Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
MSP Airport offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. Curbside parking is available, but it is restricted to active loading and unloading only. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times and are not allowed to park or leave their cars unattended. Violators may be ticketed or towed.
For those who prefer to wait for their arriving passengers, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas are free to use and allow drivers to park and wait for their passengers to call or text when they are ready to be picked up. Once the passenger has retrieved their luggage and is ready to be picked up, the driver can proceed to the curbside for quick and easy loading.
Parking Facilities & Options
The airport offers a variety of parking options to suit the needs of all travelers. The airport has several parking garages and lots located near the terminals.
Conveniently located cell phone waiting areas are available for those who are picking up arriving passengers. These waiting areas are free of charge and allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers are ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking facilities, and shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts to assist those with mobility issues.
For those looking for more economical parking options, off-airport parking lots are available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals and can be a cost-effective alternative to on-site parking.
Get details about Minneapolis-St Paul Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Twin Cities Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help travelers get to their destination. For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies available at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. These companies have rental counters located in the Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey buildings.
Taxi services are also available at the airport, with taxi stands located outside of both terminals. The estimated fare from the airport to downtown Minneapolis is around $39-$49, and to downtown St. Paul is around $30-$38. It is important to note that there is a $6.25 airport access fee added to all taxi fares.
For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. These services have designated pickup areas outside of both terminals. It is important to note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed in these vehicles.
Airport shuttles are also available for those who need transportation to nearby hotels or other destinations. These shuttles have designated pickup areas outside of both terminals and fares vary depending on the destination.
Lastly, public transportation options are available for those who prefer to use buses or trains. The Metro Transit system has routes that serve the airport, with stops located outside of both terminals. Fares for the bus and light rail start at $2.50 and vary depending on the destination.
Airport Hotels
Traveling can be a tiring experience, especially when it involves long flights. Having a comfortable place to rest before or after your journey can greatly enhance your travel experience. There are numerous excellent hotels nearby, providing a range of amenities and services to suit every traveler's needs. Whether you're looking for luxury accommodations or more unique stays, there are options to suit every taste and budget. Some of these include the InterContinental, the charming Minneapolis Cottage, the Bright Mpls Getaway, and the Hilton. For more information on these and other excellent hotel options, please visit our Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotels page.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Traveling through Twin Cities Airport and looking for a bite to eat or some shopping? Look no further! MSP offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options to suit any taste or need. From classic coffee chains like Starbucks to gourmet food and wine shops like Surdyk's Flights, you're sure to find something to satisfy your hunger. And when it comes to shopping, MSP has everything from local boutiques to internationally recognized brands. Some notable stores include Minnesota State of Nice, iStore, and Swarovski. But that's just the beginning! For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, explore the facilities at this link.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Twin Cities Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, explore the facilities at this link.
Passenger Services
MSP is a world-class airport that offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here are some of the services available:
Wifi Access: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Simply connect to the "MSP Free Wi-Fi" network and follow the instructions to get online.
Lost and Found: If you lose an item at the airport, you can contact the Lost and Found department for assistance. The office is located on the Mezzanine Level of the Blue Ramp in the Main Terminal.
Children's Areas: MSP Airport has several play areas for children, including a large play area in Terminal 1-Lindbergh and a smaller play area in Terminal 2-Humphrey. These areas are designed to help kids burn off some energy before their flight.
Special-Needs Services: The airport offers a range of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones for the hearing-impaired. If you require any special assistance, contact the airline or airport in advance to make arrangements.
Banking: There are several banks and ATMs located throughout the airport, including Wells Fargo, US Bank, and Travelex. You can also exchange currency at Travelex if you need to.
Medical Help: If you require medical assistance while at the airport, there are several medical clinics and pharmacies available. The Medical Center is located in the Main Terminal, and there are also several pharmacies located throughout the airport.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at MSP Airport.
One of the most convenient ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications about their flight status. Additionally, passengers can sign up to receive text or email alerts from their airline.
Another way to stay updated on flight status is by checking the airport website. The Minneapolis-St Paul Airport website provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can also check the website of their airline for updates.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended that passengers arrive at Minneapolis-St Paul Airport at least two hours before their scheduled domestic flight and three hours before their scheduled international flight. The busiest times at the airport are typically in the early morning and late afternoon, so if possible, try to schedule your flight during off-peak times to avoid long lines and wait times.
