Minneapolis Airport Parking

• Share on email
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter

Guide to Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a combined civil and military airport in Minnesota, located around 10 miles (16 kilometers) from both Saint Paul and Minneapolis. It is the largest airport in the Upper Midwest region (including Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin) and 16th-busiest in the USA, with just over 35 million passengers a year.

There are 155 non-stop domestic and international flight destinations from MSP. It is the third-largest hub for Delta Air Lines, which carries about 80 per cent of all traffic to and from the airport. Military operations include providing a home to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Joint Air Reserve Station and supporting Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard operations.

Supporting around 76,000 jobs and $10.1 billion in business revenue, Minneapolis Airport is a crucial part of the regional economy. In recent years, it has received awards for safety, fiscal management, labor relations, concessions, design, development, weather control and legal oversight. In 2016, it ranked as the fifth-best airport in the USA in the World's Best Airport listing by Travel + Leisure.

Location of MSP Airport

MSP International Airport is in the MN 55111 ZIP code area. Located quite a distance from other major metropolitan areas, it primarily serves the local region of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eau Claire, St Cloud, Alexandria, Sioux Falls and Sioux City.

The I-35 is the main north-south route through Minneapolis from Kansas City and Canada. Both the east and west routes intersect with the I-494, which runs to the airport approach road MN-5. I-35 W is also ideal for getting from the city center to the airport. Traveling from Chicago, Milwaukee or Fargo, the I-94 is the main east-west road, which intersects with the I-494 just outside Minneapolis.

Metro Transit provides local public transport, including light rail connecting Terminals 1 and 2 with the downtown area and the Mall of America. A bus service runs to Terminal 1 from central Saint Paul and a regional bus service from Jefferson Lines runs to Terminal 1 from locations across Minnesota.

History of MSP Airport

Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport came into being after the failure of a speedway track, which was replaced by Wold-Chamberlain Field. Technically, the full name of the airport today is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport/Wold-Chamberlain Field, but the second part of the name is seldom used.

The site was established in the early 1920s with a single hangar handling airmail services, but by 1926, it was the main base for Northwest Airlines, which began passenger services in 1929.

Passenger numbers grew slowly at the airport and it wasn't until the late 1950s that expansions were planned, including the construction of a new terminal, in an attempt to take annual passenger numbers to four million by 1975. However, the airport unexpectedly reached that target by 1967 and the growth continued to accelerate throughout the 1970s and 1980s, as further concourses and piers were added to the terminal to keep up with demand.

After a seven-year review, as passenger numbers surpassed 35 million a year, $3 billion was allocated to changing almost every aspect of the airport. Plans included expanding the terminal, adding a terminal, adding airport parking garages, developing a light rail people-mover and a fourth runway throughout the early 2000s. These works created a huge amount of extra capacity, so the focus has since turned to improving the overall service and customer experience.

• Share on email
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter

Airport facilities

There's a strong offering of airport restaurants, shopping and services at Minneapolis-Saint Paul and, with future development focused on improving the passenger experience by expanding on concessions and other amenities, it can only get better.

A Travelers Assistance Program is in operation at MSP, so you can find information booths staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who are there to help. The program can carry out interpretation services, including American Sign Language, offer special help to the elderly and disabled and provide infant supplies in an emergency.

Passenger Services Assistants are also available at booths. If you have any questions to ask in advance of traveling, call customer services on (+1) 612-726-5555.

• Short-term parking

• Long-term parking

• Valet parking

• Covered parking garages

• Electric vehicle charging

• Motorcycle parking

• Bicycle parking

• Cell phone lot

• Accessible parking

• Train and bus stations

• 24/7 free airport light rail shuttle

• Free special needs shuttle bus

• Rental car center

• CLEAR, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

• Nearby hotels

• Hotel shuttles

• Airline lounges

• USO lounge

• Shopping

  • Gifts and souvenirs

  • Duty free

  • Fashion and apparel

  • Jewelry and accessories

  • Cosmetics

  • Gadgets, technology and entertainment

  • Books and newsstands

• Drinks

  • Coffee shops

  • Bar

  • Wine bar

  • Cocktail bar

• Food

  • Restaurants

  • Food market

  • Fast food and snacks

  • American, Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, French and Italian food

