Chicago Rockford International Airport

Airport Airport

IATA Code
RFD
ICAO Code
KRFD
Airport Type
Large Airport
Class
International

One passenger terminal serving scheduled low-cost carriers and seasonal charters; the airport also handles significant air cargo activity. It serves a regional catchment northwest of Chicago and handles well under 1 million passengers annually. Layout: a compact single terminal with a small concourse and apron for narrow-body and regional aircraft.

Chicago Rockford International Airport
Elevation: 226 m
42.1954, -89.0972

Terminal Guide for Chicago Rockford International Airport #

Single terminal layout: one compact passenger terminal with check-in, security, and a small airside concourse. Airlines using the airport tend to be low-cost and charter operators; facilities are scaled for regional traffic rather than large hub operations. The airport also has sizable cargo aprons nearby, separated from the passenger terminal.

Getting to and From Chicago Rockford International Airport #

About 85 miles (≈1.5-2 hours) to downtown Chicago by car; closer to Rockford city centre (10-20 minutes).

  • Car / driving: On-site parking and direct access to regional highways make driving the most flexible option; travel to downtown Chicago ~1.5-2 hours depending on traffic.
  • Taxis / ride-share: Taxis and ride-share services (Uber/Lyft) operate to/from the terminal; trips into Rockford are short, trips to Chicago are long and costly.
  • Shuttles / buses: Limited scheduled public transit; some private shuttle services operate between the airport, downtown Rockford and occasional transfers to Chicago - check providers and book ahead.
  • Rental cars: On-site rental counters in the terminal; standard option for regional travel.

Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Chicago Rockford International Airport #

Small regional terminal with basic services.

  • Lounges: No major airline lounges; VIP or meeting rooms may be available by request for charter groups.
  • Food & drink: A small selection of cafes/fast-food outlets airside and landside; options are limited outside peak hours.
  • Wi‑Fi: Public Wi‑Fi is available; typically free with basic time limits.
  • Charging & business: Charging points available in gate area and seating; limited dedicated business facilities.
  • Baggage & accessibility: Standard baggage claim and ADA-accessible routes; ground-level terminal makes transfers straightforward.
  • Other services: Car rental desks, parking, and basic ATM services; limited retail/duty-free.

Tips for Chicago Rockford International Airport #

  • Security and boarding lines at RFD are usually short outside peak holiday travel - don’t assume heavy queues.
  • Allegiant operates many scheduled routes from Rockford; check whether your flight uses a remote stand as buses are commonly used.
  • If you need a rental car compare on-site counters; rental desks are in the terminal and walkable from arrivals.

Weather & Climate near Chicago Rockford International Airport #

Climate

Chicago Rockford International Airport's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (922 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 28 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
-39°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -3°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 29 mm and partly cloudy skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-9°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
13.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
14.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (114 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 27°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
15.1h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
14.8h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 28°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
13.7h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

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