Getting to the Airport
Twin Cities Airport is conveniently located just 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis and 12 miles from downtown St. Paul. The best ways to get to the airport include taking a taxi, using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, or driving and parking at one of the airport's many parking facilities. The airport also offers a light rail service called the METRO Blue Line, which provides direct access to the airport from downtown Minneapolis.
Getting Oriented
When you arrive at MSP, it's important to get oriented quickly so you can find your way around the airport. One helpful tool is iFly.com's interactive airport maps, which provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can access these maps on your smartphone or tablet by visiting iFly.com and selecting MSP Airport from the list of airports.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at the airport, be sure to check your flight status before leaving for the airport and sign up for flight alerts to stay informed about any changes or delays. It's also a good idea to pack light and avoid bringing prohibited items in your carry-on or checked baggage, as this can cause delays at security checkpoints. Finally, be sure to follow all airport rules and regulations, including arriving on time for your flight and following instructions from airport personnel.
Security Wait Times
At Minneapolis-St Paul Airport, the TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the day of the week. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented various measures to help reduce wait times, such as adding more TSA agents and implementing a PreCheck program. To avoid any stress or delays, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.
Airport Facts & Stats
Minneapolis-St Paul Airport, also known as MSP, is a major airport located in the United States. It is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Minnesota, serving millions of passengers every year. MSP has a total of 9 terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, Concourse F, Concourse G, Concourse H, and the Main Terminal.
On average, MSP handles around 35,000 passengers daily, with an average of 400 daily flights. The airport serves over 160 destinations worldwide, with the top 5 destinations being Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
The top airlines with the most daily flights at MSP are Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Delta Air Lines is the largest carrier at MSP, with over 400 daily departures to destinations across the globe.
MSP is also a hub for Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, and Endeavor Air. These airlines operate a significant number of flights out of MSP, connecting passengers to destinations across the United States and beyond.
Airport History
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, also known as MSP, is a joint civil-military public use airport located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It is the largest and busiest airport in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1920s - The airport site was first used as a military training base during World War I.
- 1929 - The first commercial flight took off from the airport, operated by Northwest Airways.
- 1944 - The airport was renamed to Wold-Chamberlain Field in honor of two local aviation pioneers.
- 1950s - The airport underwent significant expansion and modernization to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.
- 1960s - The airport's name was changed to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to reflect its status as a major international gateway.
- 1992 - A new terminal, Terminal 1, was opened to replace the outdated and overcrowded original terminal building.
- 2001 - The airport was briefly closed following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, causing significant disruption to air travel across the country.
- 2010 - A new light rail transit system, the METRO Blue Line, was opened to provide direct access to the airport from downtown Minneapolis.
- 2019 - The airport celebrated its 90th anniversary and continued to set new records for passenger traffic and flight operations.
Today, Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport is a vital hub for air travel in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year with flights to destinations around the world.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: MSP
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 612-726-5555
- Email: [emailprotected]
- Mailing Address: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, 4300 Glumack Drive, St. Paul, MN 55111, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
Last updated:
Minneapolis-St Paul Airport Q&A
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey. Major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines operate out of Terminal 1-Lindbergh, while Terminal 2-Humphrey is mainly used by low-cost carriers such as Sun Country Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
Passengers can use the free Light Rail Transit service, which operates 24/7 and stops at both Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2(Humphrey). The airport also offers a free shuttle service that connects all terminals, which runs 24/7 and departs every 7-8 minutes.
Curbside parking is available for active loading and unloading only. For those who prefer to wait for their arriving passengers, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas are free to use and allow drivers to park and wait for their passengers to call or text when they are ready to be picked up.
The airport offers a variety of parking options to suit the needs of all travelers. The airport has several parking garages and lots located near the terminals. Handicapped parking is available in all parking facilities, and shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts to assist those with mobility issues. Off-airport parking lots are also available. Get more details here.
The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options including car rental companies, taxi services, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation options like buses or trains.
Yes, there are numerous excellent hotels nearby, providing a range of amenities and services to suit every traveler's needs. For more information, please visit the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotels page.
The airport offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, explore the facilities at this link.
The airport offers a range of services including Wifi access, lost and found, children's areas, special-needs services, banking, and medical help.
You can check the status of your flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
To avoid delays at the airport, be sure to check your flight status before leaving for the airport and sign up for flight alerts to stay informed about any changes or delays. It's also a good idea to pack light and avoid bringing prohibited items in your carry-on or checked baggage, as this can cause delays at security checkpoints.
