Gerald R. Ford International Airport Code (GRR)

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, also known by its airport code GRR, is always in progress, much like its home city. The pandemic’s aftereffects are still being felt in the hub, but most of the operations and services that were shut during the outbreak have resumed now.

Let’s understand what facilities are open, what are new inclusions, and how you make the most of GRR airport –

Quick GRR Airport Info

• Airport – Gerald R. Ford International Airport
• Terminals –  1
• Distance from Downtown Grand Rapids – Approximately 13.9 miles

Security and Customs at GRR

Gerald R. Ford International Airport has separate security checkpoints for each of its five terminals. Passengers are advised to check in 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international departure.

Refer to the airport website for the boarding cut-off and security times. 

• TSA Pre Check – Each terminal at GRR has a dedicated TSA PreCheck facility. Passengers need to enroll online and need to pay an 85 USD service fee. The pRe Check counter is located at Terminal 1. 
• Global Entry kiosks – Passengers who have been accepted for Global Entry can use the kiosks at GRR for quicker clearance. Candidates must submit an online application and schedule an interview at the departure/arrival airport.
• Mobile Passport – For quicker passage by US Customs and Border, GRR has designated Mobile Passport Control lanes. A passport and the required information must be submitted by eligible participants upon arrival at GRR. In return, they will receive an instant receipt that may be shown to a Customs and border protection agent.

GRR Airport Lounge

There are in total 24 airport lounges in the Gerald R. Ford International Airport that are airline and non-airlines operated. We have listed below the dependent business lounges that offer access to the nonfrequent flyers members and passengers traveling with any airline. 

How to access GRR Airport Transportation?

Passengers arriving at or departing from GRR airport have access to a variety of transit choices, the majority of which are located outside of each terminal.

• Bus from GRR – Another excellent and cost-effective option is to take the fast bus from GRR airport into the city. The bus picks up passengers in Terminal 1. and then puts them off at Times Square and Grand Central Station. This is a fantastic choice, but be aware that traffic in Grand Rapids City can be unexpected. The trip could take longer than two hours if you enter the city during rush hour.
• GRR airport car service – Car services to and from GRR to different parts of the city and other airports are offered both privately and in groups. Reservations can be made at the Main Lobby of each terminal when arriving at the airport. Before matching other travel arrangements, be careful to inquire about car services from your airport hotel or Parking lot. 
• GRR airport taxi – A flat fare of $52 is charged by taxis from the airport to Downtown, and they are available outside of each terminal.

Best Places to Eat, Shop, and Unwind GRR

GRR airport features about 140 restaurants, pubs, and cafés between the terminals and pre-or post-security. Let’s delve into every terminal to understand what is the best option for you – 

Terminal 1

If you can get in, the T1 airline lounges provide business or first-class travelers a luxury area to until. In addition, there is a Prime class lounge available to Priority Pass holders that provides complimentary food and beverages as well as a calm setting away from the bustle. 

The dining is mostly QSR here, and the options include – 

• Starbucks
• The Local
• Martini Bar

Additional services at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Passengers get access to the following additional services at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. 

• Travelers Aid – Travellers Aid desks can be found in all terminals of GRR. These can be found on the arrivals level at the Main Lobby.
• Children’s gaming zone – There’s a special children’s play area in Terminal with a gladiator playground near gate 20. There is another play area in Terminal close to the Business lounge. 
• Baby facilities – Gerald R. Ford International Airport has 6 nursing rooms.
• Pet relief center – There’s a pet relief center at each of the terminals. 
• Duty-free – The duty-free stores can be found at Terminals.
• Smoking areas – The GRR airport does not host any indoor smoking zone. There are authorized Smoking spots outside of the terminals.
• ATMs – Standalone ATMs are situated in Terminals. Other terminals have foreign currency ATMs. currency exchange services are available at all terminals.
• Baggage counter – On the departure level of Terminal 1, luggage wrapping services are available. In the arrivals area of Terminal 1, Meegan Services offers cloakroom services. 
• GRR Airport WiFi access – At Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Wi-Fi is available for free in all common spaces. Choose “Free unlimited wifi” and the network “_Free GRR WiFi” to connect.
• Lost and Found Counter at GRR Airport – Depending on where you lost your baggage, the GRR airport has a lost and found desk at Terminal 1. You must get in touch with the respective airline’s baggage service if your checked luggage was left in the terminal, at the curb, or aboard an aircraft.

GRR Airport Parking

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has 6 Parking areas. 5 of them are located outside the terminals and are best suited for a shorter duration. The AirTrain connects the terminals to Long Term Parking Lot 9. Visitors can check the Parking availability at the airport website.  These 6 Parking areas include – 

• Short duration Parking – The Blue, Green, Red, Orange, and Yellow Parking areas are where you can park near the terminal. Green Parking links to Terminal 1.
• Parking lots Green, Orange, and Red cost 4 USD for the first half-hour, or 8 USD for the first hour. And, then 4 USD for each consecutive 30 minutes or up to a maximum of 35 USD for every 24 hours.
• Blue and Yellow Parking charge 5 for the first 30 minutes, or 10 USD for the next 30 minutes with 5 USD for every additional 30 minutes. It costs a maximum of 39 USD every 24 hours. 
• Long-term Parking lot 9 – The main terminal building offers long-term Parking.  The fee for the first 24 hours is 18 USD, and 6 USD for each subsequent 8 hours. 

Car Rentals at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Visit one of the car rental desks at the arrivals level to rent a car at GRR, or call one of them at the given numbers below.  Federal Circle Station outside the Main Terminal building is where you’ll rent cars.

• Budget
• Enterprise
• Alamo
• Hertz
• Avis
• Dollar
• National
• Acar Auto Rental
• Easirent
• Fox
• Sunnycars

GRR Airport Hotels

With 1 on-site property and additional hotels ranging at 1.4 miles from the terminals, GRR offers a variety of 2- to 4-star lodging options. To assist you in matching your decision, we’ve provided each hotel’s Address, its star rating, and its proximity to the airport.

Conclusion

Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a prominent international airport serving the Grand Rapids city area. It is conveniently close to hotels and various attractions. GRR is home to 6 active airline terminals that are encircled by a double ring of auxiliary taxiways. The terminals are served by more than 125 airline gates. The airport is connected to Grand Rapids City and beyond by the fast, light-rail AirTran service.

Due to the accessible AirTrain that connects Gerald R. Ford International Airport to each terminal. Also, the rail network is also connected to the subway system and facilitates easy access to and from the airport.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport – Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]