When you are traveling to and from the Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.
Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.
- A Brief Overview of Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport
- Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport Terminal
- Airport Parking
- Airlines Served at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport
- Facilities & Services Available at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport
- Hotels At and/or Near Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport
- Shuttle Service
- Conclusion
A Brief Overview of Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport
Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport is a busy airport, serving about 17 commercial airlines. It’s also called Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport MSP is a worldwide airport placed in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States.
It is within 16 km (10 miles) of downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul as well. The airport is managed and run by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). MSP airport is the busiest and largest airport in the six-state Upper Midwest location of Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. It also has been ranked as one of the great large airports in the U.S. and the world by purchaser delight surveys.
The airport, along with its management, has obtained a number of awards in numerous categories, inclusive of safety, financial management, labor relations, legal oversight, snow and ice control, concessions, airport design and development, and advertising and communications.
Travelers who need transportation from one terminal to the other can use the light rail transit service. Trains operate 24 hours a day between terminals. No fare is required between airport stations. There is no pedestrian access between the buildings.
IATA: MSP
Address:
4300 Glumack Drive,
St. Paul,
MN 55111 USA
Contact: (612) 726 5555
Website: https://www.mspairport.com
Operation Hours: Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain food concessions and car rental services may not offer their services 24 hours. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may also vary with the flight schedule.
Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport Terminal
Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport has two terminals called Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has seven concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H), whereas Terminal 2 has just one concourse (H). While Terminal 1 serves 12 commercial airlines, Terminal 2, on the other hand, serves 5 airlines.
However, both terminals have separate roadways that connect to the airport. Thus, if you have a flight to catch, be sure to double-check from which terminal you need to board your flight.
You can take a free ride on the light rail transit (LRT) to get to any of the terminals. This free train service is in operation 24 hours, including weekends. There’s one available approximately every 10 minutes during peak times.
The free landside light rail service can also take you to downtown Minneapolis and the popular Mall of America. There is also the Metro Blue Line airport shuttle service that is available from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
- Location of Terminal 1 (Lindbergh): 4300 Glumack Drive, St. Paul, MN 55111
- Location of Terminal 2 (Humphrey): 7150 Humphrey Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55450
Airport Parking
Vehicle parking facilities are available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Parking options are available and the rates depend on how long you want to park your vehicle.
In addition, there is also a Quick Ride Ramp, Valet Parking, and discounted pre-booked parking. This means that you can book or reserve a parking spot at the airport, although this must be done 24 hours in advance.
Airlines Served at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport serves major international commercial passenger airlines from its two separate terminals.
Terminal 1 serves commercial airlines, which are Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air Choice One, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Boutique Air, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines.
Terminal 2 serves commercial airlines, which are Condor, Icelandair, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines.
Facilities & Services Available at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport
Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport provides amenities to passengers to make every traveler’s experience worthwhile.
Security Check-points
There are security checks at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through these security checks.
Help Desk
When you are at the Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport and need help, there is an information desk to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. You can find the information desk located at Terminal 1 (Lindbergh), Level T.
It is open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. In addition to the information desk, there are also black “Airport Assistance” phones that can be found throughout the airport for anyone seeking information. You simply need to look for the blue light on the wall. These phones are manned by live operators and are in service from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Stations
Free Wi-Fi is available at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport, in case you need to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. In addition to free Wi-Fi, mobile charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your phone’s battery. Free Wi-Fi is accessible at the airport for 2 hours only. You can connect to the “MSP-WiFi” or “Boingo Hotspot” networks at the Airside.
Baggage Handling
A luggage storage facility is available airside in Terminal 1 (Lindbergh), near Gates C2, C13 and near the entrance to Concourse F. SmartCart, storage lockers can accommodate carry-on-sized luggage. All lockers are equipped with fingerprint technology to make sure that only those who store their baggage can retrieve them.
The fee is $4 for the first 4 hours and $1 for every additional hour to a most of $12 per day. The maximum storage time allowed is 48 hours, after which the lockers are emptied by the authorities.