  • Bakeries, desserts and ice cream

  • Deli, sandwiches and subs

• Arts and culture program

• Walk path and observation deck

• Video arcade

• Spa with showers

• Chiropractors

• Quiet seating areas

• Nursing suites and mothers' room

• Children's playroom

• Pet relief areas

• Pet boarding and spa

• Traveler's Assistance Program

• ATMs

• Currency exchange

• Conference center

• WiFi

• Storage lockers

• Lost and found

• Share on email
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter

Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport hotel and parking

Many hotels in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul areas offer passengers long-term parking options for the periods of their travels.

Hotel and parking packages can provide up to two weeks of free parking at the hotel's own parking lot for anyone spending at least one night at the hotel. Complimentary shuttles to the airport are provided and, although advanced booking is required at most hotels, most do also allow for cancelations.

The packages are ideal if you're away for a week or more and the perfect way to get a good rest if you have an early departure or a late arrival at MSP.

Hotels offering packages include many familiar chains such as Hilton, Best Western, Holiday Inn, Hyatt and Crowne Plaza, whilst some local independents also offer parking, but don't always provide a complimentary shuttle service.

• Share on email
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter

Top things to do in Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport

Unwind with the chiropractor and spa

Something of a unique concession in Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport is The Chiroport, which is believed to be the world's first on-the-go chiropractor clinic. You can find them in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

If you'd like a slightly gentler approach to unwinding, there's also the XpresSpa, which is part of a chain of airport spas offering a range of treatments from a quick drop-in chair massage to full-body beauty treatments. The spa also has showers and can be found in several outlets in Terminal 1.

Enjoy the airport food

MSP Airport has an impressive selection of food and drink concessions, including satellite set-ups for many of the most popular local Minneapolis restaurants.

Ike's Food and Cocktails brings a retro feel from its city restaurant serving up delicious burgers and all-day breakfasts in a friendly atmosphere. The French Meadow and Bakery was an early adopter of organic food in the Twin Cities and is best for breakfasts, whilst Shoyu serves up some of the best Japanese food and sushi in the region.

To wash it all down, the Surdyk's Flights’ wine and cocktail list or Republic's range of beers are both worth your time and money.

Explore the arts and culture program

The arts and culture program at MSP extends well beyond a few paintings and sculptures; you can find that in commissioned and rotating pieces by regional artists, but there's also much more.

Film screenings of shorts and documentaries by Upper Midwest filmmakers, dance and theatrical performances in both terminals, art restoration, an annual employee art show and almost daily musical performances mean that there's always something fresh to look at or listen to while you wait for your flight.

Take your pet to the spa

One of the most difficult aspects of traveling is deciding what to do with your canine or feline friend. A recent addition to MSP that makes that easy is the Now Boarding center, which is on the edge of the airport property.

Providing boarding for dogs, cats and other small pets with daycare, grooming, parking and even shuttle buses to the airport, the center is perfectly designed for airport passengers with pets.

You can tailor the experience to your pet by requesting group or private walks, special treats, pheromone and spa treatments. Dogs have access to a play pool and play yard, whilst cats get a private condo apartment and an atrium full of sunlight and climbing frames.

Play in the video arcade

MSP features a video arcade that is open 24 hours a day and has change machines and food and drink concessions nearby.

It includes classics like pinball games alongside modern arcade video games, so there's something for any age group there. The time will fly by whilst you wait for your flight.

• Share on email
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter

Top things to do near Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Set on a campus covering eight acres (3.2 hectares), the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is one of the largest in the country.

With 80,000 artefacts covering 5,000 years of art history, the collection is encyclopedic and comprises works from Africa, Oceania and the Americas along with one of the most extensive collections of Asian art in the USA.

