Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport sits 10 miles southeast of downtown St Paul and 12 miles south of Minneapolis, straddling the boundary between the two cities it serves. As the largest airport in the Upper Midwest and a major Delta Air Lines hub, it handles over 30 million passengers annually across two terminals. Its location near the junction of interstates 494 and 5, combined with a direct light rail connection to both downtowns, makes it one of the most accessible major airports in the country. The airport is known for its efficient layout, extensive art program, and the curious fact that it operates its own on-site post office.

Getting There

MSP is reachable from both St Paul and Minneapolis by car, taxi, rideshare, or public transit. The Blue Line light rail runs from downtown Minneapolis (Target Field) to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 every 10–15 minutes during peak hours, with a travel time of about 30 minutes. From St Paul, take the Green Line to the Central Station in Minneapolis and transfer to the Blue Line; the total journey from Union Depot is roughly 40 minutes. Alternatively, Metro Transit bus routes 2, 54, and 250 also serve the airport. By car, the main access roads are Highway 5, which leads directly to Terminal 1 departures, and I-494, which connects to both terminals via 34th Avenue and 24th Avenue exits. Parking includes two ramps adjacent to Terminal 1 (daily rates around $28), a Terminal 2 ramp ($24), and economy lots ($12 per day) with free shuttle service. Valet parking is available at Terminal 1 for $38 per day. Rideshare and taxi pickups are located on the ground level of each terminal's parking ramp — follow signs for "Ride App Pickup" or "Taxi."

Inside the Terminal

MSP has two terminals: Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey). Terminal 1 handles most mainline carriers, including Delta, American, United, and Alaska, as well as international flights. Its design is a long, curved concourse with gates in two arms (C and G — roughly opposite each other beyond security). The terminal feels spacious, with high ceilings and plenty of natural light in the main ticketing lobby and the central mall area. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and outlets are plentiful near gate seating. Accessibility is well handled: wheelchair-accessible entrances, toilets, and parking are marked, and assistive hearing loops are installed at information desks and in some gate areas. Changing tables are in most restrooms. Security lines can be long during peak times (Monday through Thursday around 1–2 pm), but TSA PreCheck lanes are usually less crowded. After security, the central concourse offers a variety of shops and restaurants, including local favorites like Surdyk's Flights for wine and cheese, and the MSP Airport Foundation's art exhibits rotating seasonally. Terminal 2, home to Sun Country, Southwest, and some international charter flights, is smaller but modern, with a single concourse and similar amenities. The two terminals are connected by a free light rail shuttle that runs every 10 minutes; the ride takes about 5 minutes. Directional signs are clear, but if connecting between terminals allow at least 30 minutes.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and St Paul

St Paul often takes a backseat to its larger sibling Minneapolis, but it holds its own as a destination with distinct character. As the state capital, it is home to the Minnesota State Capitol building, a striking white-domed structure designed by Cass Gilbert. The city sits on the east bank of the Mississippi River, where the river bends northward, and its downtown is compact, walkable, and filled with historic buildings — many made of local limestone. This is a city shaped by waves of immigration: Germans, Irish, Scandinavians, and later Hmong refugees from Laos, who have given St Paul one of the largest Hmong populations in the United States. That diversity shows up in its food scene, from pho and banh mi in the Little Mekong district to Midwest classics like Juicy Lucy burgers and hot dish at neighborhood diners.

For visitors with a few hours to spare, St Paul offers several attractions within a 10-minute drive from the airport. The Science Museum of Minnesota, located on the river bluff, features hands-on exhibits and an Imax theater. The Minnesota History Center, just across the street, dives into the state's past with an engrossing exhibition on the 1918 Duluth lynchings and a replica 1930s storefront. A few blocks west, the Cathedral of Saint Paul dominates the skyline — a Beaux-Arts masterpiece with a 300-foot dome. Summit Avenue, a 4.5-mile boulevard lined with Victorian mansions, is perfect for a drive or jog; the James J. Hill House, a railroad magnate's 36-room mansion, offers guided tours. For outdoor enthusiasts, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is free and features a Japanese garden, a historic carousel, and a winter butterfly house. In winter, the city's parks boast skating rinks and cross-country ski trails — the Mississippi River itself freezes enough for walking in some spots.

Why do people travel here? Business is a major draw: St Paul is headquarters for 3M, Securian Financial, and Ecolab, along with state government and the University of Minnesota's St Paul campus. Tourism revolves around family visits, winter sports, and events like the Minnesota State Fair (just north of the city) in late summer and the St Paul Winter Carnival in January. The airport itself serves as a jumping-off point for exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the North Shore of Lake Superior, both about a 5-hour drive north. St Paul's quieter, more historical character compared to Minneapolis appeals to visitors looking for a deeper sense of place; its tree-lined streets, brick alleyways, and neighborhood coffee shops feel more settled than the glitter of its western twin.

Practical Information

MSP terminals are open 24 hours a day for arriving and departing passengers, but individual shops and restaurants operate on reduced schedules — most open by 5:00 am and close by 10:00 pm. The airport website (mspairport.com) provides real-time updates on security wait times, parking availability, and flight status. For general inquiries, call +1 612-726-5555. When parking, booking a spot in advance through the website can save time and money; the economy lots are a good option for trips longer than three days. For those with mobility needs, wheelchair assistance is available at curbside and through your airline — request it at check-in. A final tip: if you have a layover longer than three hours, take the light rail from Terminal 1 to the Mall of America (just two stops away); you can re-enter security with your cleared boarding pass and enjoy the largest shopping mall in the United States. Just allow 30 minutes for the round trip and security re-entry.