Skip to main content

5 Tips for Traveling to the Mayo Clinic

By December 27, 2019September 1st, 2022Rochester

5 Tips for Traveling to the Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, is world-renowned for its incredible level of care. For that reason, individuals and families travel from all over the U.S. to access some of the brightest medical minds in the world. If it’s your first trip, you’re facing many unknowns. Luckily, these [five tips for traveling to the Mayo Clinic can help you avoid unnecessary stressors along your journey.

Know Which Building You’re Visiting First

The Mayo Clinic is composed of multiple buildings, and attempting to navigate the system for the first time can be overwhelming. It’s also split between two campuses within Rochester. The bulk of the buildings are located at the downtown campus, including the Rochester Methodist Hospital as well as the Charlton, Gonda, and Mayo buildings. Over at the Saint Mary’s campus, there’s the Children’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, and the Generose Building.

Make sure you know where your initial appointment is located so you don’t end up across town from where you need to be. It’s common for many patients to be sent between buildings and campuses for tests and additional appointments. Thankfully, the Mayo Clinic offers free shuttle service between the St. Mary’s Campus and the Gonda Building, so as long as you start out in the right place, the rest of the journey is simple.

Choose a Hotel With Shuttle Service

Even with the clinic’s free shuttles, you still need to get to and from your hotel. Rochester is equipped with multiple taxi and shuttle services, along with rideshare options. Yet, many of the hotels across the city offer complimentary shuttle services to guests, including:

* DoubleTree by Hilton Homewood Suites
* Kahler Grand Hotel Comfort Suites
* Hampton Inn & Suites – North Rochester Marriott
* Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Typically, shuttles run once or twice an hour throughout the day. Make sure to check the frequency and timeframe of your hotel’s schedule, especially if you have early appointments.

If you need to stay in town for more than a week, there are also extended-stay options available. The Home2 Suites by Hilton and Mainstay Suites both offer rooms with kitchenettes. They’re also pet-friendly. Additionally, the Serenity House Network offers fully furnished homes and apartments at affordable rates.

Check Accessibility Before Booking Lodging

The ease and availability of local transportation is a top focus for many travelers when choosing accommodations. Yet, for anyone with special mobility needs, accessibility carries even more importance. Fortunately, many of the most prominent hotels offer accessible rooms, including:

* Homewood Suites
* Hilton Garden Inn Downtown
* Springhill Suites
* Kahler Grand Hotel
* Staybridge Suites
* Aspen Suites & Select

Be sure to check with the hotel in advance to ensure they’ve assigned you a room or suite that meets ADA standards. Even if you specifically asked for one when making your reservation, double-checking a few days before your arrival will help you avoid unnecessary stress and frustration.

Use Skyways and Subways in Downtown

One of the best qualities of Rochester is its extensive network of skyways and underground walkways, which are also known as subways. These interconnected paths are enclosed, and the skyways are climate-controlled year-round, so you’re able to move freely regardless of the weather. This tip for traveling to the Mayo Clinic is particularly important in late fall and winter appointments because snow and ice are daily occurrences in [Minnesota](https://bustickets.com/plan-your-travel/us/mn/).

While the pedestrian network is only available downtown, it is incredibly large. All the Downtown Mayo buildings are connected to it, as are many of the hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. Plus, the majority of the paths open at 6 a.m. during the week, which is perfect for early appointments. However, there are privately owned sections, so double-check your planned route beforehand to avoid hitting any early-morning or late-evening roadblocks.

Book Specialty Transportation Ahead of Time

While many hotels offer shuttle service, not all of them are wheelchair accessible. Luckily, there are specialty transportation services available in Rochester. However, it’s important that you book them ahead of time to secure your spot as availability fills up quickly. Two of the most popular local options include R&S Transport and Handi Van of Rochester.

The Mayo Clinic also offers a free concierge service for all its patients. The team offers assistance and guidance with choosing transportation options that suit specific needs, including accessibility. There’s also a Patient Travel Services department that can handle all transportation reservations, but the services are only available for a fee.

Tip for Traveling to the Mayo Clinic: Save With BusTickets.com

Now that you know the top tips for traveling to the Mayo Clinic, it’s time for one final money-saving suggestion: Book your travel with BusTickets.com. The user-friendly service is designed to make travel both convenient and affordable. From browsing route options to real-time price comparison, you can complete the entire process all on one website. Try it yourself by booking your Rochester bus tickets today!

References

https://www.experiencerochestermn.com/mayo-clinic/getting-around/

Close Menu