Lounges and Meeting Rooms
The MSP Airport provides premium lounges that you can use by either paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or via lounge membership programs.
Escape Lounge:
The lounge is located in Terminal 1, Airside, at the north end of the Airport Mall on the Mezzanine Level. You can access the lounge by paying at the door.
PGA MSP Lounge:
The lounge is located in Terminal 1, Airside. This lounge is accessible through lounge membership programs.
United Club:
The lounge is located in Terminal 1, Airside, at Concourse E, between Gates E6 and E8. You can access this lounge by paying at the door, which also requires proof of your United Airlines ticket and/or United Club Membership.
Delta Sky Club:
This lounge can be accessed through paid membership programs only. It is located in Terminal 1, at concourses C and F.
Armed Forces Service Center (AFSC):
The AFSC is accessible only to the current members of the military active duty, National Guard, reservists, their dependents, retirees, and DOD employees.
It is a nice lounge that has a TV, access to a military DSN phone line, CAC reader, cellular phone, free Wi-Fi, iPads, fax/printer/copier machine, bathrooms, and toiletries.
The lounge also provides complimentary snacks, beverages, etc. There are bunk rooms for men (sleeping capacity is 20) and women (sleeping capacity is 6). The lounge is located on the Landside, Mezzanine Level, near the Ticket area, above Door 1. It is open 24 hours.
Conference Center:
Pre-flight, post-flight, or between flights, the MSP Airport Conference Center has space and amenities needed for conferences and presentations. The MSP Airport Conference Center is located within MSP Airport’s Terminal 1-Lindbergh, on the Mezzanine Level.
It provides conference rooms/private workstations for up to 100, A/V, computer, presentation equipment on rent, administrative services, voice conferencing, and catering/food and beverage service.
MSP Airport Conference Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Friday), and on weekends as requested in advance. A one-hour additional fee is charged for any reservation or service that requires staff presence before 7 a.m. or after 5 p.m., on weekdays, or anytime on weekends or holidays.
All rooms are geared up with tables and comfortable seating, speaker/conference call telephones, data ports, project screens, and tack boards.
Postal Services
There are mailboxes available at the airport, which lets you drop off your last-minute postcards. These US Postal Drop boxes are located in both Terminals 1 and 2. You can also buy stamps at any US Bank ATM/Cash Machine.
ATM
ATMs are available at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATM if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores.
Stores and Duty-Free
Duty-Free & Shopping:
MSP Duty-Free can be found at several locations. You can find duty-free stores at Terminal 1, Concourse D entrance (open from 6 a.m. till 9 p.m.), Terminal 1, MSP Airport Mall, near the south check-point (open from 6 a.m. till 9 p.m.), Terminal 2, Concourse H (open from 5 a.m. till 8 p.m.). Additionally, a wide variety of retail stores are also available throughout the airport.
Chiropractic Services:
If you need to buy medicines, simply head over to Chiroport. It offers chiropractic services on the go. It is located in Terminal 1, Concourse C, Concourse F, halfway down on the left, and also in Terminal 1, Concourse G, near Gate 6. It is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
There are other shops you can visit, such as Adventure North, Altitude, Aveda, BluWire, Hammer Made, Kiehl’s, MSP Duty-Free, Open Book, and Swarovski.
Cafés, Bars, and Restaurants
Food concessions are available throughout the airport which operates on different schedules. These options are open 24 hours. Camden Food Co. is located at Terminal 1, Concourse F and there’s also McDonald’s, which is located at Terminal 1, Concourse D.
