How to Get from Chicago Rockford International Airport to Rockford

RFD is in Rockford, at 2 Airport Circle, and has curbside lanes directly in front of the terminal for passenger pickup and drop-off. From the airport, Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) buses serve the city, while taxis and rideshare vehicles provide other onward options.

Allegiant Air and Apple Vacations serve RFD. Flight routes and schedules can change, so check the official site before you go.

Downtown is one part of the city to consider when planning an onward trip; the guide to Rockford neighborhoods and downtown covers the areas visitors can go.

The drive from RFD to Hilton Garden takes about 28 minutes. Enter the airport’s address, 2 Airport Circle, in your navigation app.

If you plan to rent a car at the airport, Avis, National, Alamo and Enterprise operate there. Rental-car hours can vary, especially on weekends; contact your rental company directly if you expect to arrive outside its usual business hours or need to arrange pickup.

RFD offers several ways to continue your journey, including public bus, taxi, rideshare, rental car and prearranged limousine or charter service. Check schedules and availability against your arrival time before choosing.

Taxi and rideshare

American Taxi and Speedee Taxi provide taxi service, while Lyft and Uber offer app-based rides. Arrange taxi service with the provider in advance if you’re coordinating a pickup for a particular arrival time.

Public bus

RMTD runs hourly service to and from RFD Monday through Saturday. The stop is in front of the terminal, at the east end of the service drive. The bus directions are to take South Main Bus #7 to the RMTD Transfer Center on West State Street, then East State Bus #11 to the Greyhound/Clock Tower stop.

For campus-bound plans, the Rockford University map and visitor guide can help you plan the next part of your visit.

Rental cars and arranged rides

Avis can be reached at 815-962-8447 or 800-831-2847. National, Alamo and Enterprise share the numbers 888-826-6890 and 815-965-4466. Limousine and charter operators include A Fantasy Limousine Company, A Touch of Class Limousines, Chicago Limo, Crown Point Limo, Hub Shuttle, Stretch Limousine Inc., Windstar Lines and Y Drive Limousine; arrange unscheduled limousine service in advance.

Parking costs $8 per day when paid in advance or $9 per day on-site, with valet parking at $12. The first two hours are free for meet-and-greet customers, drop-offs and other short stays; each additional hour costs $1, up to a $9 daily maximum.

RFD has more than 1,750 parking spaces in lots in front of the terminal and across the street, all within walking distance of the entrance. Complimentary luggage carts are available in each lot, and a free shuttle runs through the parking lots during the cold season.

For Allegiant flights, plan to arrive 90 minutes before domestic departures and two hours before international departures. RFD provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, along with a café and bar. Skyview Café is on the second floor and admits passengers with boarding passes two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

Does a bus run from RFD to Rockford?

Yes. RMTD offers hourly service to and from the airport Monday through Saturday, with a stop in front of the terminal.

Where do you meet a pickup at RFD?

The airport has express curbside lanes directly in front of the terminal for passenger pickup and drop-off.

Which rental-car companies serve RFD?

Avis, National, Alamo and Enterprise operate at the airport. Contact the local rental company about reservations and collection if you expect to arrive outside its usual business hours.