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 on the Blue Line costs $2 during off-peak hours and $2.50 during rush hour. 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.
Rideshare (Uber and Lyft)
A standard rideshare to downtown Minneapolis typically costs $20-35 during normal hours. During events at US Bank Stadium, concerts at Target Center, or rush hour, surge pricing can push that to $40-60. 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 $35-45. There are no surge prices, which makes taxis more predictable than rideshares during busy periods. A trip to Saint Paul costs approximately $40-55. 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, around $10-15 by rideshare or taxi since it is barely 3 km away. Bloomington hotels are similarly close. Saint Paul runs $40-55 by taxi or $45-65 by transfer depending on the specific area. Suburbs like Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, or Plymouth are further out and cost $55-80 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.