Minneapolis Airport Guide

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is the principal airport for Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the wider Twin Cities region. It is a hub for Delta Air Lines and Sun Country Airlines.

MSP has two terminals on separate roadways:

• Terminal 1 (Lindbergh): concourses A through G
• Terminal 2 (Humphrey): a separate terminal and gate complex

There is no passenger airside link between them. Confirm the operating airline's terminal before arriving; a terminal change requires going landside, traveling between buildings, and clearing security again.

Key fact: Terminal 1's concourses are connected inside security. Terminal 2 is a separate secure terminal, so a T1/T2 connection requires a landside transfer and a new TSA screening.

Terminal Layout

• Terminal 1: seven connected concourses, A-G, with internal walkways and a concourse tram along part of the route
• Terminal 2: its own check-in, checkpoints, baggage claim, and gates

Gate and carrier assignments change. Use the official terminal map, flight display, and airline confirmation rather than a fixed concourse-by-airline list.

Getting Between Terminals

The Blue Line normally connects the terminal stations free of charge. During the current full Blue Line closure through August 19, Metro Transit replacement buses serve stations at or near the normal stops; consult the closure alert and allow extra time. Train service is scheduled to resume August 20.

Airline minimum connection times depend on the ticket and gate pair. For a cross-terminal or separate-ticket connection, allow for baggage claim when required, the landside transfer, check-in deadlines, and TSA screening.

International Arrivals (Terminal 1)

International arrivals can use either terminal. For a non-precleared arrival connecting onward:

1. Follow signs to U.S. Customs and Border Protection
2. Clear immigration
3. Collect all checked bags, as MSP's official guidance requires in the international arrivals facility
4. Clear customs
5. Re-check bags at the connecting flights counter
6. Clear TSA screening again; Terminal 1 uses Checkpoint 7 for international connecting travelers

If the onward flight departs from the other terminal, complete the landside terminal transfer before using that terminal's checkpoint. Passengers arriving from a U.S. preclearance airport use the domestic-arrival flow.

Tips for Tight Connections

• Check the onward terminal and gate as soon as the flight lands.
• Use Terminal 1's internal tram only when it helps the signed route; it does not reach Terminal 2.
• If a delay threatens a protected connection, contact the operating airline.

MSP has public transport, taxis, app-based rides, shuttles, rental cars, and private vehicles. The Blue Line normally links both airport terminals with downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America; the Green Line provides onward service toward St. Paul after a transfer in Minneapolis. Through August 19, use the Blue Line replacement bus and expect a longer trip.

Uber and Lyft are available at MSP. Rideshare pickup locations:

Terminal 1: Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 (follow signs from baggage claim). Walk outside to the designated rideshare pickup zone on the outer curb.

Terminal 2: Curb outside the main entrance (single pickup location).

Typical rideshare fares:

• Downtown Minneapolis: $25-40
• Downtown St. Paul: $30-45
• Mall of America: $12-18
• Suburbs (Edina, Bloomington): $18-30

Taxis are available at both terminals:

Terminal 1: Taxi stand on Level T of the parking ramp (take elevator from baggage claim)

Terminal 2: Curb outside terminal

Taxi rates (metered):

• Downtown Minneapolis: $35-45
• Downtown St. Paul: $40-50
• Flat rate to/from Mall of America: $15

Taxi fares include a $2.50 airport fee.

The Metro Blue Line normally connects both MSP terminals with downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America. Metro Transit is currently operating a full-length replacement bus through August 19, 2026, with trains scheduled to return August 20.

Getting to the Metro Station

At Terminal 1, follow Ground Transportation signs to the lower level and take the airport tram toward the transit station. At Terminal 2, follow the terminal's Metro Transit signs. During the closure, use Metro Transit's replacement-bus boarding map because the bus stop may differ from the rail platform.

Travel between the two airport stations is normally free; trips beyond the airport require the applicable Metro Transit fare. Check the trip planner and rider alerts for the current timetable, replacement service, and payment options.

Journey to Downtown Minneapolis

1. Follow signs to Transit from baggage claim.
2. Purchase or activate the required Metro Transit fare before boarding.
3. During the closure, board the Blue Line replacement bus toward Target Field; after service resumes, board the northbound Blue Line train.
4. Use the live trip planner for the best downtown stop.

