Our Comprehensive Guide to the Minneapolis Airport

Quick Insights

• The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is located in between the twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul.
• It has two terminals about a mile apart and connected via a free airport shuttle.
• There are more than a hundred shops and dining options at Minneapolis airport.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) serves Minnesota’s twin cities and is one of the busiest airports in the upper Midwest. Situated between Minneapolis and St Paul, the airport hosts commercial flights—both domestic and international—as well as the Air Force, Minnesota National Guard and a variety of air cargo operators. Travelers passing through the airport can find several dining options, shops and places to relax and unwind before catching their flight.

Navigating to and from MSP

The airport is located less than 10 miles away from both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and is not far from major attractions like the Mall of America. The airport has two terminals which are on different roads and accessed from different exits off Minnesota State Highway 5—the main expressway near the airport.

When arriving at or departing from the airport, there are a few ways to get around, including:

Taxi services

Taxi service at Terminal 1 is accessible via the tram level. At Terminal 2, taxi service is available at the ground transport center, located on the ground level. It typically costs between $30 and $50 to get to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul from the airport via taxi, but this cost can vary.

Rideshare

If you plan to use Uber, Lyft, or another app-based ride service, your ride will need to pick you up in the ground transportation center. If you’re in Terminal 1, it’s on level 1 of the green/gold parking ramps. In Terminal 2, pick up is available on the ground level of the purple parking ramp.

Rental car

Rental cars can be returned to either terminal. All on-airport rental car companies have counters at both terminals. Rental car counters at Terminal 1 are located on the ground level of the silver parking ramp. At Terminal 2, they are located in the ground transportation center on the ground level of the purple ramp directly across from the terminal building.

Public rail transportation

The METRO Blue Line trains are part of the public transit system and are connected to MSP. The METRO stops at both terminals and connects travelers to many other destinations, including downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America.

The Terminal 1 METRO line is below the red, blue and silver parking ramps. The Terminal 2 METRO line is on the north side of the orange ramp. The METRO is available 24 hours a day for travel between terminals.

Public bus transportation

METRO transit’s city bus service can pick up and trop off travelers at Terminal 1. Bus Route 54, operated by Metro Transit, does not operate out of Terminal 2.

Cell phone lots

There are two complimentary cell phone lots—the east lot and west lot. Both are located off Post Road, approximately halfway between the terminals.

Parking at MSP

There are several parking options at Minneapolis airport, including:

• Daily parking
• Value parking
• Quick ride ramp
• Valet parking (only available at Terminal 1)
• Hourly parking

You can prebook and prepay for your parking through the MSP airport website. Should your plans change, the website can allow you to cancel your parking reservation for a full refund or you can also make changes to your reservations if it's more than 12 hours before your scheduled arrival time.

Terminals at MSP

There are two terminals at Minneapolis airport, with Terminal 1 being the larger of the two. The terminals are accessed off different roadways so knowing which terminal you’re flying out of may make getting to the airport easier.

How long it takes to navigate through MSP

Terminal 1 has more than 100 gates, and there are more than a dozen gates at Terminal 2. Each terminal has its own check-in, security and bag services.

It is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and at least 3 hours before an international flight. If you have or consider having TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you may find shorter than average wait times to get through airport screening.  For reference, the airport's homepage has estimated security wait times for both terminals.

MSP airport map

Whether you’re flying from Minnesota or it’s a stop on the way, knowing the airport layout may be helpful. Refer to the MSP website for interactive terminal maps of the campus overview.

Things you can do at MSP

MSP features more than 100 shops, restaurants and services for passengers traveling through MSP. For restaurants, there is a mix of local favorites and recognizable chains with options to sit down and eat or grab something on the go.  

If you’re looking to purchase a few things for your trip or a memento, you’ll find shops in both terminals, including:

• Clothing and accessories stores
• Book stores
• Convenience newsstands
• Duty free shops

In addition, there are a few places in Terminal 1 to rest and relax before hopping on your flight. There are chiropractic services, a spa, shoeshine services and standalone massage chairs.

Priority Pass™ amenities at MSP

As of August 2024, there are no participating airport lounges in the Priority Pass network at MSP. However, Priority Pass members may be eligible for benefits like preferential rental car rates, advance duty-free shopping and retail offers at select airport stores. Members can review additional Priority Pass travel-related benefits before their next visit to MSP.

If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve^® credit card or are interested in applying for one, you may be eligible for complimentary Priority Pass membership as a credit card benefit (note that the card has an annual fee).

In summary

MSP, located approximately 10 miles from both Minneapolis and St. Paul, has two terminals taking passengers to several domestic and international locations. Its terminals are connected by the METRO Blue Line, a free light rail service, which also can take passengers to nearby downtowns and attractions like the Mall of America. MSP offers a range of amenities, including over 100 shops and restaurants.

This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass’ official website for the most current benefits information.