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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Rochester, Minnesota. Compare rates and book in one place. Pick up a ride at Rochester International Airport RST for walk-off convenience or grab downtown deals steps from the Mayo Clinic, then hit US 52 to reach Minneapolis or the Mississippi River valley in under two hours.
Rochester provides several rental options for visitors, at locations at the airport and throughout the city:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester International Airport (RST) | • Immediate access upon arrival • On-site rental counters (Budget, Enterprise, National) • No lines at this small airport • Cars just outside terminal |
• Potentially higher rates due to airport fees • Limited selection compared to MSP • Some agencies have limited hours matching flight schedules |
| Downtown Rochester | • Convenient for Mayo Clinic visitors • Lower rates than airport • Multiple agency options • Some offer pickup service in the city |
• Requires transportation from airport • May have limited hours • Can be busy during peak Mayo Clinic periods |
Transportation to Rental Locations:
From Hotels: Many Rochester hotels offer shuttles that can drop you at a rental office
Local Pickup Service: Enterprise's local branches often offer pickup service in the city
On average, car rentals in Rochester (MN) cost around $68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Check downtown vs airport quotes: Downtown Rochester locations often beat RST airport rates by 10-15 percent because you skip concession fees. Factor in a quick rideshare from the terminal and you can still come out ahead.
Mix and match rental days: If most of your time is at Mayo Clinic (the shuttles are solid) rent a car only for day-trips to Winona, Lake Pepin or the Twin Cities. Daily parking and rental costs drop fast this way.
Look for weekly pricing: Staying a full treatment week? A 7-day booking can be cheaper than 5 or 6 separate days. Run both options in the comparison tool before you lock in.
Target off-peak months: Winter in Rochester (Nov–Mar) sees lighter tourist traffic, so rates often slide. Book a cancelable deal, then re-check prices a week before arrival and rebook if they dip.
Where to Park:
Mayo Clinic Area: Several ramps connected to clinic buildings via skyway/subway system
Hotels: Downtown hotels often charge; suburban hotels usually offer free spots
Street Parking: Metered in downtown area; free in residential areas (watch for time limits)
Shopping Areas: Apache Mall and other shopping centers offer free spots
Local Driving Rules:
School Buses: Must stop at least 20 feet away when a bus extends its stop-arm and red lights flash
Hands-Free Law: Illegal to hold your phone while driving; use voice commands or dashboard mounts
No Toll Roads: Minnesota has no standard toll highways; all main routes are free to use
Winter Parking: Pay attention to snow emergency declarations that may restrict street parking
Book a rental car so you can drive to:
Minneapolis/St. Paul – Mall of America, museums
Winona – riverfront, Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Lake Pepin area – Lake City, National Eagle Center
Lanesboro & Bluff Country – Root River State Trail
Do I need a car if I'm visiting Mayo Clinic?
That depends on your plans. If you're staying at a hotel that connects to the clinic by skyway or offers a shuttle, you might not need a car for your daily clinic visits. But a car gives you the freedom to go out for dinner, shop and explore outside the downtown area.
Where are rental agencies located in Rochester?
You can find counters for Budget, Enterprise and National right at the RST Airport. In the downtown area, you'll find Avis/Budget on 2nd Avenue SW and Enterprise on Highway 52. There are other rental places in different parts of the city too.
Is parking available at Mayo Clinic facilities?
Yes, Mayo Clinic offers several parking ramps that connect to its buildings. The rates are fair and you get the first hour free. You can use the subway and skyway systems to walk from many parking ramps right into the clinic buildings.
Can I get a rental car delivered to my hotel?
Yes, Enterprise often delivers cars in Rochester. You can call the local office to set up a pickup from your hotel or a Mayo Clinic building.
What's the best way to navigate Rochester if I'm unfamiliar with the area?
Using a GPS is your best bet. The city is set up like a grid, using numbered streets and avenues. The downtown area is small, so it's pretty easy to get around once you get used to the one-way streets.
Are there any special considerations for international visitors renting cars in Rochester?
If your driver's license isn't in English, you should bring an International Driving Permit and your original license. The major rental companies at the RST Airport are used to helping international visitors, since they serve many people who come to Mayo Clinic from all over the world.
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