Minneapolis Airport: Can You Stay Overnight?

Minneapolis Airport (MSP) is open 24 hours a day, and travellers are allowed to sleep in the airport overnight. The airport provides a limited supply of sleeping mats and blankets for stranded passengers, and there are also nearby hotels that travellers can stay at.

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Sleeping arrangements at Minneapolis Airport

Minneapolis Airport is open 24 hours a day on the landside across Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. However, airside access ends overnight, so unless you are in transit with a boarding pass, you will need to stay in the landside zone and pass through security again in the morning.

Airport staff tolerate sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations. If you are inside the airside zones, you can stay there overnight, but security staff may not allow you through if you have an early-morning flight. In that case, you may have to remain in the landside/public zones.

If you need to sleep at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. Secondly, stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink caffeine to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always sleep on the plane. Lastly, if you sleep in the public zone, don't be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call from security.

If you want a more comfortable option, you can stay at a nearby hotel. Many hotels near the airport provide courtesy vans or shuttles to and from the airport. The InterContinental Minneapolis – Saint Paul Airport is the only property directly connected to Terminal 1, with skybridge access from Gate C25 and a 24-hour shuttle to both terminals. It offers elegant guestrooms, exceptional dining at three restaurants and bars, and 30,000 square feet of meeting space.

If you are stranded at the airport due to a flight cancellation, your airline may provide sleeping mats and blankets. Ask an airline or airport employee or use a courtesy phone to find out more.

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Transport to and from the airport

Transport to and from Minneapolis Airport

The Minneapolis Airport (MSP) offers a range of transport options for travellers arriving or departing from the airport. Here are the various ways to get to and from the airport:

Light Rail Transit (LRT)

The Light Rail Transit system provides convenient transportation options for passengers travelling to, from, and between the airport terminals. The LRT service between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is free and operates 24 hours a day, with trains running approximately every 15 minutes. The LRT also connects the airport with the Mall of America and downtown Minneapolis, operating daily from 4 am to 1 am.

Airport Shuttles

Groome Transportation offers daily round trips between MSP Airport and nearby cities such as Duluth, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Rochester, and St. Cloud. These shuttles provide a safe, easy, and affordable way to travel between the airport and various destinations in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Public Buses

Public buses provide connections to other destinations from most LRT stops. The city bus service between the transit centre at the Silver Ramp and downtown St. Paul operates daily from 4:30 am to 12:30 am. Bus schedules and fare information are available at information booths within the airport.

Hotel Shuttles

Hotels near the airport, such as the InterContinental Minneapolis – Saint Paul Airport, often provide complimentary shuttle services for their guests. This hotel, in particular, is directly connected to Terminal 1 via a skyway bridge and offers a 24-hour shuttle service to both terminals.

Rental Cars

Travellers can also opt for renting a car at the airport. To reach the rental car facilities in the Silver Ramp, passengers can take the underground tram from Terminal 1 towards the parking ramps and the light rail station.

When using any of these transportation options, it is important to be aware of varying height restrictions throughout the airport campus and to follow the guidelines provided by the airport.

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Safety precautions and security

Staying overnight at Minneapolis Airport (MSP) is possible, but there are some safety precautions and security measures to be aware of.

Firstly, it's important to understand the layout of the airport. The airport is divided into landside and airside zones. The landside zone is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone before security. The airside zone is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. While the airport is open 24 hours on the landside, access to the airside zone ends overnight. Unless you are in transit with a boarding pass, you will need to stay in the landside zone and pass through security again in the morning.

If you plan to stay overnight at MSP, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the location of the security office and look for video cameras in the area where you plan to sleep. Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is also important. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, consider consuming caffeinated beverages to stay awake. Additionally, keep your valuables secure at all times, as incidents of pickpocketing have been reported at other airports.

In the event of flight cancellations, the airport provides a limited supply of sleeping mats and travel blankets to stranded passengers. These mats are distributed at an airline's request and are typically located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. However, these mats cannot be reserved in advance and are specifically for use during mass cancellations. If you need a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, consider booking a room at a nearby hotel. Some hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport, making transportation convenient and affordable.

When dealing with luggage, it's important to note that each airline has its own policies and procedures. In the case of flight cancellations, your airline will automatically transfer your checked luggage to a later flight. However, during periods of high cancellation rates, luggage recovery may be more challenging. It is recommended to check with your airline's baggage claim office or agent for specific instructions. Keep in mind that you may need to provide a description of your baggage.

Lastly, if you plan to pass through security, be mindful of the operating hours. TSA Precheck and TSA security checkpoints have specific opening hours, and these may vary between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It is recommended to check with your airline regarding restrictions on early bag checks. Additionally, for domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours early, and for international flights, allow at least 3 hours for check-in and screening processes.

Food and entertainment

Minneapolis Airport offers a variety of food and entertainment options for travellers. If you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the airport has multiple dining options to choose from. The InterContinental Minneapolis – Saint Paul Airport Hotel, connected to Terminal 1, boasts three distinctive restaurants and bars, offering exceptional dining experiences. They also have an on-site coffee shop with a full range of brewed beverages and grab-and-go options for those in a hurry.

For those seeking a change of scenery, the nearby Mall of America offers a diverse range of dining options, from casual bites to sit-down restaurants. Additionally, the Midtown Global Market is a great choice to explore local cuisine and stalls with a variety of delicious dishes.

If you're looking for entertainment, the Mall of America also features attractions like SEA LIFE and Nickelodeon Universe, perfect for families and all ages. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden offers a free and scenic experience, while the Minneapolis Institute of Art combines exhibitions with dining at its on-site restaurant. For a more relaxed activity, Minnehaha Park provides a tranquil escape along the Minnehaha Falls Trail.

When it comes to accommodation, there are several options near the airport. The InterContinental Minneapolis – Saint Paul Airport Hotel is a popular choice, known for its convenience, cleanliness, and friendly staff. It offers a quiet and comfortable stay, with excellent dining options and entertainment like board games. Additionally, the hotel provides a 24-hour shuttle service to both terminals, making it a convenient choice for travellers.

Other nearby hotels, such as those along the Blue Line light rail, can also be considered, offering various price points and easy access to the airport through shuttle services. It's recommended to compare prices and packages, as some hotels provide parking deals and affordable options for early morning flights.

Nearby hotels

If you're looking for a place to stay near the Minneapolis Airport, there are several hotels in the area that provide courtesy vans and shuttle services to and from the airport.

The InterContinental Minneapolis – Saint Paul Airport is an award-winning hotel connected directly to Terminal 1 via a skyway and skybridge, with 24-hour shuttle services to both terminals. Guests can enjoy elegant guest rooms, exceptional dining at three restaurants and bars, and 30,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel also offers exclusive on-site TSA security checkpoints and valet parking options.

Other nearby hotels include those along the Blue Line light rail, with several choices and price points near the Mall of America. ParkSleepFly also offers a range of hotels near Minneapolis Airport, with convenient packages that allow you to park and stay at your chosen hotel.

These options ensure that you have a comfortable stay and easy access to the airport for your travel needs.

Frequently asked questions