Key Highlights
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The twin cities have seven airports run by the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
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Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is their main airport and it is one of the largest in the country.
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Six other general aviation airports help take traffic away from MSP. They are used by people who fly for business and fun.
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MSP has two main terminals, called Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Each one serves different airlines.
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There are easy ways to get from the airport to downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
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The airport also has many things for people to do. You can find local places to eat, go shopping, and get help if you need it while you travel.
Introduction
Welcome to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area! No matter if you are here for work or fun, finding your way around airports in a new city can be tough sometimes. This guide will help you learn about the airport system in the vibrant Twin Cities. We will talk about the big international airport and the smaller local options. You will find all you need for a good trip. Be ready to see all that Minneapolis and Saint Paul have to offer, right from the time you land.
Major Airports Serving Minneapolis
The main airport for the Minneapolis and Saint Paul metropolitan area is the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). It is the most important airport run by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). MSP takes care of most of the big plane traffic for this area. People also say MSP is one of the best airports in North America.
Besides MSP, the Metropolitan Airports Commission also looks after six general aviation airports. These general aviation airports are called “reliever” airports. They are set up in places that are close, around 35 miles of the city centers. These airports give space for company jets, people who fly for fun, and schools that want to teach flying. They keep air traffic running smooth for the metropolitan area. We will talk more about the MSP and these general aviation airports as they are all important for the region.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) Overview
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) sits right in the middle of the Twin Cities. This makes it easy for people to get to both Saint Paul and downtown Minneapolis. It is a major hub for travel in North America and connects to places far away, too. This airport has concourse C and concourse E, where you can find Delta and Southwest Airlines.
The airport is close to big spots, like the Mall of America. MSP always has a lot going on, with people coming in and going out from all over. It helps people see the lively metropolitan area that makes the twin cities special.
Other Public and General Aviation Airports in the Minneapolis Area
While MSP handles most commercial flights, the area has more general aviation airports that do important work. These airports attract transient general aviation aircraft and help corporate travelers and people who fly for fun. This network helps keep the airspace near the mississippi river less crowded and running well.
One key general aviation airport is the St. Paul Downtown Airport, also called holman field. It is right by the mississippi river. Today, this place is known for private business jets. A long time ago, it hoped to be the area’s main airport, but now that role belongs to MSP. The airport still helps out by having flight training schools and other important services.
Some other main general aviation airports are:
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Flying Cloud Airport (FCM): This is the busiest place for general aviation. Many corporate jets fly from here and there are also flight schools.
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Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE): Here you can find a mix of old airplanes, business jets, and planes for people who fly for fun.
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Crystal Airport: This site has paved and grass runways. There is also an air traffic control tower led by the FAA.
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Airlake Airport: You will find this south of the main cities. It is used by business jets and people who fly for fun.
Terminals and Facilities at MSP
Getting around MSP is easy. The airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The two are on the same airfield, but there is no walkway linking them. So, it’s good to check ahead of time which terminal your airline service uses. Terminal 1 is also called the Lindbergh terminal. It is the bigger one.
Terminal 2 was known before as the Hubert Humphrey terminal. It is smaller, and is for budget airlines and charter airlines. You will find lots of services in both terminals to help you enjoy your trip. There is food, shopping, and ways to get around on the ground. Now, let’s look at what each terminal gives you and what to expect from each one.
Terminal 1: Features, Airlines, and Services
Terminal 1 is the primary hub for many of MSP’s legacy and international carriers. This large terminal is organized into several concourses, including Concourse E and others, making it easy to navigate once you are past security. It is home to major airlines such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air France, providing extensive domestic and international connections.
This terminal is directly connected to the city’s light rail system via the Lindbergh Station, making it incredibly convenient for travelers heading to or from downtown. Inside, you will find a vast array of shops, restaurants, and lounges to enjoy while you wait for your flight.
Here is a quick look at some of the airlines operating out of Terminal 1:
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Airline |
Type |
|---|---|
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Delta Air Lines |
Domestic/International |
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American Airlines |
Domestic/International |
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United Airlines |
Domestic/International |
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Air France |
International |
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Air Canada |
International |
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Alaska Airlines |
Domestic |
Terminal 2: Features, Airlines, and Services
Terminal 2 is also called the Hubert Humphrey Terminal. It gives you a smaller and faster airport experience. Many people choose this terminal because it is used by low-cost and charter airlines. If you want to save money, this is a good spot to fly from. The terminal is not big, so you will not walk far to get to your gate. You can move from check-in to your plane without much wait.
The airlines at Terminal 2 offer good deals and many flights throughout the United States and to spots where people like to take trips. If you fly with one of these airlines, you will notice the easy design of this terminal.
