Public transportation is provided to downtown Minneapolis by the Blue Line light rail (approximately 30 minutes away) and downtown Saint Paul is accessible by the #54 bus (also approximately 30 minutes away).
In both cases, tickets cost 2 usd during off-peak hours and 2,50 usd during peak hours. See later in this chapter for details.
Car rental
Travelling around the USA is most comfortable by car. There are many car rental companies at the airport, and normal weekly rental rates are around 305 usd.
Car rental counters are always in the parking structures outside both terminals.
Compare prices - book a car on booking.com
Metro to Minneapolis
Public transport to downtown Minneapolis is provided by the Blue Line of the local subway system (LRT), which is more of a light metro.
LRT stations are located at both terminals.
- Travel time - 30 minutes
- Frequency - 15 minutes
- Last train from the airport - 0:17
- First train from Target Field station - 4:43
- Timetable: metrotransit.org/route/blue
Fares
Tickets can be purchased at the vending machine at the station (card and cash payments are accepted) or through the Metro Transit App.
Individual fare prices vary by time of day. Fare is more expensive during peak weekday hours.
- 2 usd - Off-peak
- 2,50 usd - Peak hours (6:00-9:00 a.m. and 3:00-6:30 p.m.)
- 5 usd - all day on weekdays
- 4 usd - all-day at weekends
For current fares, visit the official website at metrotransit.org/fares.
Tip for a hotel near the tram station
If you're heading from the airport to Minneapolis in the evening, we recommend staying at a well-rated hotel AC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown **** with great value for money.
The hotel is located about 100 yards from the Warehouse District/Hennepin Ave stop.
Bus 54 to Saint Paul
Public transportation to Downtown St. Paul is provided by bus line 54 or 54M. Line 54 terminates in downtown Saint Paul, while line 54M continues from downtown further northeast.
The 54 bus stop is just outside Terminal 1 in the parking garage near the rental car counters.
If you arrive at Terminal 2, you can use the free rapid transit line to get to Terminal 1.
- Travel time - 25 minutes
- Frequency - 15 minutes
- Last bus from the airport - 0:24
- First bus from 6th and Cedar Street Station - 3:05
- Timetable: metrotransit.org/route/blue
Fares
Tickets can be purchased from the driver (cash only) or through the Metro Transit Mobile App.
Individual fare prices vary by time of day. Fare is more expensive during peak weekday hours.
- 2 usd - Off-peak
- 2,50 usd - Peak hours (6:00-9:00 a.m. and 3:00-6:30 p.m.)
- 5 usd - all day on weekdays
- 4 usd - all-day at weekends
For current fares, visit the official website at metrotransit.org/fares.
Tip for downtown hotel
Stay at a hotel near the 54 bus route and right in the heart of downtown. We would recommend a well rated Hyatt Place St. Paul ***.
The hotel is located about 100 yards from the 5th/Jackson St. stop.
Taxi, Uber, Lyft
The most convenient way to get to both Minneapolis and St. Paul are the ubiquitous taxis or cars from the mobile apps Uber or Lyft.
It takes about 20 minutes by car to get to both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul in the early morning or late evening. During the day, depending on traffic, the drive time can extend to 45 minutes.
The average taxi fare to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul is 47 usd.
Services like Uber and Lyft can offer significantly lower prices from 38 usd.
