Minneapolis Layover Guide (MSP)

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Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a major international airport found in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States. It is located 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul. The airport is a joint civil-military base that was established in the 1920s. Minneapolis is a metropolis known for having an influential music scene, being a financial and commercial center, being LGBT friendly, and having a lot of lakes such as Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, and Lake of Isles.

Can you leave Minneapolis Airport (MSP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible for certain travelers to see Minneapolis during a layover but others require a visa depending on nationality. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Minneapolis Organized Tours

Minneapolis: 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour

The tour starts off at a convenient pick-up and drop-off at Radisson Blu Downtown Minneapolis, From there you get to discover 3 breweries in 3 hours such as Bauhaus Brew Labs, Fair State Cooperative, Modist Brewing, La Dona Cerveceria, Bent Brewstillery, among others. These are known as Minneapolis’ finest. You will get to drink as much, or as little beer as your palate craves and the cost of beer is included in the ticket price. The fun and knowledgeable tour guide will make sure you have a great time while you learn about the history of craft brewing in Minneapolis. » book this tour

Minneapolis: 3-Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Discover Minneapolis on this interactive smartphone guided walking tour. This quest allows you to take a journey through urban parks, historic mills and down along the river and falls. You can solve challenges as you view art, culture and the beautiful natural view. The guide gives culturally significant locations and iconic Minneapolis sights such as Mill City Museum, Guthrie Theater, Gold Medal Park, Saint Anthony Falls, River Park, Stone Arch Bridge and City Hall. » book this tour

Bloomington Mall of America

Visit the world-renowned Mall of America,Bloomington, Minnesota is the perfect destination for a fun getaway. With this ticket, you will get access to a host of discounts at some 520 stores, with no sales tax on clothing and shoes. The nation’s most visited tourist attraction allows anyone whether label shopper, adventure seeker, or foodie something to indulge in. There are more than 50 restaurants as well as shops such as Burberry, Hugo Boss, Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman, and more. Adventure seekers can venture into the Nickelodeon Universe theme park. » book this tour

Minneapolis Things to do / Sightseeing

Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie Theater creates transformative theater experiences that ignite the imagination and to stir the heart. The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays, connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. The Guthrie Theater is a great spot for two reasons: One, the shows are some of the best in the Midwest, and two, the Endless Bridge that stretches towards the Mississippi offers amazing views of the city. While performances can sometimes be spendy, exploring the theater is absolutely free.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It may take a 20 minute taxi ride or about 30 minutes by public transport to arrive at the theater.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Como Park, the zoo and conservatory are great fun for visitors of all ages. It is one of the last free zoos in the United States and is home to a wide array of animals and plants and welcomes visitors 365 days a year. It is located next to Como Town Amusement Park and the historic Cafesjian’s Carousel. There is even a Japanese garden.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: It takes a 30 minute taxi ride or about an hour by public transport to arrive at the park.

Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota is a modern museum which has an entirely new way of illumination. When the lights are dimmed for large-scale interactive art installations, it is a remarkable thing to see. Festivities take place at this center some times.

Time required: 2 to 3 hours.

Airport to here: It takes a 30 minute taxi ride or about an hour by public transport to arrive at the park.

FlyOver America

Experience America like never before with this ultimate flying ride that makes it a truly unforgettable experience. It uses the latest virtual flight ride technology and special effects, it will feel like you’re truly flying with wind, scents, and mist! Soar over some of the most spectacular and breathtaking landscapes and city skylines in America all in this ride.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes a 15 minute taxi ride or about 20 minutes by public transport.

Minnesota History Center

This is an interactive museum with both permanent and changing exhibits. The building is home to the Gale Family Library and archives, a research destination for schoolchildren, family historians, and academics. The Minnesota History Center also hosts concerts, lectures, family days and other special events throughout the year. The Minnesota History Center’s distinctive architecture is unique, it was constructed with local granite and limestone having marble accents. The History Center’s spaces offer classic flair with grand vistas of the State Capitol, Cathedral of Saint Paul and the downtown Saint Paul skyline.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes a 20 minute taxi ride or about 50 minutes by public transport.

Mill City Museum

Explore the Mill City Museum, which was built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill. It opened in 2003 where the ruins of the Washburn “A” Mill used to be. It is located next to Mill Ruins Park on the banks of the Mississippi River. Mill City Museum’s 12,000 square feet of exhibit space is packed with fun for visitors of all ages.

Time required: 1 hour.

Airport to here: It takes 30 minutes by taxi or public transport.

Bunker Beach Water Park

Bunker Beach features six towering waterslides, a 900’ lazy river, leisure pool with climbing wall, a zero-entry pool with a water play structure, a creative sand play area, and as always, Minnesota’s largest outdoor wave pool! Large open areas for sunning and relaxing are scattered throughout Minnesota’s largest outdoor waterpark! Concession options, changing rooms, and a metro-area location, make Bunker Beach a perfect family destination!

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes an hour by taxi.

Things to Do in Minneapolis Airport (MSP)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are numerous lounges in each terminal. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are many hotel options less than a mile away. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are two cozy seating areas available in the Lindbergh Terminal, T1.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available, connect to the “MSP-WiFi” or “Boingo Hotspot” networks.

SIM Card: There are several shops within the airport that sell SIM cards. » buy a global sim card for Minneapolis, United States that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi service at Terminal 1 is accessible via the Tram Level while at Terminal 2, taxi service is available at the Ground Transport Center.

Train: Light rail transit trains stop at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and connect travelers to downtown Minneapolis, Mall of America and other locations. (more info).

Bus: Local bus lines serve the airport from bus zones outside the terminals. (more info).

Shuttle: Scheduled buses, shuttle vans, and limousine services are provided by several companies. Information can be found at the Ground Transport Center.

Car rentals: On-airport rental car counters at Terminal 1 are located on the second and third levels between the Red and Blue parking ramps. And at Terminal 2, on-airport rental car counters are located in the Ground Transport Center on the ground level. » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The parking lots are found close to each terminal and there is information online about the availability of booking.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

These are available airside in the Lindbergh Terminal (T1), SmarteCarte storage lockers can accommodate carry-on-sized luggage. » book a luggage storage or locker at Minneapolis Airport (MSP) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Minneapolis Airport (MSP) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks