Ruth Haines
Minneapolis Airport (MSP) is a large airport with two main terminals, and international flights operate in and out of both. The airport is open 24 hours on the landside across T1 and T2. Airside access ends overnight, and you will need to pass through security again in the morning. TSA checkpoints open at approximately 4:00 AM, but close based on the last flight—typically around 1:00 AM in T1, and midnight in T2. Airport staff tolerate airport sleepers, and there is a limited supply of sleeping mats and blankets available for stranded passengers. If you have a long layover, you can also take the light-rail transit (LRT) service between MSP and downtown Minneapolis, which operates between 4 a.m. and 1 a.m. daily.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Hours | 24 hours on the landside across T1 and T2. Airside access ends overnight. |
| TSA Checkpoints | Open from approximately 4:00 AM (T1: Concourses A-G, T2: Concourse H) until the last flight, typically around 1:00 AM in T1 and midnight in T2. |
| Sleeping | Airport staff tolerate sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations. Sleeping mats and blankets are provided in limited quantities during mass cancellations. |
| Wi-Fi | Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is available. |
| Transportation | Taxi, Uber/Lyft, and other app-based services are available 24 hours a day. On-site rental car agencies are also available. |
| Flight Cancellations | Airlines will make efforts to provide certificates for discounted hotel rooms during weather-related cancellations. Luggage will be transferred to the next available flight. |
| Recommended Arrival Time | 2 hours before the flight is recommended, especially when checking bags. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping arrangements and facilities
Minneapolis Airport (MSP) has two terminals: Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey). T1 is the primary terminal and is larger and busier, so it tends to be noisier. Terminal 2 has less foot traffic, especially at night, so it is generally calmer and quieter. Both terminals are friendly to airport sleepers, but T2 is better if you are looking for peace and quiet.
If you are looking for a place to sleep in the airport, you will have to fight for a spot as there are limited comfortable sleeping areas. The airport does not have any innovative pay-per-use sleep facilities such as sleeping pods, GoSleep, Minute Suites, or YotelAir. However, there are some designated rest areas with armrest-free chairs for easier sleeping.
- Terminal 1 – Airside, Mezzanine Level, Level 3. Two designated quiet areas have comfortable seats without armrests.
- Terminal 1 – Airside, Gates A13-14 and B13 may be quieter, especially at night.
- Terminal 1 – Airside, Concourse D. The observation deck may offer some peace and quiet.
- Terminal 1 – Airside, Concourse E. Some benches without armrests are spread throughout this concourse.
- Terminal 1 – C concourse. Lots of couches, and it's dark and quiet overnight.
- Terminal 2 – Airside, Concourse F.
Pay massage chairs are located randomly throughout the airport, and you may be able to rest in them without paying for a massage. Soft seats, cushions and blankets are all upstairs on floor 3 overlooking the check-in area.
If you are looking for a proper bed, there are several hotels within 10 minutes of the airport, including the InterContinental Minneapolis Airport, which is located on airport property and has a free shuttle service. The InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel is the first on-site hotel connected to MSP Airport, but it is outside of security. There is also a wide range of restaurants and stores at the airport if you need to kill time.
If your flight is cancelled or delayed, the airport provides a limited supply of sleeping mats and travel blankets to stranded passengers. These are distributed at an airline's request when local hotels are full or near capacity.
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Transport options to and from the airport
Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) offers a range of transport options for travellers to and from the airport.
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
The LRT service is free between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and operates 24 hours a day, with trains running approximately every 15 minutes. The LRT also provides service to downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America.
Taxi
Taxi services are available 24 hours a day at the airport. Prearranged taxis can be booked in advance, and there is also the option of using app-based ride services such as Uber or Lyft.
Rental Cars
On-site rental car agencies are located in the Silver parking ramp at Terminal 1 and the Ground Transport Center at Terminal 2.
Shuttle Services
Several companies, including SuperShuttle, Groome Transportation, and Total Transportation Corp, offer shuttle services to and from the airport. These services can be booked in advance and provide transportation to various destinations in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Public Transportation
Bus operators can pick up or drop off passengers at the airport, and there are guidelines available for biking to the airport while ensuring the use of legal roadways.
When choosing a transport option, it is important to consider factors such as travel time, convenience, and cost. For example, while Uber or Lyft may be convenient, traffic near the airport can cause delays. Additionally, for those checking bags, it is recommended to allow extra time when arriving at the airport.
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Food and shopping facilities
Minneapolis Airport, also known as MSP Airport, offers a range of food and shopping facilities for travellers. The airport recommends checking their website for a complete listing of all restaurant, retail, and traveller service options, which can be filtered by terminal and location.
For travellers looking for a quick bite, vending machines are located throughout both terminals, offering a wide variety of snacks and beverages available 24/7. These vending machines accept both cash and credit card payments. Additionally, travellers can find a Subway vending machine near Gate H5 in Terminal 2, offering freshly made sandwiches, as well as a Farmer's Fridge vending machine near Gate H1 or H11 for fresh salads.
