Transfer to/from - Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport (MSP)

Multiple ground transportation options link the airport to downtown Minneapolis (20–25 minutes) and Saint Paul (20 minutes). In Terminal 1, ground transport centers around Level T (Tram Level), while in Terminal 2 services are located on the ground floor of the Purple Ramp.

Light Rail Transit (METRO Blue Line)

Metro Transit light rail connects both terminals directly to the Mall of America (12 minutes) and Downtown Minneapolis (25 minutes), stopping at Fort Snelling, Government Plaza, and Nicollet Mall.

Station Locations: In Terminal 1, the station is on the lower underground level accessible via the tram beneath the Red and Blue garages. In Terminal 2, it is on the north side of the Orange Ramp parking garage.

Hours and Fares: Trains run from 5:00 am to midnight every 15–20 minutes. Travel between the two terminal stations is completely free. Fares to off-airport stations are USD 2.50 during rush hours (Monday to Friday 6:00–9:00 am and 3:00–6:30 pm) and USD 2.00 during off-peak times.

Public and Regional Buses

Metro Transit (Route 54): Connects Terminal 1 with downtown Saint Paul (Union Depot) and Mall of America in 20–30 minutes. Runs from 4:00 am to 0:30 am every 15–30 minutes. Fares are USD 2.50 peak / USD 2.00 off-peak. Stops only at Terminal 1 (Level 1 of Silver Ramp; passengers from Terminal 2 must take the free light rail to T1).

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA): Route 495 links Terminal 1 with Burnsville and Shakopee 7 days a week (buses every 2 hours, USD 3.25 peak fare). Route 436 serves Eagan.

SouthWest Transit (Route 686): Connects with Eden Prairie and Mall of America from Silver Ramp in T1 and Purple Ramp in T2.

App-Based Ride Services (Uber & Lyft)

Designated rideshare pickup points are available at each terminal:

• Terminal 1: Ground Transportation Center, Level 1 of the Green and Gold parking ramps.
• Terminal 2: Ground level of the Purple Ramp across from the terminal building.

Taxis

Official 24-hour taxi dispatch stands operate at Level T in Terminal 1 and on the ground level of the Purple Ramp in Terminal 2. The metered flag drop is USD 6.50 (USD 2.50 base plus USD 4.00 airport access surcharge). Estimated taxi fares are USD 39.00–49.00 to downtown Minneapolis and USD 31.00–38.00 to downtown Saint Paul.

Intercity Shuttles and Regional Buses

Several scheduled motorcoach companies operate from the Ground Transportation Center at Terminal 1 (Silver Ramp or Green/Gold Ramp), connecting MSP to destinations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Passengers arriving at Terminal 2 can take the free light rail to Terminal 1 to connect.

Jefferson Lines: Links Terminal 1 with communities across more than 14 Midwestern states. Departures from Level 1 of the Silver Ramp.

Groome Transportation: Provides frequent direct connections to Duluth, Rochester (serving the Mayo Clinic and IBM facilities), Eau Claire, and La Crosse in Wisconsin.

Land to Air Express: Serves southern Minnesota, including Mankato, St. Peter, and Shakopee.

Landline: Luxury coach services operating coordinated flight transfers with Sun Country Airlines to Duluth and Mankato.

Executive Express: Operates along the I-94 and Hwy 10 corridors to St. Cloud, Brainerd/Baxter, Alexandria, and Monticello.

Northfield Lines: Regular service connecting to Northfield and Carleton College.

More information on airport shuttles and ground transport