Chicago Rockford International Airport (IATA: RFD) is located in the northern part of Illinois, United States, approximately 4 miles (6 km) south of downtown Rockford.
This airport is approximately 85 miles (137 km) northwest of downtown Chicago. Chicago Rockford Airport is primarily used by low-cost airlines. It is Chicago’s alternative airport. Cargo companies also use this airport extensively. The airport serves approximately 300,000 passengers annually.
Interactive Chicago Rockford Airport Map
Chicago Rockford International Airport – terminal and gate map
Chicago Rockford International Airport has one terminal building. The terminal building was renovated in 2016. This terminal serves both domestic and international (charter and scheduled) flights. The terminal building has two floors. The ground floor of the terminal is designed for arrivals passenger services. Here you will find baggage claim areas and ground transportation options. The upper level of the terminal is reserved for departures. Here you will find check-in areas, a large central security checkpoint, and boarding gates. Allegiant Air and other charter airlines operate from these gates. Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport.
Parking Areas
The parking lots at Chicago Rockford International Airport are managed by SP+ Airport Services.
Main Parking (Lot A-B): This open parking area is located across from the terminal. It is suitable for short-term and long-term parking. You can walk to the terminal from the parking lot. Fee: $9 per day.
Seasonal (Lot D-F): These parking areas are located a little further from the terminal building. They are only open during seasonal periods. They are located behind the main parking area.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot: You can wait for your passengers for 2 hours free of charge in the main parking area.
All parking lots have designated parking spaces for people with disabilities. Payments can be made by credit card and cash.
Car Rental at the airport
Leading rental companies such as Avis, National/Alamo, and Enterprise have counters lined up next to each other on the arrivals floor of the terminal. Car rental companies operate according to the weekday flight schedule. You can pick up your rental car from the parking area located near the terminal. Passengers arriving outside business hours can pick up their car directly from the parking area by calling the relevant company’s support number.
Find transportation from the airport – RMTD Buses, taxi ,shuttles
Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) Buses: Route 7, operated by Rockford Mass Transit District, departs from the stops in front of the terminal. This bus route transports passengers between the airport and Downtown Rockford Transit Center in the city center. Buses run every hour on weekdays and Saturdays. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Taxis: Taxi stands are located outside the terminal building. Local taxi companies serving Rockford and the surrounding area provide service at the airport.
Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft): Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft operate at Chicago Rockford Airport. Passengers can request a ride through the apps and board their vehicles at designated pickup locations.
Shuttle Services: Some private shuttle companies offer pre-booked transfer services to Rockford, Chicago (including O’Hare and downtown), and surrounding areas.
VIP Lounge at Chicago Rockford International Airport
Chicago Rockford International Airport has one lounge.
Skyview Lounge: This is a small lounge area. All passengers can use this lounge area with a daily pass or annual membership. Offering comfortable seating, a snack bar, and quiet work areas, this lounge is ideal for relaxing before your flight. The Skyview Lounge opens two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
Lost & Found
If you have lost an item in the general areas of the airport, such as the terminal building, security checkpoints, or parking lots, you should contact the Chicago Rockford International Airport Lost and Found Office. The lost and found office is located next to the information desk inside the terminal building. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call +1 815-969-4000.
If you left your belongings on the plane, at the boarding gate, or on the baggage carousel, you should contact the lost and found department of the airline you flew with directly. The main airline serving RFD is:
Allegiant Air: 702-505-8888
Restaurants at Chicago Rockford International Airport
Food and beverage options are quite limited at Chicago Rockford International Airport.
Skyview Café: Located on the second floor, this café-bar opens two hours before flight times. Coffee, snacks, and light meals are served.
Terminal Lounge Bar: Located near the waiting lounge, this small bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Vending machines selling snacks and beverages are located throughout the terminal.
Shopping at Airport
Shopping options at Chicago Rockford Airport focus mainly on basic travel needs and some local products.
Inside the terminal, there is one Airport Gift Shop for basic needs and a Newsstand in the post-security area. Here you can buy souvenirs, magazines, newspapers, travel snacks, and travel accessories.
Hotels at Chicago Rockford International Airport
There are several hotels where you can stay near Chicago Rockford Airport.
OYO Hotel at Chicago Rockford International Airport: Located 1.2 miles from the airport. Free shuttle service is available at certain times.
Hotel Weston RFD: Located 1.6 miles from the airport. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
Super 8 by Wyndham Rockford South: Located 1.5 miles from the airport.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront: Located 8 miles from the airport. Located on the riverfront.
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford: Located 7.9 miles from the airport. Suitable for business and leisure travelers.
Chicago Rockford International Airport Flights and Airlines
Chicago Rockford International Airport is an important hub for low-cost carrier Allegiant Air. Allegiant Air offers direct flights from RFD to popular vacation and entertainment destinations, including Florida (Orlando-Sanford, Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, St. Pete-Clearwater, Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Sarasota/Bradenton), Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa, and Nashville.
In addition, RFD is occasionally used by various tour operators and airlines. It also hosts international charter flights to destinations in Mexico (such as Cancun) and the Caribbean.
The airport is also known as a massive cargo hub. It is an important regional air cargo hub, particularly for UPS. Other major cargo carriers, such as Amazon Air, also use this airport.
Satellite view of Chicago Rockford International Airport. Click to enlarge
Chicago Rockford International Airport destination map (June 2025). Click to enlarge
Nearby Airports