Minneapolis St Paul Airport (MSP) Flights & Information

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) ranks among the 20 busiest airports in the US and is especially well-frequented by Delta Air Lines flyers connecting through this major hub. If you’re one of the more than 34 million annual passengers here, try these expert tips to enhance your next experience flying through MSP.

Head to the right MSP terminal

There are two terminals at MSP and they’re not connected, so you’ll want to make sure to arrive at the right one. But don’t panic if you do get it wrong – there’s a light rail service that runs between the two terminals in case you get mixed up. However, it’s a public train so it’s outside of security and the terminals aren’t currently connected airside, though there’s talk of this changing in the future.

If you’re flying with any of the major US airlines (Delta, United or American), you’ll be in Terminal 1, along with most international airlines and Spirit. The vast majority of MSP traffic uses this terminal and its seven sprawling concourses. Terminal 2 is home to lower cost carriers like Southwest and JetBlue, and budget carrier Frontier. International low-cost airlines like Condor and Icelandair also use Terminal 2.

Getting to and from MSP by public transportation

The same light rail that connects the terminals also continues to downtown Minneapolis in under 30 minutes. Tickets are always quite inexpensive and even cheaper during off-peak hours, and trains arrive roughly every 15 minutes from 5 am through midnight. There are stops at both terminals, so it’s a very convenient way to travel.

You can also take a scheduled bus service between MSP and downtown Minneapolis, but I find these less convenient than the light rail, especially for those using Terminal 2, where there’s no bus stop. If you’re in Terminal 2, you’ll need to take the light rail to Terminal 1 before grabbing a bus, so you’re better off just taking light rail all the way.

For those already in Terminal 1, a few bus lines service the Transit Center on Level 1 (ticketing level). Metro Transit bus 54 is the most frequent, affordable and reliable of these, but the ride takes around 40 minutes or even longer with traffic. If I’m taking public transit from MSP, I always opt for the light rail. It’s one of easiest and quickest connections I’ve found in a major US city.

Getting to and from MSP by car

As with most US airports, you’ll find both taxi and rideshare options available for easy car service to and from the airport. For downtown routes, the costs are roughly the same between the two, with one or the other occasionally varying by a few dollars. Because the prices are so similar, I usually use timing as the deciding factor.

On the way to the airport, I typically use rideshare services to quickly summon a car to my hotel. But on the way out of the airport, I find that taxis are usually already present outside the terminal, while rideshares can take more than ten minutes to arrive. If you accrue airline miles through a partnership with a rideshare, it might be worth the wait; otherwise, grab a taxi.

Taxis and rideshare vehicles both pick up from the Ground Transportation Center at either terminal. Just follow the signs when leaving the baggage claim area.

Security lines at Minneapolis–Saint Paul

Security lanes are generally efficient at MSP, but the busy nature of the airport means peak travel periods can see waits approaching an hour for general screening. Typically, though, you can expect to wait less than a half hour, and often considerably less. TSA PreCheck is available for members in both terminals, and CLEAR is available in Terminal 1. Using both, I’ve never waited more than five minutes at MSP.

Somewhat surprisingly, Terminal 2 security waits can run longer than the much busier Terminal 1. At Terminal 2, there’s only one checkpoint open during off-peak hours, and this can lead to slightly longer waits. When both checkpoints are open at either terminal, you’re free to use either one, and the airport advertises live wait estimates on its website, so you can always hop in the shorter line.

MSP lounges and alternatives

There are five lounges at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and they’re all in Terminal 1. Because this is a hub airport for Delta Air Lines, three of these are Delta Sky Clubs and you’ll generally need membership or a first class international ticket to enter. If you have access and the time to choose, my favorite is in Concourse G, where you’ll find extra space and a private observation deck.

United Airlines operates the only other airline lounge at MSP and it’s less restrictive. You can purchase a day pass if you’re flying on United or another Star Alliance airline, but the cost is steep and I don’t find the amenities worth the hefty price tag. If you don’t have free access, I recommend grabbing a day pass to the Escape Lounge instead.

The Escape Lounge offers similar (if not better) food selection, and also comes with a complimentary bar and is less expensive. It’s an all-around win if you’re going to pay for lounge access. If you have an American Express Platinum credit card, you’re entitled to free entry here.

While not a lounge, my favorite secret space for quiet escape at MSP is the observation tower near the entrance of Concourse D. It’s unlabeled, but if you locate the Observation Deck staircase by gate D5 and climb, you’ll find a windowed room overlooking the runway and there’s rarely anyone there. It’s great for a peaceful moment if you don’t have lounge access, and also convenient for important calls (or naps).

Finally, MSP is home to the Armed Forces Service Center, which offers free access and amenities to all members of the US Armed Forces and their dependents, plus a range of additional guests like Department of Defense employees, recipients of the Purple Heart and more. While several airports have a USO lounge, MSP is the only airport with an Armed Forces Service Center. It’s in Concourse A.

Engage with some interactive airport art

Thanks to the robust MSP Arts and Culture Program, there are noteworthy pieces installed all over the airport and you’ll find examples everywhere. My favorite is The Aurora in Terminal 1 and, while it’s a great way to spend time during a layover, it can also be enjoyed with just a minute to spare, so keep an eye out for it even if you don’t have much time.

The Aurora is an interactive installation both suspended from the ceiling and embedded into the floor, where colorful representations of some of Minnesota’s lakes react to your movement. Walk among the lakes below to change their color and initiate aurora flares in the sculptural piece above. If you’ve never seen the northern lights (aurora borealis) in person, this is your chance to play with an artistic representation of the natural wonder.

You can also become the artist yourself at MSP. If you’re musically inclined, you’re welcome to play the grand piano in Terminal 1 at any time. Frankly, you don’t actually need to have any musical talent to give it a go, and I’ve heard plenty of amateurs tapping away at the keys. If you’re lucky, you may catch a performance from some truly talented musicians on your way through.

Grab a bite before your flight

Whether you won’t have time to explore the city properly or just need one last local bite, there are plenty of Minneapolis must-try dishes available at the airport. Dig into a Juicy Lucy – the cheese-stuffed burger that was invented here and continues to spark debate over just which restaurant was first – at Smack Shack in Concourse C, or grab a walleye sandwich at The Cook & The Ox in the same concourse.

I always pick up a souvenir package of squeaky and delicious cheese curds at Stone Arch in Concourse F, and you’ll often find me ordering some Minnesota-made ice cream at Izzy’s Ice Cream in Concourse A.

At the Airport Mall area near Concourse F, you’ll find my favorite spot to eat in all of MSP, Leann Chin. This fast-casual Asian restaurant is a regional classic that primarily serves the Chinese-American cuisine that made previously unknown Chinese food famous in the Midwest, thanks to the legendary chef its named for.