GERALD R FORD AIRPORT (GRR) INFORMATION

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (IATA: GRR, ICAO: KGRR, FAA LID: GRR) is approximately 21 kilometers southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and managed by an independent authority, the airport is categorized as a small hub primary commercial service facility offering domestic flights.

Previously called the Kent County Airport and Kent County International Airport, it was renamed for former President Gerald R. Ford in 1999, who also served in the United States House of Representatives, representing Grand Rapids.

The airport is the largest commercial airport in the West Michigan region and is the second-largest airport in Michigan after Detroit Metropolitan Airport covering more than 1,265 hectares.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport features three runways and sits 242 meters above sea level at 42°52′51″N and 85°31′22″W.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Gerald R. Ford International Airport
• See live flight departures information at Gerald R. Ford International Airport
• See all airlines and routes that serve Gerald R. Ford International Airport

History of Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The city’s first airport was established in 1919, 6 kilometers south of downtown Grand Rapids. It was operated by the Kent County Board of Supervisors.

In 1926, the first scheduled air service was between Grand Rapids and Dearborn on a Ford-Stout monoplane named Miss Grand Rapids.

Twelve years later, the Works Progress Administration improved the runway and added several structures to the facility, including a new restaurant.

In the following decade, more structures and improvements were carried out in the facility, including the extension of existing runways.

In 1959, the county began construction on the present airport in Cascade Township. It opened in 1963 and was dedicated the following year.

The age of jetliners in the 1960s saw an increasing demand at the facility with the arrival of United Airlines Boeing 737-200 in 1968, from Chicago O'Hare.

In 1977, the Board of Commissioners renamed Kent County Airport as Kent County International Airport with the opening of a U.S. Customs Service Office in the main terminal building.

In 1997, the board added the construction of a new runway. It was completed in 2001.

In 2004, the airport served more than 2 million passengers for the first time. Six years later, the airport broke the 2004 record with almost 2.2 million passengers.

On January 2, 2007, a U.S. Air Force jet carried the remains of former President Gerald Ford to his namesake airport as part of funeral services culminating in burial at his presidential museum in Grand Rapids the next day.

Today, its top domestic routes include Chicago–O’Hare, Illinois, Atlanta, Georgia, Denver, Colorado, Detroit, Michigan, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, Chicago–Midway, Illinois, Charlotte, North Carolina, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Orlando, Florida, and Orlando/Sanford, Florida.

Transfer Services at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Gerald R. Ford International Airport provides several modes of efficient transportation for its customers.

Services to/from GRR, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and buses are available at the Ground Transportation Center of the terminal.

Rental Car Services at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The airport Rental Car facility is on the First Level of the Parking Garage. It features a variety of options for rental car companies.

Look for the rental car return lane as you approach the Parking Garage. All rental cars can be conveniently picked up and dropped off in the same area.

The rental facility is open 24/7. Please inquire at your service provider for specific service hours and return procedures.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you’re not sure where to go, give the rental company a call. See and compare all rental car companies at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

For item(s) left on a rental car center shuttle bus, the Airport Lost and Found at + 1 616-233-6015 (items are held for 30 days only).

Ride Shares at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Rideshare is available at the facility. Exit the terminal through Door No. 2 and go to the Rideshare Shelter on the boulevard. This is the designated pick-up/drop-off point for all rideshare vehicles.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company’s app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

Ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Taxis are available at the airport. Upon exit from the Baggage Claim area, proceed to the Ground Transportation Center outside the Baggage Claim area.

Pass through Door No. 5 (across from the Valet Parking counter), and go to the climate-controlled Parking Shuttle Shelter on the boulevard. There, a taxi starter will assist you with your cab arrangements and get you on your way.

A one-way fare to downtown Grand Rapids costs less than 40.00.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and driver's name just in case you leave something behind. See more information about taxis at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Trains at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

There are no train connections from the airport to downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Although there is an Amtrak Train Station located about 22 kilometers from the facility.

Flying in passengers can taxi to the train station for less than $50.00.

More information about train services near Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Buses at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The Rapid bus system includes a stop at the airport.

Bus rides cost $1.75, with one transfer pass included. Route 17 serves the airport.

You can catch the bus at the climate-controlled shelter on the boulevard across from Door No. 4. More information about buses to and from Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Many hotels in the Grand Rapids area provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their local hotel if this is available at their accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal.

Parking at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The airport provides safe and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. The facility is open 24/7. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. See more information about short and long term parking at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Other Services at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Wi-Fi at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Free Wi-Fi service is available throughout the airport. Please connect to the “FlyFord” network.

ATMs at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

ATMs (provided by PNC and Fifth Third Bank) are located pre-security in the front lobby behind the Visitor Information Desk and post-security in the Marketplace.

Independent ATMs are also provided post-security on each concourse in the main hallway.

Currency Exchange at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Currency Exchange is available at GRR. Fifth Third Bank branch offers the nearest currency exchange, located at Patterson Avenue & 44th Street, across from the Airport entrance.

Nursing Stations at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Gerald R. Ford International Airport does not offer a dedicated nursing mothers’ room yet for traveling moms who need to breastfeed or breast pump.

However, it has "Family Assist Restrooms" located before the security checkpoint.

Restrooms at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are throughout the airport.

Food and Beverages at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

You can do some last-minute shopping inside the facility.

Smoking at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminals. Please follow smoking regulations at the facility.

Lost and Found Section at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

For items lost on the aircraft or at the gate area, please contact the respective airlines lost and found.

If you lost an item in any other area at the airport, including the security checkpoints and shuttle buses, please contact the Lost and Found Office at +1 616-233-6015.

You can also complete the Lost and Found process at the Information Desk.

When leaving your details for lost items(s), please include your full name, contact details, phone, email, and a description of the item(s).

The airport will keep all lost and found items for a considerable time of at least 30 days. After said period, the property will be deemed abandoned.

Please talk to the airport representative at the counter.

Ticketing at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Please look for overhead signs pointing in the direction of ticketing areas at the terminals.

Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Generally, payment by cash or checks may not be accepted at American airports. Please consult your air carrier or travel agent for more details.

Information Desk at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Please follow the overhead signs to locate the Information Desk at the airport.

Pet Relief at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

There is a pet relief area on the west end of the terminal curb front. The designated area is a small, fenced, park-like, wheelchair-accessible area provided for the needs of both assistance animal and owner with natural ground cover and surroundings.

Airlines have specific policies and fares for transporting pets.

Please ask assistance from any uniformed personnel for guidance. Animals are not permitted unless they are in proper pet carriers to assist disabled individuals.

Baggage Claim at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim on the Ground Level of the terminal. Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter.

Passengers can also inquire from the Information Desk for further assistance.

The Airport Lost and Found Phone is +1 616-233-6015.

When leaving a message, include your name, email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The airport is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed to the gates and aircraft doors.

Travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the policies or procedures at security checkpoints, please call +1 616-233-6000.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

Things to do in Grand Rapids

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the United States of America.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport Contacts

Address: 5500 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512, USA
General Phone: +1 616-233-6000
General Email: https://www.grr.org/contact-us
Lost and Found Email: https://www.grr.org/lostandfound?hsLang=en
Lost and Found Phone: +1 616-233-6015
Official Website: https://www.grr.org/

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 120V/60Hz.
Plug: A, B
Currency: USD, US$, $
Wi-Fi at Airport: The airport's Wi-Fi service is available throughout the facility. Please connect to the “FlyFord'' network.