The Ultimate Guide to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

Overview of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a critical hub for both domestic and international travel. Located approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, MSP is renowned for its efficiency, exceptional amenities, and Midwestern hospitality. As a major hub for Delta Air Lines and Sun Country Airlines, MSP connects travelers to destinations across the globe.

• Location: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
• IATA Code: MSP
• ICAO Code: KMSP
• Opened: 1920
• Annual Passenger Traffic: Over 39 million (pre-pandemic levels)
• Terminals: 2 (Terminal 1 - Lindbergh, and Terminal 2 - Humphrey)

Why Choose Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport?

• Global Connectivity: Direct flights to over 160 destinations worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
• Top-Rated Facilities: Consistently ranked as one of the best airports in North America for customer satisfaction.
• Convenient Location: Quick access to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Twin Cities area.
• Midwestern Charm: A seamless blend of modern amenities and friendly service.

History of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Originally established as Wold-Chamberlain Field in 1920, MSP has grown into a world-class airport and a vital economic driver for Minnesota. In 1948, it was renamed Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to reflect its role as a regional transportation hub. Over the decades, MSP has undergone significant expansions and upgrades, including the opening of the Lindbergh Terminal (Terminal 1) and Humphrey Terminal (Terminal 2). Today, MSP is celebrated for its innovation, sustainability initiatives, and passenger experience.

Terminal Layout at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

MSP operates two terminals, each catering to specific airlines and passenger needs.

1. Terminal 1 – Lindbergh

• Overview:
  • The primary terminal, serving major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
• Concourses: A through G.
• Key Features:
  • A wide range of dining, shopping, and lounge options.
  • Direct access to parking garages, the light rail, and car rental services.

2. Terminal 2 – Humphrey

• Overview:
  • Serves low-cost and charter carriers like Sun Country Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Icelandair.
• Concourses: H.
• Key Features:
  • Efficient design for quick check-ins and boarding.
  • Budget-friendly dining and retail options.

Inter-Terminal Connectivity

• Light Rail Transit (LRT): A free light rail service connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, operating 24/7 for seamless transfers.

Transportation Options to and from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

1. Light Rail Transit (LRT)

• Details:
  • The METRO Blue Line provides direct access from MSP to downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America.
• Travel Time: ~20-30 minutes to downtown.
• Cost: $2.50 (peak), $2.00 (off-peak).

2. Taxis and Rideshares

• Details:
  • Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available at designated pickup zones outside both terminals.
• Travel Time: ~15-20 minutes to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul.
• Cost: $25-$40, depending on destination and traffic.

3. Car Rentals

• Providers:
  • Major brands like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
• Pickup/Drop-off: Rental car facilities are located in Terminal 1 and accessible via a shuttle from Terminal 2.

4. Airport Shuttles

• Details:
  • Many hotels and private companies offer shuttle services to and from the airport.
• Cost: Typically $10-$20 per passenger.

Parking at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

1. Terminal 1 Parking

• Options:
  • Short-Term, Daily, and Value Parking located adjacent to Terminal 1.
• Cost: $5/hour, $28/day.

2. Terminal 2 Parking

• Options:
  • Budget-friendly parking near Terminal 2, with shuttle service to Terminal 1 if needed.
• Cost: $5/hour, $21/day.

3. Value Parking (Quick Ride Ramp)

• Details:
  • Affordable long-term parking with free light rail access to both terminals.
• Cost: $19/day.

Dining and Shopping at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Dining Options

• Local Flavors:
  • TwinBurger (Terminal 1): Classic burgers with a Minnesota twist.
  • Surdyk’s Flights (Terminal 1): Wine and cheese pairings for a taste of the Twin Cities.
• International Cuisine:
  • Ike’s Food and Cocktails (Terminal 1): Upscale dining with global flavors.
  • Blue Door Pub (Terminal 2): Famous for its Juicy Lucy burgers.
• Quick Bites:
  • Starbucks, Dunkin’, and McDonald’s for on-the-go travelers.

Shopping Options

• Local Stores:
  • Minnesota State Store: Souvenirs and gifts unique to Minnesota.
• Luxury Brands:
  • Coach and L’Occitane for premium shopping.
• Essentials:
  • Hudson News for books, magazines, and travel necessities.

Lounges at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

1. Delta Sky Club (Concourse F)

• Access: Available to Delta One, SkyTeam Elite Plus, and Sky Club members.
• Features: Complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and relaxation areas.

2. Escape Lounge (Terminal 1)

• Access: Open to all travelers for a fee or via Priority Pass.
• Features: Premium dining, comfortable seating, and curated cocktails.

3. PGA MSP Lounge (Terminal 1)

• Access: Open to all travelers for a fee.
• Features: Golf simulator, putting greens, and snacks.

Nearby Hotels

1. InterContinental Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport

• Distance: Connected to Terminal 1 by skybridge.
• Features: Luxury accommodations, fine dining, and meeting spaces.

2. Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South

• Distance: 5 minutes by car.
• Features: Complimentary breakfast, airport shuttle, and modern rooms.

3. Radisson Blu Mall of America

• Distance: 10 minutes by car.
• Features: Direct access to Mall of America and upscale amenities.

Top Tips for Travelers at MSP

1. Arrive Early: Allow at least 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.
2. Use the Light Rail: The METRO Blue Line is an affordable and efficient way to reach downtown or Mall of America.
3. Explore Local Cuisine: Try the Juicy Lucy at Blue Door Pub or grab local wine and cheese at Surdyk’s Flights.
4. Relax in Lounges: Upgrade your travel experience with access to premium airport lounges.
5. Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your journey.

FAQs About Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Q: How far is MSP from downtown Minneapolis?
A: MSP is approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) from downtown Minneapolis, about a 15-20 minute drive.

Q: What’s the best way to get to downtown Minneapolis from MSP?
A: The METRO Blue Line light rail offers a fast and affordable connection for $2.50 (peak) or $2.00 (off-peak).

Q: Does MSP offer free Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Q: Are there hotels inside MSP?
A: Yes, the InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport is directly connected to Terminal 1.

Future Developments at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

• Terminal Enhancements: Planned upgrades to expand capacity and improve passenger flow.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Continued focus on reducing the airport’s environmental footprint.
• New Routes: Adding more domestic and international connections to meet growing demand.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport combines convenience, exceptional amenities, and global connectivity to provide an outstanding travel experience. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, MSP ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey. Plan your trip with Airport.co for expert tips, tools, and resources!