Connections from Downtown Minneapolis

• Green Line: transfer at a shared downtown station for St. Paul
• Northstar Commuter Rail: connect at Target Field when service is operating for the desired trip

To St. Paul

Take Blue Line service toward downtown Minneapolis, then transfer to the Green Line for St. Paul. Metro Transit may also suggest a bus alternative during rail work; use the live planner for the travel date.

MSP offers multiple parking options at varying price points (as of 2025):

Terminal 1 Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Notes
Hourly Ramp	$36/day	Closest to terminal, $4/hr first 2 hrs
Daily Ramp	$23/day	Short walk via skyway
Value Lot	$14/day	Free shuttle to terminal
Quick Ride Lot	$11/day	Shuttle to terminal

Terminal 2 Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Notes
Orange Ramp	$23/day	Walking distance to terminal
Value Lot	$14/day	Shared with Terminal 1, shuttle available

Short-term rates: Hourly ramps charge $4/hour for the first 2 hours, then $2/hour thereafter.

Tips:

• Pre-book online at mspairport.com for potential discounts
• The Quick Ride Lot is the most economical option for extended trips
• Off-site lots on 34th Avenue offer rates from $7-10/day with shuttle service

MSP has earned recognition for its dining options, with a strong emphasis on local Minnesota restaurants. Most dining is concentrated in Terminal 1.

Terminal 1 Concourse C:

• Surdyk's Flights: Wine bar and cheese shop, local Minnesota favorite
• Mill City Tavern: Craft beer and pub fare

Terminal 1 Concourse D:

• French Meadow Bakery & Cafe: Organic, healthy options, excellent pastries
• Ike's Food & Cocktails: Casual dining, burgers, and American fare

Terminal 1 Concourse E:

• PGA Tour Grill: Sports bar atmosphere
• Urban Deli & Meats: Sandwiches and deli fare

Terminal 1 Concourse F:

• Stone Arch: Minnesota-inspired cuisine
• Pei Wei Asian Diner: Quick Asian fare
• Starbucks: Multiple locations throughout

Terminal 1 Concourse G:

• Surdyk's Flights: Second location
• Shoyu Asian Kitchen: Asian-inspired dishes
• Camden Food Co.: Grab-and-go healthy options

Terminal 2:

• Camden Food Co.: Grab-and-go sandwiches and salads
• Longboard's Wraps: Burritos and wraps
• Market (food court area): Limited options compared to Terminal 1

Late-night options: Most restaurants close between 8-9 PM. Late-night options are limited to convenience stores and vending.

Minnesota specialties to try: Surdyk's is a beloved local institution; French Meadow offers excellent organic fare.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals.

Network name: _Free MSP WiFi or MSP-Free WiFi

To connect:

1. Select the free WiFi network from your device
2. Open your browser (you may be redirected to a landing page)
3. Accept terms and conditions
4. Optional: Watch a brief ad for extended access

Quality: Reliable for browsing, email, and video calls. Average speeds of 15-25 Mbps. Faster connections available in airline lounges.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (Terminal 1, multiple concourse locations)
• Best Buy Express kiosk (Terminal 1)
• Wireless carrier stores are not common in the terminals

Major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid SIM options starting around $30-50. For better prices and selection, consider visiting carrier stores in downtown Minneapolis or Mall of America.

Tip: eSIM activation through carrier apps (T-Mobile, AT&T) is an alternative if your phone supports it.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals. In Terminal 1, ATMs are available in the ticketing area, near security checkpoints, and on most concourses.

Major banks represented:

• U.S. Bank (Minnesota-headquartered)
• Wells Fargo
• Chase

Out-of-network withdrawal fees are typically $3-5.

Currency exchange: Travelex operates a location in Terminal 1 (Concourse G area). As with most airports, exchange rates include significant markups. Using a no-foreign-transaction-fee card or a service like Wise typically offers better value.

Terminal 1 has more extensive shopping options:

• Minnesota!: Local Minnesota gifts and souvenirs (multiple locations)
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials (multiple concourses)
• InMotion: Electronics, headphones, travel tech
• Johnston & Murphy: Business attire and shoes
• MAC Cosmetics: Beauty products
• PGA Tour Shop: Golf apparel and accessories

Terminal 2 has limited retail:

• Basic convenience stores and newsstands

Duty-free: Limited duty-free shopping available in Terminal 1 for international departures.

Local gifts: Look for Minnesota-themed items, Prince memorabilia (Minneapolis native), and local food products.

MSP lounge options are dominated by Delta's presence.

