Minneapolis is one of the cool but heartwarming cities of the north. Minnehaha Falls, considered the heart of the city, enchants visitors with its colorful display in autumn. Walking to the sound of the waterfall is therapeutic. You can walk and cycle around Lake Bde Maka Ska, which truly lives up to the city’s nickname, “City of Lakes.” Be sure to visit Stone Arch Bridge to see the iconic stone arch bridge that has become a symbol of the city. If you’re into art, you can visit the Walker Art Center. To feel the historic atmosphere, I recommend strolling around the old mill district on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Minneapolis takes on a completely different character in winter with its snow-covered parks and ice skating rinks, while in summer it comes alive with festivals.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is located in Minnesota’s Twin Cities region. The airport is directly adjacent to Minnesota State Highway 5. The airport is 10 miles from both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul Airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines. It is also the main airport for Sun Country Airlines and Endeavor Air. Due to its proximity to city centers and ease of access, the airport has become an important hub for travel in the region. Approximately 30 million passengers use this airport annually.
The METRO Blue Line train connects both terminals to downtown Minneapolis, the Mall of America, and downtown Saint Paul. Travel time from the airport to all these locations is 25-35 minutes. There are taxi stands in front of each terminal. Taxis operate 24 hours a day. There are two terminals at Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport: Lindbergh Terminal and Humphrey Terminal.
These two terminals are in separate areas. Thanks to the free rail system between the terminals, you can transfer between terminals in minutes.
Interactive Minneapolis Airport Map
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport Terminal
There are two terminals at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. There are a total of 131 gates in these two terminals. There is no direct walking connection between the two terminals. To transfer between terminals, you must take the METRO Blue Line and go through security again on the other side. Travel between terminals is free and takes only a few minutes.
Terminal 1 is the airport’s largest and busiest terminal. This terminal has seven separate concourses, labeled A through G. There are 117 gates in the terminal. Major airlines such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines, Air France, KLM, and Aer Lingus operate flights from this terminal. The most notable feature of Terminal 1 is the Airport Mall in the center. This is a large indoor space that combines dining, shopping, and relaxation areas. There are two separate checkpoints within the terminal, North and South.
Terminal 2 is a smaller and quieter terminal. This terminal has a single concourse. There are 14 gates inside the terminal. Low-cost airlines such as Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and JetBlue use this terminal. Ticket and baggage procedures are carried out in the check-in lobby on Level 1.
There are long-term and short-term parking areas in front of the terminals. Both terminals have play areas for children, nursing rooms, and even quiet work areas.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul Airport Car Rental
Rent a car at Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport and freely explore the Twin Cities area. There are plenty of places to visit in the Twin Cities. You can explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the shores of Lake Minnetonka, and the historic townscape of Stillwater. The Mall of America is only a 10-minute drive from the airport. It is not just a shopping mall. Inside the mall, there is a theme park and a large aquarium.
There are car rental offices in both terminals at Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport. In Terminal 1, car rental offices are located on the second and third floors of the blue and red parking garages. In Terminal 1, you can easily reach the silver and blue parking areas by following the tunnels and escalators leading to the car rental center.
In Terminal 2, car rental companies operate in the transportation center on the ground floor of the purple parking garage. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, ACE Rent A Car, Dollar, Payless, Hertz, TURO, and National operate at the airport. Some car rental companies outside the terminal offer a free shuttle service. The shuttle departs from Terminal 1.
You can make your car reservation online before your trip. Prices are more affordable for online reservations. Also, sometimes cars run out at car rental companies at the airport. Don’t forget to make your reservation before your trip to guarantee your car.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport VIP Lounge
If you want to make your long layover more comfortable, you can wait for your flight in the VIP Lounge area at Minneapolis–Saint Paul Airport. All VIP Lounges are located in Terminal 1. The Escape Lounge is located in Concourse E of the airside section of Terminal 1. It is free for American Express Platinum Card holders. You can access the lounge area by paying at the door without making a reservation. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Delta Sky Club serves three separate areas in Terminal 1. There are three separate Delta Sky Clubs: Concourse C, near Gate C12; Concourse F, Level 2; and Level 3, near Gates G. This VIP Lounge is open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
The United Club is located near Gate E7 in Terminal 1. It is open from 5:00 AM to 6:45 PM. It is open to United Airlines passengers. You can also enter the lounge area by paying at the door.
VIP Lounges offer hot and cold meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and a work area.
For military personnel, there is a special rest area in Terminal 1 called the Armed Forces Service Center.
Hotels in Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport
If you are looking for a hotel before your flight or after a long flight, I have good news for you. There are many hotels around Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport. The InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport is connected to Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport by a skybridge. This hotel is next to Terminal 1. You don’t need to exit the terminal to reach this hotel. You can go directly to the hotel lobby by passing through a special security checkpoint. This 12-story hotel has 291 rooms, two restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a 2,800-square-meter meeting room. The hotel offers 24/7 room service.
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America, SpringHill Suites Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites St. Paul Eagan, and TownePlace Suites are located very close to the airport. Chain hotels such as Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt are only 5-10 minutes away from the airport.
Hotels near the Mall of America are particularly popular with travelers who want to be close to both shopping and the airport. Most of these hotels offer a free shuttle service. Be sure to confirm shuttle details when making your hotel reservation. Considering that you can easily reach the city center via the METRO Blue Line, you can also book a room at a hotel in the city center.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport Location
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport Address: 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, United States.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport IATA: MSP.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport ICAO: KMSP.
Satellite view of Minneapolis Airport. Click to enlarge
Minneapolis Airport destination map (March 2026). Click to enlarge