Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Guide
Quick summary
Minneapolis-St. Paul has two terminals -- the large Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and the smaller Terminal 2 (Humphrey) -- that are not connected airside but are linked by the free METRO Blue Line light rail. The Blue Line also runs straight to downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America, making transit into the city cheap and easy.
The bottom line on MSP
MSP's catch is its split layout: Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey) sit a few miles apart and are not connected airside, so a self-connection means exiting, riding the train, and clearing security again. Confirm which terminal your airline uses -- Delta and the legacy carriers use T1, while Southwest, Sun Country, Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit fly from T2.
The saving grace is the free METRO Blue Line, which links both terminals and runs to downtown Minneapolis (about 25 minutes) and the Mall of America (about 12 minutes) for a low flat fare. For parking, the Quick Ride Ramp at about $19 a day undercuts the terminal ramps' $30-plus max.
AirportScore
Our own 1β5 rating of the MSP traveler experience, scored from the verified data on this page. See airport rankings β Β· How we score β
Traps most travelers fall for at MSP
- Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey) sit a few miles apart and are not connected airside, so a self-connection means exiting, riding the Blue Line, and clearing security again.
- Confirm which terminal your airline uses before you go β Delta and the legacy carriers fly from T1, while Southwest, Sun Country, Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit use T2.
- The terminal ramps max out around $30-36/day; the Quick Ride Ramp (~$19/day, with a shuttle) is the economical on-airport long-term choice.
Terminals at MSP
MSP is split into two separate terminals a few miles apart. Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) is the main hub, home to Delta (its biggest operation), most legacy carriers, and all of the airport's concourses A through G reached by ticketing, security, and an underground tram/moving-walkway system. Terminal 2 (Humphrey) is smaller and serves mostly low-cost and leisure carriers such as Southwest, Sun Country, Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit. The two terminals are not connected airside -- to move between them you take the free METRO Blue Line light rail (the Terminal 1-Lindbergh station is underground, and the Terminal 2-Humphrey station is a short ride away). If you connect between terminals, you must exit, ride the train, and clear security again.
MSP parking rates & options
| Terminal 1 hourly (Gold Ramp) β daily max | About $30 per day |
| Terminal 2 hourly β daily max | About $36 per day |
| Quick Ride Ramp β daily | About $19 per day |
| Terminal 1 valet β daily | About $50 per day |
| Light rail between terminals | Free |
| Cell phone waiting lot | Free |
Where the money actually goes at MSP
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is $31 a day β $19 at the quick ride ramp β daily versus $50 at the terminal 1 valet β daily. Over a week that is $217, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above β not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
π Getting to & from the airport
The METRO Blue Line light rail is the standout: it stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, runs free between the two terminals, and continues north to downtown Minneapolis (about 25 minutes to the Warehouse District) and south to the Mall of America (about 12 minutes) for a low flat fare. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and app-based rides pick up at the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of the Green/Gold parking ramps at Terminal 1, and at the designated ramp level at Terminal 2. Taxis, hotel shuttles, and intercity buses also serve both terminals. The Blue Line is by far the cheapest way into the city.
MSP vs ORD vs ATL: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
ποΈ Lounges
Most lounges are in Terminal 1, reflecting Delta's large hub -- there are multiple Delta Sky Clubs across the concourses, plus an Escape Lounge (The Club, Priority Pass) and other airline spaces. Terminal 2 is smaller with limited lounge options. Access is generally by airline membership, premium fare, or a Priority Pass-style pass, and lounges sit within specific concourses, so check your gate area before relying on one.
πΆ Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available in all public areas of both terminals -- select 'MSP Airport WiFi' from the network list and accept the terms of use.
π΄ Layovers & overnight
Terminal 1 is well suited to a layover, with a large central mall of shops and restaurants and the concourses connected airside so you can roam without re-clearing security. There is no hotel inside the terminals, but the InterContinental MSP Airport is connected to Terminal 1 via a skyway, making it the most convenient overnight option. For a self-transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, remember the two are not connected airside -- budget extra time to take the Blue Line and clear security again. Terminal 2 has fewer amenities for a long wait.
Insider tips
- Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey) are separate -- confirm which one your airline uses before you go.
- The free METRO Blue Line links the two terminals and also runs to downtown and the Mall of America.
- For a self-connection between terminals, allow extra time to exit, ride the train, and re-clear security.
- The Quick Ride Ramp (about $19/day) is the most economical on-airport long-term parking with a shuttle.
- The InterContinental hotel is skyway-connected to Terminal 1 -- ideal for early flights or overnight layovers.
MSP airport β FAQ
οΌ β How much is parking at MSP?
Terminal 1 short-term (Gold Ramp) parking maxes out around $30 per day and Terminal 2 hourly parking around $36 per day. The Quick Ride Ramp is the most economical long-term option at about $19 per day with a 24/7 shuttle, and Terminal 1 valet runs about $50 per day. The cell phone waiting lot is free.
οΌ β How do I get to downtown Minneapolis or Mall of America from MSP?
Take the METRO Blue Line light rail, which stops at both terminals. Northbound it reaches downtown Minneapolis in about 25 minutes, and southbound it reaches the Mall of America in about 12 minutes, all for a low flat fare.
οΌ β Is Wi-Fi free at MSP?
Yes. Select 'MSP Airport WiFi' from the network list and accept the terms for free, unlimited Wi-Fi in all public areas of both terminals.
οΌ β How do I get between terminals at MSP?
Ride the free METRO Blue Line light rail between the Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey stations. The terminals are not connected airside, so a connection means exiting, taking the train, and clearing security again -- leave extra time.
οΌ β Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at MSP?
At Terminal 1, rideshare pickups are at the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of the Green/Gold parking ramps. At Terminal 2, pickups are at the designated level of the parking ramp. Follow the app directions and the ground-transportation signage.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often β always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.