Delta Sky Club

Delta operates 4 Sky Club lounges at MSP, all in Terminal 1:

Location	Gates Nearby	Notes
Concourse C	C1-C26	Renovated, popular
Concourse D	D1-D18	Centrally located
Concourse F	F1-F17	Near non-Delta carriers
Concourse G	G1-G26	Near international gates, largest

Access requires:

• Delta Sky Club membership
• Delta One/First Class ticket
• Delta Reserve Amex card (with same-day Delta flight)
• Delta Platinum/Diamond Medallion status

Note: Basic Economy tickets do not include Sky Club access even with eligible cards.

Priority Pass Lounges

The Club MSP (Terminal 1, Concourse G)

• Location: Near Gate G11
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or day pass (~$50)
• Amenities: Complimentary food, drinks, WiFi
• Quality: Can get crowded during peak departure times

This is the only Priority Pass lounge at MSP.

Escape Lounge (Terminal 2)

• Location: Terminal 2, past security
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM (hours vary by flight schedule)
• Access: Priority Pass, select credit cards, or day pass (~$45)
• Amenities: Food, drinks, quiet workspace
• Best for: Southwest, Sun Country, Icelandair passengers

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X cardholders get Priority Pass access for The Club MSP and Escape Lounge
• Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass membership

Day Passes

Both The Club MSP and Escape Lounge sell day passes when space is available ($45-50).

At/Connected to Airport:

InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport - Located directly in Terminal 1 between the ticketing level and Concourse C. Walk directly from the terminal without going outside.

• Rates: $180-300/night
• Amenities: Fitness center, restaurant, soundproofed rooms
• Ideal for early departures or overnight layovers
• IHG One Rewards property

Near the Airport:

Most hotels are located in Bloomington, a short drive or shuttle ride from MSP:

• Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington (5 min): Full-service, 24-hour shuttle
• Marriott Minneapolis Airport (5 min): Business-focused, shuttle service
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport (10 min): All-suite hotel, free shuttle
• Hampton Inn MSP Airport / Mall of America (10 min): Budget-friendly, free shuttle
• JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America (10 min): Upscale option, connected to Mall

Budget options: Hotels along American Boulevard offer rates from $80-120/night with airport shuttles.

Tip: Staying near Mall of America provides entertainment options during layovers, plus light rail access to both terminals and downtown Minneapolis.

The Twin Cities offer a vibrant mix of urban attractions, culture, and outdoor activities:

Getting Around

• Downtown Minneapolis: 25 min by Blue Line light rail ($2)
• Downtown St. Paul: 50-60 min by Blue Line + Green Line transfer
• Mall of America: 12 min by Blue Line ($2)

Minneapolis Highlights

• Nicollet Mall: Downtown pedestrian street with shopping and dining
• Mill City Museum: History of Minneapolis's flour milling industry
• Walker Art Center: Contemporary art museum with sculpture garden
• Minneapolis Institute of Art: Free world-class art collection
• Stone Arch Bridge: Historic bridge with Mississippi River views
• First Avenue: Legendary music venue (Prince's home club)
• Target Field: Minnesota Twins baseball (accessible via Blue Line)
• U.S. Bank Stadium: Minnesota Vikings football

St. Paul Highlights

• Summit Avenue: Historic mansions and architecture
• Cathedral of Saint Paul: Stunning hilltop cathedral
• Science Museum of Minnesota: Family-friendly
• Xcel Energy Center: Minnesota Wild hockey

Mall of America

Located 12 minutes from MSP via light rail, the Mall of America features:

• Over 500 stores
• Nickelodeon Universe (indoor theme park)
• SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium
• Numerous dining options

Great for layovers of 3+ hours.

Weather Notes

MSP experiences extreme seasonal weather:

• Winter (November-March): Temperatures frequently below 0°F (-18°C), heavy snow possible. Dress in layers with warm coat, hat, and gloves. Flights can be delayed during major snowstorms, though MSP handles winter weather efficiently.
• Summer (June-August): Warm and humid, temperatures 70-90°F (21-32°C)

Winter travel tip: MSP is experienced at handling snow. The airport rarely closes, but individual flights may be delayed or cancelled. Check flight status and build extra time into ground transportation during storms.

Local Food and Drink

• Juicy Lucy: Cheese-stuffed burger, a Minneapolis specialty (try Matt's Bar or 5-8 Club)
• Scandinavian cuisine: Reflecting Minnesota's heritage
• Craft beer: Numerous local breweries (Surly, Summit, Indeed)
• Wild rice: Minnesota state grain, featured in many dishes