The airport is an important cargo hub for UPS, a role that coexists with low-cost passenger connections to major American cities.
Gateway to Rockford, Illinois, and often a more economical alternative to Chicago airports for low-cost flights.
How to get to Chicago Rockford International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to RFD
Parking near Chicago Rockford International Airport
Multi-level parking is located next to the terminal with daily rates around 10-18 USD.
How to get to Rockford from RFD
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Chicago Rockford International Airport
Numerous car rental companies have desks in the terminal.
You will need a driver's license, passport and credit card in the driver's name; for a short stay, if you have a license in Latin characters, you do not need an IDP.
Hotels near Chicago Rockford International Airport
Downtown and the river
10-15 minutes by car from the airport, the shortest trip among the areas in this guide.
Best for: Anyone who wants the historic center on the Rock River and the closest area to the airport among those with solid hotels.
- The fastest trip from the airport among the hotels recommended here
- BMO Harris Bank Center and the riverfront within walking distance
- Few independent restaurants in the immediate area around the hotel
- In the evening downtown is quiet, with no real nightlife
CherryVale Mall and Hard Rock Casino
20-25 minutes by car from the airport, along Interstate 90 heading east.
Best for: Anyone who wants the CherryVale shopping center and the new Hard Rock Casino just minutes from the hotel.
- Hard Rock Casino Rockford (permanent location since 2024) and CherryVale Mall just minutes away
- Recent or renovated hotels, with good scores for cleanliness and breakfast
- An area of highway interchanges and shopping centers, best explored by car
- Farther from the historic center than the other areas in this guide
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn Rockford On Walton Street next to the new Hard Rock Casino and 5 minutes from CherryVale Mall; the top-rated of Rockford's 27 hotels on TripAdvisor. View availability
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rockford A few steps from the Hilton Garden Inn on the same Walton Street, with breakfast included; a more affordable alternative in the same area. View availability
Bell School Road and Midway Village
About 20 minutes by car from the airport, a trip similar to the one to Walton Street.
Best for: Anyone with work commitments or a trade fair in this area who is looking for a hotel with a conference room.
- Midway Village & Museum Center just minutes away
- On-site conference rooms, convenient for anyone in town on business
- An office and highway-interchange area, little to do on foot in the evening
- Some reviews mention noise and service that isn't always consistent
Recommended hotels
- Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford On Bell School Road just minutes from the Midway Village Museum, with an indoor pool and breakfast praised in reviews. View availability
- Hampton Inn Rockford In the same office area, just minutes from Bell School Road; an indoor pool and included breakfast among the strong points mentioned in reviews. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The single terminal handles domestic low-cost flights, plus a significant role in cargo traffic (UPS hub).
Before departure it is wise to calculate 2-2.5 hours buffer time for flights.
Map of Chicago Rockford International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Rockford Airport a cheap alternative to Chicago?
Yes, often used for low-cost flights as a more affordable alternative to O'Hare and Midway airports.
Q. Is Rockford Airport a major cargo hub?
Yes, a major hub for UPS.
Q. How often does the bus to Rockford Airport run?
Hourly, Monday through Saturday.
Q. Are there direct motorcoach services to Chicago from Rockford Airport?
Yes, some services connect directly to O'Hare and downtown Chicago.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights