Getting Around Rochester
Public transportation near downtown Rochester, Minnesota is comprised primarily of local bus service and private taxi service. These services can be used to travel to nearby destinations such as the Massey Building, several premier hotels, and the Rochester's downtown transit center. These hubs are also starting points that can be used to travel to nearby restaurants, stores and other area attractions.
As a result, here's a brief look at how people can use Rochester's public transportation services to get around the downtown area...
Rochester's public buses travel to no less than five major hubs in the downtown area.
They include the Massey Building, the downtown transit center, and the Mayo Building. Over 20 routes have stops at these locations. Four of these routes (routes 1-N, 1-D, 3-N, and 7-N) run peak-time schedules in the mornings from 6 AM- 8 AM and in the afternoons from about 5:30 PM-9:00 PM. The rest of the routes run through the downtown area from about 6 AM-9 PM during the work week and from about 8 AM-5 PM on Saturdays. There is no Sunday service or service during major holidays.
In addition, Visitors can use these routes as a starting point to visit local stores, fine dining locations and several area attractions because many downtown routes feed into other bus routes that can take them to other parts of town.
Visitors who are lost can visit the downtown transit center located at 201 4th Street SE. The transit center has maps, schedules and fare information that is located on huge posters that are displayed around the building. You can also ask for help with your trip by stopping by one of the customer service booths that dot the area.
Rochester also has three private taxi companies that provide service around the downtown area.
Taxis are very popular among downtown visitors in Rochester because they are easy to use and very convenient. If you wish to use a taxi to get around the downtown area, here are a couple of quick tips that can help you make the most of where you're going...
Each taxi services takes reservations online or by calling in for service in advance. This is highly recommended because most taxis are booked solid after 5 PM during the week and after 6 PM on the weekends.
Finally, many taxis send drivers to the Mayo Civic Center and the Massey Building during peak times.
As a result, it is sometimes possible to hail a taxi without having to make a reservation. However, it's also good idea to ask if the taxi was reserved in advance just to be on the safe side.