Getting around Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Each year, more than 1 million visitors like you travel to Rochester to seek medical care. If this is your first time coming to Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, you may wonder how you'll find your way around.

Don't worry. Mayo Clinic, located in downtown Rochester, is designed with visitors in mind. And it's surrounded by everything you'll need to make your stay comfortable and convenient — including hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and services.

But you don't have to stay near the Mayo campus to get where you need to go. Most Rochester hotels offer complimentary shuttles to Mayo Clinic. And if you'd prefer to rent a car or use other transportation to explore the city, you'll find many options for that, too.

Getting around Mayo Clinic

When you first arrive at Mayo Clinic, you may worry that you'll get lost among the campus's many buildings. But it won't take you long to realize that it's easy to find your way.

Download a map of Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota

Walkable campus

The five-block downtown Mayo campus is easily walkable, even in the winter, thanks to Mayo's extensive subway and skyway system. Unlike other subways you may have used, the Rochester subway system is a series of well-marked, well-lit underground walkways, filled with shops and eating options. In addition, several Mayo Clinic buildings are connected via an indoor skyway system.

Of course, you may find that you prefer to walk outdoors, especially when the weather is nice. The Mayo campus is dotted with urban gardens and green spaces for enjoying a picnic or alfresco chat with your loved one.

Patient escorts

If mobility is an issue, complimentary pedestrian escorts can help you get to and from your appointments. And wheelchairs are available free of charge to anyone who needs them.

Free patient shuttle

Mayo operates a free shuttle between the downtown campus and Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus, several blocks down the road. The shuttle runs about every 15 minutes.

Helpful smiles

Not sure how to get to your next appointment? Staffed information booths can be found throughout the Mayo campus.

Getting around Rochester, Minnesota

Rochester offers a number of options for moving off campus and exploring the city. The area offers many attractions — from parks and museums to shopping centers, theaters and an award-winning library — worth visiting.

Shuttle service

Most Rochester hotels offer free shuttle service to and from Mayo Clinic.

Taxi service

Med City Taxi and Yellow Cab operate 24 hours a day.

Ride-share services

Rochester is an active Uber and Lyft destination. Just download their apps onto your smartphone to request a ride.

Bus service

Rochester Public Transit operates bus service throughout the city from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Visit the information desks in the Gonda Building or Mayo Building for schedules, or visit Rochester Public Transit directly for more info.

Specialty transport

Several companies provide services for groups or for those with disabilities. Concierge Services can help you find what you need.

Car rental

Several national and local car rental agencies, including Avis, Budget Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz and National, have offices in Rochester.

For more information on getting around in Rochester — and all there is to see and do in the city — visit Experience Rochester MN.