For a week in the Finger Lakes, ROC’s on-airport Car Rental Center saves time
At Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, the Car Rental Center sits a short walk from the terminal, so you’re not burning 20–30 minutes on an off-site shuttle. Figure roughly 10 minutes from gate to car, including the walk and basic paperwork, then another 5 minutes to reach I‑390 or I‑490 and head toward the Finger Lakes, Pittsford, or Webster.
ROC’s rental counters operate on-airport, typically aligned with flight banks from early morning through late evening, but always confirm exact desk hours with your company if you land after 11 p.m. A FlyerTalk user mentioned being on the highway about 10 minutes after landing, which matches the layout: counters near baggage claim, cars in a nearby garage, and no bus ride.
Pricing swings a lot: a compact can sit around $40–$60 per day midweek, then jump closer to $80–$100 around May and June college graduations. Regulars on FlyerTalk book 3–4 weeks ahead for those dates and call out that graduations at the University of Rochester and RIT tighten availability fast, so don’t wait until the week of your trip.
Families doing multiple winery stops or lake towns (Keuka, Seneca, Canandaigua) usually just grab a rental car at ROC instead of stitching together RTS buses and expensive rideshares. One TripAdvisor poster said they tried to price buses for the Finger Lakes, then gave up and picked up a car at the airport because it was simply faster and more straightforward for a several‑day stay.
Car selection can feel thin: FlyerTalk reports point out that on busy summer weekends, you might end up with “similar or better” instead of the exact midsize or SUV you booked. Some renters also complain about steep one‑way drop fees if you start at ROC and return in Albany, Syracuse, or downstate New York, so check the total with taxes and surcharges before you lock in a one‑way plan.
Step-by-step: getting a car at ROC
- 1. After landing, follow “Baggage Claim / Rental Cars” signs; walking time to the counters is about 3–5 minutes.
- 2. Pick up checked bags from the single baggage claim area, then head directly to your rental brand’s counter or preferred/loyalty desk.
- 3. If you’re in a loyalty program like Hertz Gold or National Emerald Club, go straight to the posted aisle to choose a car and skip the main line.
- 4. Inspect the vehicle in the garage, snap photos of any dings, confirm fuel type, and set your phone or GPS before exiting.
- 5. Follow airport exit signs to I‑390 or I‑490; drive time into downtown Rochester usually sits around 10–15 minutes, traffic permitting.
- 6. On return, follow “Rental Car Return” signs; drop-off to terminal entrance usually takes only a few minutes door to door.
Pro tip: For early-morning flights before 7 a.m., return the car at least 60–75 minutes before departure so you can walk back to the terminal, check bags, and clear security without rushing.