The museum is free to enter and only occasional special exhibitions are charged at a small fee. A popular recent exhibition was on the work of filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro.

Located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from MSP International Airport, the Institute is a classic art museum that simply won’t let you down.

Minnehaha Park

One of the many beautiful natural spots around Minnesota is just six miles (9.6 kilometers) from MSP Airport in Minnehaha Park.

Featuring the famous Minnehaha Falls, the park was designed around numerous historic railroad and pioneering sites and is as popular with photographers today as it was when the pioneers first arrived.

The park is an unbeatably beautiful place to spend time taking a walk or having a picnic; it’s a little like a vast open-air museum with its historic sites, so it’s a peaceful way to escape the city.

Science Museum of Minnesota

Covering technology, natural history, science and math, the Science Museum of Minnesota is based about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport.

Exhibits include dinosaurs and fossils, a human body gallery, experiments, displays on the Mississippi River, an outdoor exhibit on earth sciences and an IMAX Omnitheater.

The collection is made up of almost two million artefacts that are regularly supplemented with special exhibitions expanding on the various galleries and subjects. It’s everything a science museum should be, with curation that keeps it forever fresh.

Target Field

Major League Baseball (MLB) is just 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) from Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport.

The Minnesota Twins play at Target Field, which also hosts football, soccer, music concerts and a huge number of conference-type events in extensive banqueting and event facilities.

Voted by ESPN as one of the best baseball experiences in the USA, the park offers superb sight lines, a good selection of food including local favorites, great atmosphere and a family section for keeping youngsters away from some of the more colorful language in the seats.

Cathedral of Saint Paul

The Cathedral of Saint Paul, which is a Roman Catholic cathedral situated nine miles (14.5 kilometers) from Minneapolis International Airport, sits prominently on a hill overlooking Downtown and stands out in the sky with its distinctive copper dome.

Construction began in the early 1900s to an open-plan design allowing clear views of the whole space, which is decorated in gold-leaf, marble, granite and travertine. With 24 stained-glass windows, marble statues and several specific chapels, the cathedral is a striking piece of architecture and interior design. Count yourself lucky if you're there at the same time as the choir.

Mill City Museum

Established in the ruins of an old mill about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Minneapolis Airport, the Mill City Museum traces the history of Minneapolis and the various industries that drove the early growth of it as a city.

Flour milling was key to early development of Minneapolis, so exhibits include equipment, labs and an elevator-ride experience to different levels of the mill, each of which is laid out as it was during operation.

Local artists are also exhibited here and live music is often staged in the courtyard. It’s a fascinating tour covering all sorts of remarkable detail from the Twin Cities' past

Guthrie Theater

Two main stages, a studio space, restaurants, bars and a learning center make up the Guthrie Theater complex, which puts on a range of world-class theater and performance productions about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Minneapolis International Airport.

Hosting contemporary and fringe productions as well as classic showings of King Lear or Sense and Sensibility, there's always something fresh and different to see at the Guthrie. It’s a painstakingly considered building design with an intimate feeling in the performance spaces.

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory includes a zoo, conservatory, amusement park, lake, golf course and pool, all with free entry.

Set about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport, the park includes a range of sculptures and historical structures, numerous animal exhibits and, indeed, art inspired by animals.

The conservatory stuns with its Bonsai, butterfly garden, ferns, orchid house and tropical and Japanese garden sections. This is a good place to unwind with a feeling of being far from the city.

• Share on email
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter

Which terminal?

There are just two terminals at Minnesota-Saint Paul International Airport and the majority of flights move in and out of Terminal 1 by Delta Air Lines, which uses it as its third-largest hub. The terminals were originally named after famous Minnesotans (Terminal 1 is Lindbergh, Terminal 2 is Humphrey), but today, they tend to be more frequently referred to by their number designations.

The best way to get around it all is to make use of the free light rail system that runs between the terminal buildings.

The Travelers Assistance Program is in action at Minneapolis to provide a range of helpful services to passengers. Located at information booths, they can help with directions, interpreting services, sign language and support for elderly and disabled travelers.

