental company.

Driver's license, passport, and credit card are required; snow tires are typically already included in winter.

 

Hotels near Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Gerald R. Ford International Airport is just minutes from the motels and hotels on 28th Street Southeast, while downtown Grand Rapids is about 18 minutes away by car, with no direct rail link at all. Travelers with a dawn flight, a short layover or a late-night arrival save time by staying in the airport area, where most properties offer a free shuttle. Those staying several nights or traveling with family find options with an in-room kitchen in the same surroundings. Those who instead want the Grand River, the museums and the evening bars are better off choosing downtown, while relying on a car or rideshare for every trip to the terminal.
Airport area

Airport area (28th Street)

hotels along 28th Street SE, a 3-5 minute drive from the terminal; most offer a free shuttle on request

Neighbourhood

Extended-stay residences

same area as 28th Street SE, a 4-6 minute drive from the terminal with a free shuttle

Best for: families or travelers staying several nights who want an in-room kitchen without straying far from the airport

Pros
  • full kitchen and a separate living area in every room
  • indoor pool and breakfast included
Cons
  • same distance from downtown of about 18 minutes
  • few evening venues within walking distance
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Downtown Grand Rapids

about an 18 minute drive or rideshare from the terminal, no direct train or bus to the airport

Best for: travelers who want the Grand riverfront, the museums and the downtown evening venues, including for business

Pros
  • just steps from the Grand River, restaurants and downtown events
  • historic or design hotels, not only standard chains
Cons
  • a car or rideshare is needed for every flight
  • further from the terminal than the airport area
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Grand Rapids, Michigan's second-largest city, with domestic connections.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features Michigan craft beer and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

Various dedicated lounges welcome business-class passengers in transit.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi covers the entire terminal, and the networks of all major US carriers are fully operational.

Families & Children

All terminals feature children's play areas and family assistance services.

Terminal guide

The single terminal, named after former president Gerald Ford, a native of the city, handles domestic connections.

Before flights, it is prudent to arrive 2–2.5 hours in advance.

Map of Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Map of Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Who is Grand Rapids Airport named after?

Former President Gerald Ford, who was from the city.

Q. Does The Rapid bus operate on weekends?

No, Route 27 to the airport operates only on weekdays.

Q. Is Grand Rapids known for craft beer?

Yes, it has one of the liveliest craft beer scenes in the Midwest.

Q. What is the Wave Card?

The Rapid's payment card, offering free transfers and a daily/monthly spending cap.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Related articles