For those seeking a more substantial meal, Terminal 2 features a modern bistro marketplace with fresh gourmet pizza, locally sourced salads, sandwiches, and a broad selection of grab-and-go items. The MN Wild Bar and Restaurant in Terminal 2 also offer bar bites, pub fare infused with Minnesota flavours, and a range of beverages.
Coffee lovers can enjoy a premium, local coffeehouse experience in Terminal 2, featuring handcrafted beverages and food options available 24/7. Additionally, a well-known coffee powerhouse is available in Terminal 2, offering hot, cold, and blended coffee options.
For travellers with longer layovers or those seeking accommodation, the MSP Intercontinental Hotel is located onsite at the airport, accessible through the terminal. However, it is important to note that leaving and re-entering the secure area may require additional considerations, especially for international travellers.
Minneapolis Airport also provides a range of transportation options, including 24-hour taxi and ride-sharing services, on-site rental car agencies, and a light-rail transit (LRT) system that operates between the airport, Mall of America, and downtown Minneapolis. These transportation options can facilitate access to a wider range of dining and shopping experiences beyond the airport.
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Check-in and security wait times
It is recommended that passengers arrive at Minneapolis Airport two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This allows sufficient time to check bags, pass through security, and arrive at the gate. However, some sources suggest that one hour is usually enough, especially if you are a frequent traveller. If you are checking a bag or it is a busy time to travel, such as the weekend, two hours is advisable.
Minneapolis Airport provides information on its website about security wait times, which can change rapidly. It is recommended to check this before travelling to the airport. Passengers can also reserve a time at the TSA Security Checkpoint screening area through the MSP RESERVE program, which is free and optional.
The TSA Precheck is open from 4 am to 8 pm, and passengers may use either the North or South checkpoints in Terminal 1. The North Checkpoint is the only one with MSP RESERVE. The TSA Checkpoint entrance from the InterContinental Hotel is open from 5 am to 10 am for passengers with carry-on baggage only. The hotel also employs a TSA agent to walk through to the terminal. At Terminal 2, two security checkpoints are located on Level 2, near the Orange and Purple Parking Ramp skyways. One of these checkpoints is for TSA PreCheck clearance only.
If you have metal implants, you should inform a security screener, either in writing or verbally. A doctor's note is not required, but you may need to allow extra time for a secondary screening process. All checkpoints at both terminals can accommodate passengers who use wheelchairs.
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Hotels near the Mall of America
There is no specific information on how long one can stay at the Minneapolis Airport. However, the airport offers a range of amenities and services for travellers with extended layovers or those who need to stay overnight. The airport has an on-site hotel, the MSP Intercontinental Hotel, which is accessible through the terminal. The airport also has an Armed Forces Service Center (AFSC) that is open seven days a week and offers services for active-duty military personnel and their dependents.
If you are looking for hotels near the Mall of America, there are several options to choose from. The Mall of America is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. It offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including an indoor theme park, an aquarium, and a mini-golf course. Here are some hotels near the Mall of America:
- InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport: This 5-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations with elegant architectural design and unique art throughout. It features a well-equipped business centre, coworking spaces, and versatile meeting rooms, making it ideal for business travellers.
- JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America: This 4.5-star hotel provides elegant accommodations and a prime location near the Mall of America. It caters to discerning travellers seeking a blend of sophistication and convenience.
- Radisson Blu Mall of America: This stylish 4.5-star hotel offers a blend of luxury and convenience for leisure travellers. It features a well-appointed conference centre, comfortable rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy complimentary shuttle services and access to nearby attractions.
- Mall of America Hotel Partners: More than 50 hotels are located within a 10-minute drive of the Mall of America and MSP International Airport. These hotels offer courtesy shuttles to and from the mall and provide special vacation packages, deals, and exclusive rates.
When choosing a hotel near the Mall of America, it is important to consider your budget, the specific amenities and services you require, and the proximity to the mall and other attractions in the area. Be sure to check out the latest reviews and deals to find the best option for your stay.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the airport is open 24 hours on the landside across T1 and T2. Airside access ends overnight, but if you are inside the airside zones, you can stay there overnight. Security staff may not allow you through the night before an early-morning flight, in which case you may have to remain in the landside/public zones.
The airport has a limited supply of sleeping mats for passenger use at both terminals. Mats are distributed at an airline's request when local hotels are full or near capacity.
Yes, there are hotels near the airport that provide courtesy vans. There is also an onsite hotel at the airport, the MSP Intercontinental Hotel.
It can take about 30 minutes to get through the airport, or more, depending on what gate you arrive at and what terminal you are in. It is recommended that you budget an hour to be cautious.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your flight. However, if you are travelling with just carry-on luggage, checking the security wait times online can help you gauge how long it will take to get through, and you may be able to arrive in just over an hour before your flight.
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