The Cibo Food Hall/Express locations may be a good option for a healthy ‘grab and go snack’. It is located at Terminal 1, Concourse G, near Gates 1-6, 4, 8, 12, 15, 18, and 22. It is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Farmers Market is located at Landside that also offers ‘grab and go’ snacks. It is located at Terminal 1, near the baggage claim area. It is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Other places to eat at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport include:
- Angel Food Bakery (Terminal 1)
- Black Sheep (Terminal 1)Blue Door Pub (Terminal 1)
- Hi-Lo (Terminal 1)
- Holy Land Deli (Terminal 1)
- LoLo American Kitchen (Terminal 1)
- Mill City Tavern (Terminal 1)
- Mimosa (Terminal 1)
- Minnesota Wild Bar and Restaurant (Terminal 2)
- Red Cow (Terminal 1)
- Smack Shack (Terminal 1)
- Stone Arch (Terminal 1)
There are multiple water-filling stations throughout the airport, both Landside, and Airside.
Hotels At and/or Near Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport
Finding accommodations at the Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport or nearby should not be a problem for you as there are several hotels out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find comfortable places to stay during your visit to Minneapolis.
A few hotels that are located at a close distance from the Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport are:
Intercontinental Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport:
The hotel is located at the airport. If you are carrying only carry-on luggage, you can get entry to the motel from Terminal 1-Lindbergh by the skyway link at Concourse C, near Gate C25. If you are picking up your luggage at the baggage claim area, you will need to proceed to the ground transportation center where you can take the free hotel/airport shuttle.
The shuttle operates at a frequency of 20 minutes. If you are arriving at Terminal 2-Humphrey, you should call the hotel for arrival instructions. The hotel provides a full health club (showers), sauna, and thermal swimming pool that is also enjoyed by non-guests, for which an entry pass must be purchased.
Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Mall of America:
The hotel is located about 8 minutes from the airport. There are free shuttle services to the airport and the Mall of America. For airport pick-up, you will need to call the hotel using the courtesy phone from Terminal 1.
Hyatt Place Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport South:
The hotel is located about a few minutes from the airport. It provides a free 24-hour airport shuttle that also services travelers to the Mall of America.
Embassy Suites Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport:
The hotel is located a few minutes from the airport. It provides a free airport shuttle service that also transports passengers to the Mall of America.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport-Mall Area:
The hotel is located about 11 minutes from the airport. It provides a free shuttle service to the airport and the Mall of America from 4 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Hotel Shuttles
Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to the hotel and/or airport. A few hotels in and around the city of Minneapolis provide free shuttle services to and from Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport.
Connecting between Humphrey and Lindbergh terminals is convenient with the aid of free Light Rail Transit service. Trains run between terminals each 7 to 8 minutes for the duration of top times and 10 to 15 minutes at other times of the day and serve 24/7.
Shuttle Service
Bus Services
Need a bus ride? There are many public transportation services that serve at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport and can take you not only to hotels, can also to enjoy a ride in the city and go on sightseeing. Metro Transit has a scheduled bus service to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, as well as Jefferson Lines that are available at the Lindbergh Terminal’s Transit Center. You can reach the Transit Center from the Red and Blue parking ramps or by taking the Hub Tram from the Lindbergh Terminal’s Tram Level.
Taxi Services
The companies that provide taxi services at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport are Viking Airport Taxi Minneapolis, Black & White Taxi & Limousine, and Blue & White ABC Taxi. The Limousine service providers include Renee’s Royal Valet, Knight Limousine Service, Star Limousine, and Luxury Limousine.
Car Hire/Rental
You can hire a car at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport if you are in the mood to move around places in Minneapolis city. There are a number of car hire/rental companies that provide this service.
Rental car counters can be found at both terminals in the baggage claim areas. On-Airport Rental cars are available at Lindbergh Terminal 1, on levels 2 and 3, between Blue and Red parking ramps. You can take the underground tram to the parking ramps, then take the elevator.
The other is located at Humphrey Terminal 2. Rental cars are in the Ground Transport Center, at the ground level of the Purple parking ramp across from the terminal.
Conclusion
Be wary of the fact that Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport sees its fair share of harsh weather and snowstorms during winter. This further adds to delays and cancellations in flights, which are quite common between the months of November and March.