The main airlines you will see at Terminal 2 are:
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Sun Country Airlines: This is a local favorite airline with cheap flights to many places.
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Southwest Airlines: You may know this airline for how they treat people and their big network across the United States.
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Frontier Airlines: This one gives you low prices, especially if you are going on vacation to have fun.
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Denver Air Connection: This airline flies people to smaller airports in the region.
Transportation Options To and From Minneapolis Airports
Getting from MSP to where you want to go is easy. There are lots of ways to get where you need to be. You can use public transit or take a private ride. It is simple to reach downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the suburbs. The airport is set up so you can get off your plane and straight onto other transport with no trouble.
You can get on the fast Blue Line Light Rail or use the city buses. Many people also use rideshares or regular taxis. If you want to drive, you can rent a car or take a shuttle. There is a lot of parking, including the Quick Ride Ramp. Next, we will talk more about all these choices to help you pick what works best for you.
Light Rail, Buses, and Ride Shares
Taking public transportation or using a ride-sharing service is an easy and quick way to travel from MSP. The light rail transit service is a top choice. It gives you an affordable and direct path from the airport to big places in the city. The Blue Line takes you from both airport terminals to downtown Minneapolis in one way. In the other direction, it goes to the Mall of America.
Lindbergh Station is at Terminal 1. Terminal 2 has its own train stop. This means you can reach the light rail easily, no matter where you arrive. You can also get on buses at the airport. These buses can take you to downtown Saint Paul and other spots around the Twin Cities and the larger metropolitan area.
If you want a ride that fits your own needs, try these choices:
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Light Rail: The Blue Line runs often and brings you right to downtown Minneapolis.
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Ride Shares: You can use companies like Uber and Lyft. They have set pick-up areas at both terminals.
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Taxis: You can find taxis day or night. They wait for you at taxi stands just outside baggage claim.
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Public Buses: Metro Transit buses can bring you to many places in the Twin Cities.
Parking, Car Rentals, and Shuttle Services
If you like to drive your own car, MSP has many choices to help you. You will find car rental counters right on the airport grounds. You can get your car soon after you land. This works well if you want to go outside the downtown area.
If you will drive your own car to the airport, you have different parking choices. There are ramps for hourly and daily parking connected to the terminals. There is also the Quick Ride Ramp, which is a cheaper way to park for a long time. It gives you a free ride on a shuttle to Terminal 1. So you can pick a place that matches your time and your money.
A lot of hotels near the airport also have free shuttles for people staying with them.
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Car Rentals: Major rental companies are on the airport grounds at both terminals.
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Parking: Pick from many ramps based on how long and how much you want to pay.
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Quick Ride Ramp: Save money with this long-term parking, plus get a free shuttle ride.
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Hotel Shuttles: Ask your hotel if they have rides to the airport.
Amenities and Insider Tips for Travelers
MSP is a place known for the good things it gives people who travel. The airport works hard to make sure you feel happy and relaxed, no matter if you stop for a short time or wait for a while. There is a good mix of restaurants and stores here, and you can enjoy some top places from the city.
You can pick up a tasty treat at Angel Food Bakery. Or, you might grab a good meal at Holy Land Deli. With all the food and shopping, the airport also gives good help and support for travelers. Let us see the things that help MSP be better than most other airports.
Dining, Lounges, Shopping, and Traveler Support
MSP has an award-winning concessions program. There are many dining and shopping spots across both terminals. You can pick from quick eats or sit-down restaurants. No matter how much time you have, you will get something to eat. This gives you a chance to try some Minnesota brands. You can get a taste of the Twin Cities while you are at the airport.
If you want a quiet place to sit or work, there are airline lounges for those who qualify. These lounges give you nice seating, free drinks and snacks, and places to work. All through the terminals, you will find shops with travel items and local souvenirs.
The airport works hard to support all travelers.
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Dining: Enjoy local picks like Angel Food Bakery and many other food stops.
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Shopping: Check out lots of shops in Concourse C and other places in the airport.
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Lounges: Get into airline lounges for a more comfortable wait before your flight.
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Traveler Support: Find help with things like getting directions or using accessibility services.
Conclusion
To sum up, it can be easy to get through the Minneapolis airports if you have the right details. You should know about the major airports, what they offer, and the ways you can get to and from them. All these things help make your trip smooth and stress-free. Make sure you use the many places to eat and shop while you are at the airport. This can help you enjoy your time there. With this guide, you will be ready for your next journey. If you want to make your travel simple and fun, you can book a free talk with our travel experts today!