Minneapolis Airport: Easy Metro Transit Access?

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) offers a range of public transportation options to travellers, including the Metro Transit Light Rail Service. The Metro Transit Blue Line connects the airport to downtown Minneapolis, with trains running every 12 to 30 minutes from approximately 3:30 am to 11:30 pm. The Blue Line also connects to other popular destinations such as the Mall of America and the Warehouse District. In addition to the light rail service, Metro Transit also operates city bus services, including Route 54, which can be accessed from the Transit Centre on Level 1 of the Silver Ramp at MSP Airport.

Metro Transit's Blue Line connects the airport to downtown Minneapolis

The Metro Transit system in Minneapolis provides a convenient way to travel to and from the airport. The METRO Blue Line is a light rail service that connects the airport with downtown Minneapolis and several other destinations.

The Blue Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing efficient transportation for travellers. The train journey from the airport to the Warehouse District in downtown Minneapolis takes approximately 25 minutes. This connection allows passengers arriving at or departing from the airport easy access to the city centre.

The light rail service has stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the airport. At Terminal 1, the light rail station is located below the Red and Blue Ramps. Passengers can take the tram to these ramps from the Tram Level, which is one level below the baggage claim area. Signage at the airport guides passengers to the light rail station upon exiting the tram. At Terminal 2, the light rail station is situated on the north side of the Orange Ramp. Passengers can reach the station platform by taking the elevator or escalator down one level from Level 1, near the ticketing area.

The METRO Blue Line offers seamless connections to other modes of transportation within the city. At the airport, the Blue Line connects with city bus services, providing further travel options for passengers. Dozens of bus routes are coordinated to link with trains at Blue Line stations, making it convenient for passengers to continue their journey to various destinations across Minneapolis.

Overall, the METRO Blue Line plays a vital role in connecting the airport to downtown Minneapolis, facilitating easy travel for locals and visitors alike. With its frequent service and connections to other transit options, the Blue Line ensures that travellers can efficiently navigate between the airport and the city centre.

The Blue Line also connects the airport to the Mall of America

The Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is served by the METRO Blue Line, which connects the airport to the Mall of America in Bloomington. The Blue Line is a light rail service that runs from Target Field in downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America, via the airport. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with trains running every 15-30 minutes. The journey from the airport to the Mall of America takes approximately 12 minutes.

The Blue Line provides a fast and efficient way to travel between the airport and the Mall of America, with fares set at $2 off-peak and $2.50 during rush hour. The line also offers reduced fares for seniors, youth, and persons with disabilities, while children under 5 ride free (with a limit of 3) when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines at the rail stations or via the Metro Transit app.

The light rail service is fully accessible, with stations at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the airport. The Terminal 1 station is located below the Red and Blue Ramps, while the Terminal 2 station is situated on the north side of the Orange Ramp. Signage at the airport directs passengers to the respective stations.

In addition to the Mall of America, the Blue Line also connects the airport to other destinations, including downtown Minneapolis to the north and Fort Snelling State Park and Minnehaha Falls to the northwest. The line offers commuters a quick and convenient alternative to driving or using ride-sharing services, providing easy access to popular attractions and destinations in the Minneapolis area.

Metro Transit tickets can be purchased at machines or via the Metro Transit app

The Metro Transit service provides convenient transport connections from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to destinations including downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America. Metro Transit tickets can be purchased at machines or via the Metro Transit app.

The Metro Transit app is a simple and efficient way to buy tickets for your journey. It is available to download on your mobile device, providing an easy option for travellers. The app gives you access to tickets anywhere, without the need to be at the station, and it is a safe and secure way to pay. You can also plan your journey, access schedules, and stay up to date with any travel alerts or service disruptions.

If you prefer, or do not have access to the app, tickets can also be purchased from machines at the rail stations. These machines are located at the stations and are easy to use, with a simple interface to select your ticket type and make payment. Both cash and card are accepted at the machines, giving you options for payment.

Reduced fares are available for seniors, youth, and persons with disabilities, with appropriate identification. These fares can be accessed at the machines and via the app. Children under 5 ride for free (with a limit of 3) when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. So, if you are travelling with family, this is a good option.

It is important to note that there is no charge for travel between the airport terminals on the METRO Blue Line, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So, if you are moving between terminals, there is no need to purchase a ticket.

Reduced fares are available for seniors, children, and persons with disabilities

The Metro Transit system in Minneapolis offers reduced fares for seniors, children, and persons with disabilities. These reduced fares are available on both the METRO Blue and Green line trains and local buses. Seniors aged 65 and above, youth between the ages of 6 and 12, and Medicare cardholders can avail of reduced fares during non-rush hours. The reduced fare is $1.00 for these individuals, and they need to have valid documentation to prove their eligibility. Similarly, people with disabilities can also ride the local bus, METRO, and express bus for $1.00 at any time by presenting a valid Transit Assistance Pass (TAP) card.

In addition to these reduced fares, there are also free fares available within the Metro Transit system. For example, the downtown zone has a $0.50 fare for rides within a specific zone. Furthermore, there are several days throughout the year when Metro Transit offers free rides to encourage safe travel behaviours, such as on St. Patrick's Day and New Year's Eve.

The Metro Transit system also offers a 7-Day Pass for $24, which includes unlimited rides on Metro Transit buses and METRO lines. This pass is valid for seven days from its first use and can be purchased online or at any Metro Transit service centre. Metro Transit also has partnerships with local schools and non-profit organisations to provide affordable fares for students and program participants.

For those with a layover at the airport who wish to take the train, it is important to allow enough time to travel and return. The METRO Blue Line operates every 15 to 20 minutes and connects the airport to downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines at the rail stations or on the Metro Transit app. It is also good to note that there is no charge for service between the airport terminals, and this service operates 24 hours a day.

Metro Transit also offers bus services to and from the airport

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport offers a variety of transportation options to and from the airport. Metro Transit provides fast and frequent bus services, including the A and C bus rapid transit lines, to ensure easy travel to and from the airport.

The City bus service (Route 54) is one of the bus services provided by Metro Transit. The City bus picks up and drops off passengers at the Transit Center on Level 1 of the Silver Ramp. It is important to note that there is no bus pick-up available at Terminal 2. Therefore, passengers arriving at Terminal 2 must use the METRO Blue Line or another mode of transportation to reach Terminal 1 for access to city buses. The METRO Blue Line provides complimentary transportation between the terminals, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The METRO Blue Line also offers an efficient and economical way to travel to downtown Minneapolis from the airport. The trains run frequently, approximately every 12 to 15 minutes, from around 4:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The journey to downtown Minneapolis takes about 25 minutes. The Terminal 1 platform can be reached by taking the escalator to the Tram Level, following the signs to baggage claim, and then taking the escalator down to the METRO Blue Line station. From there, passengers can take the tram to the Red/Blue Ramps and then descend to the station platform via the escalators.

In addition to the light rail services, Metro Transit also offers bus services within the Downtown Zone, with fares as low as 50 cents. These buses operate within downtown Minneapolis, providing convenient connections to destinations within the city.

Metro Transit provides a range of ticketing options for passengers using their bus services. Tickets can be conveniently purchased through the Metro Transit app or from ticket machines located at the stations. Fares vary depending on the time of day, with higher prices during rush hour. Reduced fares are available for seniors, youth, and individuals with disabilities, while children under 5 can ride for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Additionally, Metro Transit offers All-Day Passes and 7-Day Passes, providing unlimited rides on their bus and light rail services, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travellers.

Frequently asked questions