Grand Rapids Airport: Does It Exist?

Grand Rapids, Michigan is served by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). The airport is located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. It is the largest commercial airport in the West Michigan region and the second-largest airport in Michigan after Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The airport offers nonstop flights to 31 major market destinations and connections to numerous other destinations worldwide.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The airport is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and is managed by an independent authority. It is the largest commercial airport in the West Michigan region and the second-largest airport in Michigan after Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Gerald R. Ford International Airport covers 3,127 acres (1,265 ha) and has two parallel east-west runways and one north-south runway. The airport also has cargo and general aviation facilities, as well as a passenger terminal with two concourses: Concourse A has 15 gates, while Concourse B has eight.

The airport offers a range of parking options, including short-term, long-term, economy, and valet parking. It also provides ground transportation options, such as taxi and luxury sedan services, as well as on-site rental car companies. The airport is easily accessible, located near I-96 and M-6, with several area hotels offering shuttle services.

13 miles from Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has its own airport, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), which is located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The airport is easily accessible, situated near I-96 and M-6, with US-131 just a short distance away. The airport is only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids, making it convenient for travellers.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers a range of parking options, including short-term, long-term, surface, long-term covered, economy, and valet services. The airport also provides a cell phone waiting lot for those picking up or dropping off passengers, and a convenient Starbucks coffee shop nearby. For families with children, there is a Kids Port located off the Grand Hall.

The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Allegiant Airline, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Passengers can take advantage of nonstop flights to 31 major market destinations and easily connect to other locations worldwide with just one stop.

In terms of ground transportation, the airport is well-connected to the surrounding area. The taxi fare to downtown Grand Rapids is approximately $38, and several area hotels provide shuttle services for their guests. Additionally, rental car companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz/Dollar, and National/Alamo have on-site operations, offering convenience for travellers who prefer to drive themselves.

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is more than just a transportation hub. It also boasts a variety of shopping and dining options, ensuring that travellers have everything they need before embarking on their journeys. The airport's visitor information desk is always ready to assist, providing maps and information around the clock.

30+ nonstop routes

Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) offers 30+ nonstop routes to major cities across the United States. The airport is located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is the largest commercial airport in West Michigan and the second-largest airport in the state after Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

GRR Airport provides convenient and accessible parking options for travellers, including Premier Parking, Short-Term Garage Parking, Long-Term Garage Parking, Long-Term North Lot, and Economy Lot. The airport also boasts a variety of dining and shopping options, such as full-service restaurants, coffee shops, and travel stores.

As of July 2023, GRR Airport offered flights to 33 airports across the United States, with the ability to connect to destinations worldwide with just one stop. The airport is served by several airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

Some of the nonstop routes from GRR Airport include:

• Chicago O'Hare International Airport
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Denver International Airport
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
• Newark Liberty International Airport
• Orlando International Airport
• Chicago Midway International Airport
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
• Harry Reid International Airport
• Southwest Florida International Airport
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Charlotte County-Punta Gorda Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Philadelphia International Airport
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport
• St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport

With its 30+ nonstop routes, GRR Airport offers convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers looking to explore destinations across the United States.

Parking options

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids offers various parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy lots, as well as premier parking for those seeking the utmost convenience. Here is a detailed overview of the parking choices available:

Premier Parking

Premier Parking is ideal for travellers seeking the utmost convenience and proximity to the terminal. It is located on the first level of the parking garage, offering covered parking with a private entrance and exit through the car rental lane. Premier Parking is available at a daily rate of $36 and requires a reservation made in advance through the airport's online parking reservation system. This option is perfect for those who want a hassle-free parking experience and don't mind paying a premium for the convenience.

Short-Term Garage Parking

Short-term parking is suitable for individuals picking up or dropping off passengers at the airport. It is located in the parking garage, providing covered parking options. The hourly rate is $2, and there is no daily maximum. This option is convenient for quick stops at the airport without incurring extensive parking fees.

Long-Term Garage Parking

Long-Term Garage Parking is one of the three long-term parking options available at GRR. It is located in the parking garage, offering covered parking for travellers needing to park for multiple days. The hourly rate is $2, and the daily maximum rate is $24. This option is ideal for travellers seeking covered parking options and convenient access to the terminal.

Long-Term North Lot

The North Lot is another long-term parking choice located within walking distance (5-10 minutes) to the terminal. There is no shuttle service available for this lot, so travellers will need to walk through the parking garage to reach the terminal. The hourly rate is $2, and the daily maximum rate is $17. This option is suitable for those seeking more affordable long-term parking and don't mind the absence of a shuttle service.

Economy Lot

The Economy Lot is the most affordable long-term parking option, located further away from the terminal. However, it offers a convenient shuttle service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to transport travellers to and from the airport terminal. The hourly rate is $2, and the daily maximum rate is $14. This option is perfect for those travelling on a budget and don't mind a slightly longer commute to the terminal.

Cell Phone Lot

For individuals picking up arriving passengers, GRR provides a Cell Phone Lot located on Pederson Ct., just east of Patterson Ave. This lot offers free, time-limited parking while waiting for incoming passengers to call and inform their arrival. It is important to note that vehicles must be attended at all times in this lot.

Off-Airport Parking Options

In addition to the on-site parking options, travellers can also explore off-airport parking choices, such as Parkobility, which offers daily rates starting at $6.95 and includes a free shuttle service to and from the airport. These off-site options can be more affordable and suitable for those willing to compromise on proximity to the terminal.

Ground transportation

Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (IATA: GRR, ICAO: KGRR, FAA LID: GRR) is located near I-96 and M-6, just a short distance from US-131 and around 20 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. The airport offers a range of parking options, including short-term, long-term, economy, and valet services. A convenient cell phone waiting lot is available for those waiting to meet and greet arriving passengers, and there is a Starbucks coffee shop nearby.

For those travelling to and from the airport, there are several ground transportation options available. The airport is accessible by taxi, with Metro Cab and Metro Cars providing services, and the cost of a taxi to downtown Grand Rapids is around $38. Several area hotels also provide shuttle services for their guests. Additionally, rental car services are available on-site from companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz/Dollar, and National/Alamo.

For those looking for public transportation options, the Rapid route 27, Airport Industrial, connects the airport to Woodland Mall (Kentwood Station). This bus route operates on weekdays between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. From Woodland Mall, passengers can transfer to other bus routes to reach downtown Grand Rapids or other destinations in the area. These include routes 5 and 6 for downtown and routes 24, 28, and 44 for Grandville and Wyoming.

The airport is located at the intersection of 44th Street and Patterson Avenue, and it is easily accessible from several major roads. In addition to I-96 and M-6, the airport is close to M-37 to the west and M-11 to the north. This makes it convenient for travellers coming from various directions to reach the airport by car.

Frequently asked questions