Airport Passenger Services Assistants can also be found at information booths and you can contact customer services on (+1) 612-726-5555 with any important inquiries in advance. For further terminal information please visit the MSP airport website, which includes terminal and airline information.

• Share on email
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter

How to get to Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport

Car

MSP is located in the MN 55111 ZIP code about halfway between Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The I-35 splits in two in the area with the I-35 W running through Minneapolis and the I-35 E running through Saint Paul. Taking these roads south towards the I-494 connects you to the MSP Airport entrance.

From out of town, the I-35 is used for traveling from Kansas City or Canada, aiming for the same I-494 intersection as above. From Chicago, Milwaukee or Fargo, the I-94 is ideal, since it connects with the I-494 either side of the Twin Cities urban areas.

Car rentals, limousines, taxis, shared-ride shuttles and services like Uber and Lyft all provide services from Minneapolis and Saint Paul into the airport terminals; you can find most of them listed on the MSP Airport Website Ground Transportation Page.

Bus

Metro Transit is the main bus provider in the Twin Cities area. It has several bus stops at Terminal 1 for services that run between Downtown Minneapolis and the nearby Mall of America, as well as from Downtown Saint Paul.

Greyhound buses stop in Downtown Minneapolis, where you can switch to a Metro Transit service.

Jefferson Lines run regional bus services passing the airport from cities all over the Minnesota area and connect to routes from Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Train

Metro Transit also operates a light rail service through the Twin Cities area, which stops at both terminals and can be used for free as a shuttle service between them. The trains also run from multiple locations between Downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America and connect to a service running from central Saint Paul.

Amtrak runs a train service via Saint Paul from Chicago to Seattle, which can combine with Metro Transit rail or bus services to get to MSP Airport.

• Share on email
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter

Useful tips

Allow yourself lots of time

The airport itself suggests you give yourself a minimum of 2.5 hours to get through it. MSP can get incredibly busy in winter when bad weather will often delay flights, but it's also a problem of size. In Terminal 1 especially, gates are huge distances from each other, so it can take a long time to get to where you need to be. For that reason, it's best to leave yourself at least an hour between flights if you’re connecting there.

During the week, the busiest times are typically early morning and early afternoon, so avoid those if you can.

Do your shopping off-site

There's a great range of retail concessions available at the airport, which itself includes a mini-shopping mall, but if you have a little extra time, a quick trip off-site is well worth it. A huge Mall of America is located literally across the road (I-494) and includes a theme park and hotels, so it’s easy to reach if you’ve got a layover or delay to contend with at MSP.

Remember the Travelers Assistance Program

If you are elderly, disabled or have other specific needs, the Travelers Assistance Program at the airport is a pro-active and helpful resource that makes sure your journey through the airport goes as smoothly as possible. You’ll find them dotted about the airport at information desks, so feel free to ask them for any help you need.

Make use of the chiropractic clinic

One of the unique features of MSP is that it has an on-site chiropractor that allows walk-in visits. If you suffer from back pains, especially when sitting down for long periods of time like you would on a plane, pop by Gate 12 in Concourse C of Terminal 1 for an exam.

• Share on email
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter

Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport FAQs

How much does long term parking cost at Minneapolis airport?

The Long term parking lot at MSP airport is best booked in advance with Looking4.com. To get the best price and avoid costly on the day rates, simply input your travel details in our search bar above and we will compare multiple options for you within seconds.

How much is parking at Minneapolis airport?

To get the best parking lot deals at Minneapolis airport, we recommend using your travel information to complete a quote on Looking4.com. Our pre-booked airport parking lot prices mean you can avoid costly on-airport fees before you travel. Prices can vary for the date and time you are travelling, so booking in advance means you can save a few extra dollars to spend on your vacation.

Where can I book MSP parking?

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport offers almost 23,000 spaces across a range of parking options, including short-term and long-term parking lots, often with valet service available - all of them are located right next to the terminal. You can compare your options, including those that are located off-site at MSP, here at Looking4.com.