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Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the primary airport serving the state of Minnesota, handling over 36 million passengers in 2015. The airport is about 15 km from downtown Minneapolis and is one of the largest airports in the United States. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport operates passenger services out of 2 terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport provides passengers with a variety of services and amenities to meet their pre-flight and post-flight needs.

If you get to the airport with plenty of time to spare you can relax in the passenger lounges before your flight as you enjoy complimentary treats, newspapers, magazines, and internet access. The airport also features a rich variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, bookstores, ATMs, children’s play areas, baby care rooms, and even a hairdresser.

The airport is accessible from the city center by a variety of transportation alternatives including taxis, which are easily accessible throughout the city, rental cars, or shuttles. If you want a more affordable transportation alternative then you can take the city buses that provide transportation from the city center to the airport throughout the day. Taking the train from the city center to the airport is another affordable option.

Bus

Buses are an affordable and convenient transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city center. Bus route #54 provides transportation to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport from the city, stopping at the Transit Center at Terminal 1. The total trip from downtown Minneapolis to the airport takes about 40 minutes.

Buses start to run early in the morning until late at night and cost around 2-3 dollars. If you’re traveling to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport from other places like Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota there are regional buses that you can take. Another alternative to get to the airport is by scheduling a private bus. This transportation alternative is ideal for those traveling in big groups.

Rental Car

Renting a car is a very common means of transportation in Minneapolis, for both visitors and locals. Renting a car from the city center is a convenient way to get to the airport. There are various rental car companies that you can choose from that have offices throughout the city including Advantage, Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, Thrifty and Hertz.

Traffic in the city is very light, especially outside of peak hours, and the roads are very easy to navigate. Therefore renting a car is a very convenient option. You can book your vehicle in advance by making a reservation online or ask the hotel you are staying at to help arrange a rental car for you. You can return your vehicle at the airport before your departure.  

Hotel Shuttle Services

Many hotels in the city provide guests with shuttle services to and from airport. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the airport from the city center by shuttle. Taking a shuttle service provided by the hotel you are staying at is incredibly practical, reliable, and convenient. You have to first find out if your hotel provides such services and then arrange your reservation ahead of time. Hotels in the area that provide airport shuttle services include Super 8, Hilton, Marriott, Radisson Blu and Ramada.

Rail

Another transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city is by light rail. The light rail system provides transportation from the city center to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Trains depart from downtown Minneapolis and run directly to both terminals at the airport, stopping at other location along the way. The train from Mall of America to the airport takes about 12 minutes and the train from downtown Minneapolis to the airport takes about 25 minutes.

Trains run every 10-15 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes during peak hours. Compared to other forms of transportation the light rail system is significantly cheaper. Tickets range between $2-3 depending on whether or not you’re traveling during peak hours. You can purchase tickets for the light rail from automated machines at the stations.

Taxi

Taxis are one of the most common methods of transportation to get to the airport from the city center. Taxis are easily accessible throughout the city 24 hours a day. You can also have the hotel you are staying at help arrange a taxi for you. A taxi to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is located about 15 km away, will take between 25 and 30 minutes. Taxi fares from downtown Minneapolis to the airport averages between $40-50.  

Shuttle Services

Several companies provide scheduled shuttle services to and from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. These shuttle services are a comfortable and reliable transportation alternative, especially for those traveling in large groups or with excess luggage. These companies provide bus, van, and limousine services and while the overall rates are higher compared to public transportation and taxis they are a more luxurious and convenient method of transportation.

Rates will vary depending on the vehicle you choose, the number of passengers, and the distance traveled. Shuttle services from downtown Minneapolis to the airport take about 30 minutes. Reservations for these services must be made in advance. These shuttle services are also a great option if you’re traveling from other cities to the airport.

Companies that provide these services include Executive Express, GO Carefree Shuttle, and Lakes Express. For more detailed contact information on companies that provide scheduled services please visit Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport’s website. You can find out detailed information regarding rates and routes directly from the company you choose to use.

Airport Information

Located about 15 km from the city center, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the primary airport serving not only the city of Minneapolis but the entire state. The airport operates international and domestic flights out of 2 passenger terminals and offers passengers a rich variety of services and amenities to meet their pre-flight and post-flight needs. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport contains numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, and more, creating a welcoming and relaxing environment for passengers to enjoy.

One of the unique services the airport features is the Escape Lounge. This lounge is open to all travelers, offering them a relaxing common-use area with free Wi-Fi, complementary food and drinks, a rich selection of magazines and newspapers. The Escape Lounge is open from 4 am to 9 pm and covers an area of 5,000 square feet.  

Restaurants where passengers can enjoy a bite to eat or something to drink at the airport include venues like A&W, Arby's, Burger King, Ben & Jerry's, Caribou Coffee, Dunn Bros, Mc Donald's, Godfather's Pizza, Cocina Del Barrio, Axel’s Bonfire, FlyBar, Sbarro, Starbucks Coffee and Wok & Roll.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport also features pet services for those passengers traveling with an animal. The airport contains pet and service animal relief areas and pet boarding facilities. At the XpresSpa Regis Salon you can get pampered before your flight or after you land and enjoy relaxing services like a massage or getting your hair done.

For passengers traveling with children, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has a wonderful entertainment area for kids, the Lucky Lindy’s Video Arcade. The arcade is equipped with a variety of games that passengers of all ages can enjoy. The arcade is located in Terminal 1 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In addition to a large duty free shop where you can buy chocolate, alcohol, toys, and more, there are other stores throughout the airport where you can buy an endless selection of goods like gifts, souvenirs, clothing, books, and electronics. There are also a variety of kiosks located throughout the airport that sell snacks, magazines, newspapers, small travel items, and more. Stores where you can go shopping include News & Gift Wall, Red Balloon Bookshop, Sunglass Hut, Simply Books, The Body Shop and Travel Express.

Passengers looking for some peace and quiet can enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere of the quiet seating areas. Other services that Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport offers passengers includes postal services, a lost and found, lockers for storage, a walking path, luggage delivery services, ATMs, charging stations, children’s play areas, and baby care rooms. The airport also features free Wi-Fi that passengers can enjoy throughout the terminal buildings.