# Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) > Grand Rapids, US · 21 km (13 mi) southeast of Grand Rapids Web: https://airport.flights/airport/grr JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/grr.json ## Facts - **IATA**: GRR - **ICAO**: KGRR - **Timezone**: America/Detroit - **Runways**: 3 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Passengers**: 3.74M/yr - **Official site**: https://www.grr.org ## Overview ## Welcome Gerald R. Ford International Airport is unlike many other airports in the Midwest; it offers an unexpectedly relaxed atmosphere, much appreciated by families and infrequent travelers who find the stress levels much lower compared to bustling hubs like Detroit or Chicago. Nestled just 21 km southeast of Grand Rapids, it efficiently handles 3.74 million passengers annually with the ease of a tidy Midwestern regional hub. It's the friendly staff and the polished post-security marketplace that often surprise frequent flyers, providing a smooth travel experience. ## At a glance Ford International is a single-terminal airport primarily served by airlines such as Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. With three runways facilitating efficient operations, the airport is a favorite pick for those seeking a calm yet functional travel environment. While it lacks the expansive services of a larger hub, it compensates with its manageable size and straightforward navigation. ## Terminals & layout The layout of the terminal supports simplicity without sacrificing quality. It houses eight dining options, including local favorites like Prospect Hill and Firehouse Subs, plus essentials like Starbucks and The Great American Bagel. Shopping caters to diverse needs with seven stores, among which Hudson News and Spirit of the Red Horse stand out. ## Getting to and from the city Transportation to and from the airport is varied. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can drop you downtown in about 25-30 minutes. For the budget-conscious, The Rapid’s Route 27 provides service for $1.75, albeit with a slower, 30-40 minute journey. The economy traveler will also find the cell phone lot on Pederson Court convenient when waiting to pick up arrivals. ## Traveller essentials Consider using the garage parking at $24 a day for its proximity, though Economy Lot parking at $14 a day can be an economical alternative, especially if you mind the weather, which may slow shuttle services. If rental cars are your choice, note that full-service names like Budget and Hertz are available, although their fees can vary depending on rental times and conditions. ## Dining & shopping highlights Though compact, the airport manages to incorporate a taste of Grand Rapids’ food scene. Dining options close soon after the last evening departures, so be cautious if you have late flights. Among the shopping highlights, Grand Rapids Magazine Travel Store and Destination Michigan deliver a slice of local culture, perfect for visitors wanting a memento. ## Lounges The sole lounge option is the Military Lounge, catering specifically to US military personnel. While regular travelers don't have access to commercial lounges, the charm and friendliness exhibited by the staff often more than compensate. ## Insider tips - **Time:** Plan to arrive 75–90 minutes prior to your flight in the morning to beat TSA congestion. - **Money:** Use the free cell phone lot for pickups to avoid parking fees for short waits. - **Local:** Check out the tribute to President Gerald R. Ford in the main concourse pre-security. - **Quiet:** Airport staff are helpful with locating quiet spaces—don't hesitate to ask. - **Avoid:** Avoid last-minute bag check lines in the morning by using online check-in and kiosk options. - **Time:** Allow extra time for Economy Lot shuttle transport in snowy weather. - **Local:** Check current dining menus on arrival for occasional local food and beer offerings. - **Quiet:** For plane spotters, the parking garage upper levels offer an excellent airfield view. ## Terminals (1) - **Passenger Terminal** — Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines The terminal features a variety of dining options and amenities. ## Dining (8) - **Annie's Pretzels** - **Firehouse Subs** - **Grab And Go** - **Grand Rapids Magazine Travel Edition** - **Jonathan B Pub** - **Prospect Hill** - **Starbucks** - **The Great American Bagel** ## Lounges (1) - **Military Lounge** — Landside, military access ## Shops (7) - **Destination Michigan** - **Grand Rapids Magazine Travel Store** - **Hudson News** - **Hudson News And Gifts** - **InMotion Entertainment** - **Kids Works** - **Spirit Of The Red Horse** ## Parking (6) - **Cell Phone Lot** — Waiting area - **East Lot** — Surface - **Economy Lot** — Surface · $14/day - **Garage Parking** — Covered · $24/day, 2/hr - **North Lot** — Surface - **Premier Parking** — Garage ## Ground transport (16) - **Alamo Car Rental** — Car rental · quick and easy · expected add-ons may increase · >no discussion around time rhythm or consistent operation - **Avis Car Rental** — Car rental · >Preferred makes arrival faster · >loyalty and agreements · >joint agreement or customer program participant advantage used - **Budget Car Rental** — Car rental · lines may be long · depends on unexpected fees · exists but not highlighted - **Car Rental** — Other · straightforward · high for one-way rentals · none stated - **Enterprise Rent A Car** — Car rental · >can be longer due to service or application methods · higher for last min extensions · >smoothen - **Greyhound Bus Lines** — Other · >long buffers necessary · >bus costs higher because of add-ons or transfer pacing · >due to lack of alternatives for travel on road - **Greyhound Bus Lines** — Coach · >long buffers necessary · >bus costs higher because of add-ons or transfer pacing · >due to lack of alternatives for travel on road - **Hertz Car Rental** — Car rental · lines may vary due to service type · can be higher due to elite status · >cost lines not highlighted - **Hotel And Motel Shuttles** — Shuttle · every 30 minutes · >airport · >not addressed - **Hotel/Motel Shuttle Service** — Shuttle · 30 min wait · no cost for hotel guests · >due to wait time inconsistencies - **National Car Rental** — Car rental · >null · higher base rates · >can be smoothed, but single quote - **Rideshare Services** — Rideshare · >Lyft or Uber · 25-30 · >not mentioned - **Taxi Service** — Taxi · >Uber · >Lyft · >not stated - **The Rapid Route 27** — Bus · 30-40 min · $1.75 · Every 30 minutes Exact change required for cash payments. - **The Rapid Route 17 Woodland Mall** — Bus · >slow · >Uber or Lyft · depends on routes available - **The Rapid Route 44 60th Street** — Bus · >due to being not a branded service · >airport-downtown prices · not enough quote or lines for operation and rhythm ## Insider tips - _Time_: Plan to arrive 75–90 minutes prior to your flight in the morning to beat TSA congestion. - _Money_: Use the free cell phone lot for pickups to avoid parking fees for short waits. - _Local_: Check out the tribute to President Gerald R. Ford in the main concourse pre-security. - _Quiet_: Airport staff are helpful with locating quiet spaces—don't hesitate to ask. - _Avoid_: Avoid last-minute bag check lines in the morning by using online check-in and kiosk options. - _Time_: Allow extra time for Economy Lot shuttle transport in snowy weather. - _Local_: Check current dining menus on arrival for occasional local food and beer offerings. - _Quiet_: For plane spotters, the parking garage upper levels offer an excellent airfield view.