Greater Rochester International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Greater Rochester International Airport ROC

United States

The single terminal handles domestic connections, with longer wait times in case of heavy snowfall typical of the Great Lakes region.

Gateway to Rochester, a city in New York State overlooking Lake Ontario, historically linked to Kodak and the optical industry.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: rocairport.com

How to get to Greater Rochester International Airport

Rochester city center is a few kilometers from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 15-20 minutes by RTS bus.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach downtown Rochester in approximately 10-15 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no railroad station at the airport: the Amtrak station in Rochester is located in downtown.

By Bus

RTS buses serve the airport throughout the day; fare 1 USD per trip, one of the lowest among major US airports (unchanged since 1991, except for a brief period until 2012). Schedules and stops are available at the tourist information desk or by calling RTS at 585-288-1700.
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Tips The RTS fare of 1 USD is among the cheapest in the United States for an airport connection: a significant advantage for budget-conscious travelers.

Average travel time to ROC

TrainNot available (Amtrak station is in downtown)
Shuttle bus15-20 min (1 USD, RTS, all day)
Taxi / Private hire10-15 minutes (15-25 USD)

Parking near Greater Rochester International Airport

Multi-story parking is located adjacent to the terminal: Hourly $2 the first hour, cap $24/day; Covered Garage $16/day; Long-Term and Weekly Lot $12/day; Shuttle Lot $8/day (data current as of September 2, 2026).

How to get to Rochester (NY) from ROC

By Train

There is no train station at the airport; the Amtrak station is located in the city center.

By Bus

RTS buses serve the airport throughout the day; fare $1, among the lowest in the United States.

By Taxi

A taxi or ride-sharing app like Uber/Lyft costs roughly 15-25 USD for the city center, with a journey of 10-15 minutes, plus 15-20% tip.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Greater Rochester International Airport

All major rental brands have a desk at the terminal.

Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the renter's name; in winter, verify if winter tires are necessary given the snowy climate of the Great Lakes region.

 

Hotels near Greater Rochester International Airport

Greater Rochester International Airport is less than 4 miles from downtown, about a 10-minute drive, so anyone with an early flight or a short layover can stay right next to the terminal without wasting time. If you want to visit the historic center along the Genesee River, with the Blue Cross Arena and the museums, you'll sleep better downtown. Business travelers heading to RIT or the hospital district will find more choice and lower prices in Henrietta, a few minutes south, also convenient for the airport.
Airport area

Airport area

The Fairfield Inn is about 1.3 km from the terminal; the Marriott is 5 miles away with a free shuttle.

Best for: anyone with an early flight or a business layover who doesn't want to travel further

Pros
  • Extremely short distance from the terminal to the Fairfield Inn
  • Free shuttle for those choosing the slightly farther Marriott
Cons
  • No restaurants or bars within walking distance
  • Possible takeoff noise in more exposed rooms
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Historic center

By car or rideshare the airport is about 10 minutes away; there is no direct rail connection.

Best for: anyone who wants to stay within walking distance of the Genesee River, the Blue Cross Arena and the museums

Pros
  • Walking distance from the Genesee River and the Blue Cross Arena
  • More restaurants and evening spots than elsewhere
Cons
  • Parking is almost always paid
  • Higher prices than in the airport area
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Henrietta and the university area

About a 15-minute drive from the airport and 6 miles from downtown, near the Thruway exit.

Best for: anyone traveling on business to RIT or the hospital district and looking for lower prices

Pros
  • More affordable prices than downtown
  • Easy highway access, convenient with a rental car
Cons
  • A car is needed; a commercial area with no evening life within walking distance
  • Far from the museums and the river downtown
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Rochester, a city overlooking Lake Ontario, with domestic connections.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features typical New York products and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

Various lounges are available for business-class passengers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal; customers with a major U.S. cellular provider will have no signal problems.

Families & Children

Each terminal offers dedicated children's play areas and family support services.

Terminal guide

The airport has a single terminal, reserved for domestic flights.

For flights it is recommended to arrive at least 2-2.5 hours in advance, with longer times in case of heavy snowfall.

Map of Greater Rochester International Airport

Map of Greater Rochester International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the RTS bus cost from Rochester Airport?

Just 1 USD, a fare unchanged since 1991 and among the lowest in the United States for an airport connection.

Q. Is Rochester linked to the history of photography?

Yes, historically home to Kodak and the American optics industry.

Q. Do RTS buses serve the airport all day?

Yes, with service throughout the day.

Q. Does Rochester have snowy winters?

Yes, being in the Great Lakes region, subject to heavy snowfall from the lake effect.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

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