Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is about 15 km south of downtown Minneapolis. The cost of getting into the city depends on which transport option you choose and when you arrive.
Light Rail (Metro Blue Line)
The most affordable option by far. A single ride is cheap — the Blue Line charges the same as a local bus — but Metro Transit revises its fares, so check the current price at the station machine or in the Metro Transit app. There is no charge at all between the two terminals, 24 hours a day. The train runs from both terminals directly to downtown Minneapolis in about 25 minutes. If you are heading to the Mall of America, it is just one stop from the airport. This is a practical choice for solo travelers or couples with manageable luggage.
Fixed-price private transfer
MSP Minneapolis
From€83for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €106 per vehicle, about €27 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Rideshare (Uber and Lyft)
A rideshare to downtown Minneapolis has no published tariff — the app quotes before you confirm. During events at US Bank Stadium, concerts at Target Center, or rush hour, surge pricing can push it well above the taxi fare. Pickup is on the upper level at Terminal 1 and ground level at Terminal 2. The ride takes 15-20 minutes in normal traffic.
Taxi
Metered taxis from MSP to downtown Minneapolis run $39-49 according to the airport. There are no surge prices, which makes taxis more predictable than rideshares during busy periods. A trip to Saint Paul costs less, not more — the airport publishes $31-38, because St Paul is 8 miles away against 12 for Minneapolis. Taxis line up at both terminals and you do not need to pre-book.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer
A private transfer to downtown Minneapolis costs $35-55 depending on vehicle type. The price is fixed at booking, so there are no surprises with meters or surge pricing. Your driver tracks your flight and waits at arrivals, which matters when flights are delayed. Larger vehicles for groups or families cost more but often work out cheaper per person than multiple rideshares.
Costs to Other Destinations
The Mall of America is the cheapest car ride from MSP: taxis charge a flat $23.50 zone fare, and it is barely 3 km away. Bloomington hotels are similarly close. Saint Paul runs $31-38 by taxi (the airport's published figure) or $45-65 by transfer depending on the specific area. Suburbs like Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, or Plymouth are further out and cost see the current price in our search by transfer.
Tips for Keeping Costs Down
If cost is your main concern, the Blue Line cannot be beat. For groups of three or four, a single taxi or transfer splits to a reasonable per-person rate and saves the hassle of luggage on public transit. Avoid rideshares during major events or Friday evening rush hour when surge pricing is almost guaranteed. Booking a transfer in advance locks in a price that will not change regardless of conditions on the ground.
When a private transfer from MSP is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Minneapolis is from €106, about €27 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
MSP → Minneapolis from €83Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.