Transfer Options from Minneapolis Airport to Downtown Minneapolis

Minneapolis is known for its many lakes and parks, and the Mississippi River that bisects the city. During your stay, in addition to enjoying the outdoor greenery, there are many museums and art galleries to explore, plus you can take care of any shopping itch at the famous Mall of America.

The MSP airport to downtown Minneapolis distance is just about 19 km (12 miles), and you can make the journey by taxi or metro. With an airport taxi, it takes around 20 to 40 minutes to reach downtown depending on traffic, whilst the fare is estimated to cost $39 (€37) to $49 (€46.50). The Blue Line Metro picks up passengers from both Terminals 1 and 2, and the trip takes around 30 minutes. A single adult ticket for the metro costs $2 (€1.90) or $2.50 (€2.38) during rush hours.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Minneapolis at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€37	20min	24/7
Metro	€3.80	30min	04:21–00:17

How to get from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis by taxi

Taking a taxi from the Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis is the quickest and easiest transfer option. Taxis are available 24/7 from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Or you can pre-book an airport taxi with one of Minneapolis’ taxi companies or with Welcome Pickups’ highly-rated professional service that offers taxis at fixed competitive rates. The journey by taxi from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis takes around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Unless you book your transfer in advance, the taxi fare is based on a metered rate and is estimated to cost $39 (€37) to $49 (€46.50).

Taxi fare from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis

If you take a taxi from one of the MSP airport’s taxi stands, the cost of the taxi fare is based on a metered rate. The cost is determined by a base rate (flag drop) and the number of miles travelled to your exact location. There is also a surcharge for travel to or from the airport, whilst there is no surcharge for travel at night. The fare can be estimated based on the following rates:

Base fare: $2.50 (€2.37)
Price per mile: $2.50 (€2.37)
Airport fee: $6 (€5.69)

For a flat competitive rate, you can also pre-book your airport taxi in advance with one of Welcome’s professional and prompt drivers.

Cost

$39 (€37)

Trip Duration

20-40 min

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis are available 24/7.

Where do I take a taxi from?

You can readily find Minneapolis airport’s taxi service at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. If you are in Terminal 1, head to the Tram Level (Level T). Follow the signs to the taxi booth, where airport staff will be waiting to direct you to a taxi. If you are in Terminal 2, you can find a taxi at the Ground Transportation Center which is on the ground level across from the terminal building.

Convenience

Taking a taxi is the most convenient and comfortable form of transportation from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis, especially if you are travelling with young children and/or lots of luggage. After landing at the airport, you can readily take a taxi directly to your accommodation, and you won’t have to worry about navigating public transportation.

Editor’s Note

Consider splitting the taxi fare with your travel partners for a much cheaper yet convenient transfer to your destination.

Useful Tips

Throughout the US, tipping your driver 20% for good service is the norm.

Passengers can pay the taxi fare by cash or card. If you pay with cash and will be needing change for a bill larger than $20, you may want to double-check that your driver has enough change before starting your ride.

There are a few different routes you can take to reach downtown Minneapolis from the airport; you may want to check traffic to see which is the quickest route to your destination.

How to get from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis by metro

To go from MSP airport to downtown Minneapolis, you can also take the northbound Blue Line Metro, which runs from the Mall of America to Terminal 2 (the Humphrey Station), then to Terminal 1 (the Lindbergh Station), and ends at Target Field Station in downtown Minneapolis. From Terminal 2, the metro runs every 15 minutes from 4:21 to 00:17 daily, and the trip downtown takes around 30 minutes. A ticket for an adult costs $2.50 (€2.38) during rush hours and $2.00 (€1.90) otherwise.

Cost of the metro from the Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis

Your journey’s fare depends on if you are travelling during rush hours (6:00 to 9:00 and 15:00 to 18:30 Monday-Friday). A ticket is good for use for up to 2.5 hours. For an adult (ages 13-64) a ticket costs $2 (€1.90) outside of rush hours and $2.50 (€2.38) during rush hours. A reduced fare is offered for kids aged 6 to 12 and seniors (65 and older); the reduced fare costs $1 (€0.95) outside of rush hours and $2.50 (€2.38) during rush hours. The fare for persons with disabilities is $1 (€0.95) at all times. Kids aged 5 and under can ride for free.

Tickets must be purchased before boarding the metro and can be bought by cash or card from the ticket machine on the station platform. If you plan to use the metro or bus frequently during your stay in Minneapolis, you may want to consider getting a Go-To Card to save some money.

Cost

$2.00 (€1.90)

Trip Duration

30 min

*There is a wait time of up to 15 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Available from 4:21 to 00:17.

Where can I find the metro?

The northbound Blue Line Metro stops at Terminal 2 and then at Terminal 1. If you are in Terminal 2, you can find the metro station on the north side of the Orange Ramp. To get there from Level 1, go up to the Orange Ramp skyway with the elevator or escalator, and then follow the signs to the station. In Terminal 1, you can find the metro station under the Red, Blue, and Silver parking ramps. To get there, you can take the tram from the Tram Level to the Red, Blue and Silver parking ramps, and then follow the signs directing you to the Metro Blue Line station.

Convenience

The metro is a great form of transportation if you want to save some money, especially if you are travelling light. But, with the waiting time and the journey time combination, it will take a little longer to reach downtown Minneapolis from the MSP airport, plus you may have to walk or take an additional mode of transportation to reach your destination.

Timetables

Blue Line Metro Route & Schedule

Go-To Cards and Ticket Fares

Editor’s Note

If you are using a Go-To Card or pass, you will need to validate it at the card reader on the station platform, or you can use the Metro Transit mobile app to validate. Random fare checks are performed onboard, so be sure to have your ticket or validated card or pass with you while riding the metro.

Useful Tips

For transit directions and timetables, you can download Metro Transit’s mobile app to your smartphone.

If you lose something on the metro or bus, you will need to call Metro Transit Customer Relations staff (dial 612-373-3333 and select option 3) to ask if the item was found. You will need an appointment to pick the item up, or you can arrange to have it mailed to you.

The metro makes several stops downtown, so check the location of your accommodation and the different metro stops to find the best place to disembark.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Minneapolis airport to downtown?

The easiest form of transportation from the Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis is by taxi. Taxis are available at both airport terminals, or you can book your airport taxi in advance. The journey takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. You can also take the northbound Blue Line Metro to reach downtown. The metro leaves every 15 minutes, and the ride takes around 30 minutes.

What’s the distance from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis?

The Minneapolis airport is about 19 km (12 miles) from downtown Minneapolis. By taxi, the ride takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. If you take the metro, the ride takes around 30 minutes to reach downtown.

How much is a taxi from Minneapolis airport to downtown?

A Minneapolis taxi fare is based on a metered rate. There is a base fare of $2.50 (€2.37), whilst each mile travelled costs $2.50 (€2.37) and there is an hourly rate for standing or waiting of $24 (€22.77). There is also a surcharge for travel to or from the airport of $6 (€5.69). To go to downtown Minneapolis from the MSP airport, the fare is estimated to cost $39 (€37) to $49 (€46.50).

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How to get from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis by taxi

Taxi fare from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis

Cost

$39 (€37)

Trip Duration

20-40 min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis are available 24/7.

Where do I take a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis by metro

Cost of the metro from the Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis

Cost

$2.00 (€1.90)

Trip Duration

30 min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Available from 4:21 to 00:17.

Where can I find the metro?

Convenience

Timetables

Blue Line Metro Route & Schedule

Go-To Cards and Ticket Fares

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Minneapolis airport to downtown?

What’s the distance from Minneapolis airport to downtown Minneapolis?

How much is a taxi from Minneapolis airport to downtown?

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Transfer Options in Minneapolis

FromMinneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

ToMall of America ( Bloomington )

Minneapolis Airport Taxi: Compare All Taxi Options & Prices

Minneapolis Taxi - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in Minneapolis

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