How to Get from MSP Airport to Mall of America
TL;DR: Mall of America is 3 miles from MSP Airport. The Blue Line light rail takes 12 minutes for $2.50. Other options include rideshare ($10-20), hotel shuttles (free), and car service for groups with luggage.
Mall of America is 3 miles from MSP Airport. You can see it from the terminal windows. Getting there is one of the easiest connections in the Twin Cities, but the best option depends on how much luggage you have and how much time you want to spend on logistics.
Light Rail (Blue Line)
Cost: $2.50 Time: 12 minutes Station: Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) or Terminal 2 (Humphrey) to Mall of America station
This is the default option and it works well. The Blue Line runs directly from both MSP terminals to Mall of America station. No transfers, no confusion. Trains run every 10-15 minutes during the day.
From Terminal 1: Take the tram from your gate area to the Transit Center. The Blue Line platform is on the lower level. Follow the signs to "Light Rail."
From Terminal 2: The light rail platform is connected to the terminal. Follow signs to "Transit."
The catch: You're hauling luggage on and off a train. If you have a carry-on and a personal item, no problem. If you have two checked bags, a car seat, and a stroller, the light rail becomes a wrestling match.
Also: the Mall of America station drops you at the east entrance. If your hotel or destination is on the west side of the mall complex, you're walking through the mall to get there - which with luggage isn't fun.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Cost: $10-20 (Uber X), $25-40 (Uber Black) Time: 5-8 minutes
Quick and door-to-door. Request from the airport rideshare pickup area (lower level, both terminals) and you're at MOA in under 10 minutes.
Works best for: 1-2 people with moderate luggage who want the convenience of a direct ride. The price is reasonable for such a short trip.
The issue: This is only 3 miles. Most drivers don't love ultra-short fares from the airport because they've been waiting in the staging lot for 30+ minutes for a fare, and a $12 ride to MOA isn't worth the wait. You might notice some drivers aren't thrilled about the destination. Don't worry about it - it's a valid ride and they'll take you.
Car Service
Cost: Contact for quote Time: 5-8 minutes
A car service for a 3-mile ride might seem like overkill. But in a few specific scenarios it makes total sense:
You have a group. 4-6 people with luggage, coming from the airport to a hotel near MOA. One SUV handles it cleaner and often cheaper (per person) than multiple rideshares.
You're connecting to a longer trip. Flying into MSP, stopping at MOA for a few hours of shopping, then continuing to a hotel in Bloomington or a destination further out. A car service can do the whole chain.
You have special needs. Car seats for kids, wheelchair accessibility, excessive luggage. A car service accommodates these with advance notice. A random Uber might or might not have the space.
Hotel Shuttles
Many hotels in the Bloomington/MOA area offer free shuttle service to and from MOA and MSP Airport. If you're staying at one of these hotels, this is free transportation:
- Radisson Blu (connected to MOA via skyway)
- JW Marriott (at MOA)
- Most Bloomington hotels along American Blvd offer airport shuttles
Check with your hotel before booking other transportation. The shuttle might be all you need.
Driving (If You Have a Rental)
MOA has 13,000 free parking spots. If you rented a car at MSP, the drive is 5 minutes south on Hwy 77 to the Killebrew Drive exit. Parking is free and plentiful except during peak holiday shopping season (late November through December).
The Quick Answer
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Line | $2.50 | 12 min | Solo travelers, light luggage |
| Uber X | $10-20 | 5-8 min | 1-2 people, convenience |
| Hotel shuttle | Free | 15-20 min | If your hotel offers it |
| Car service | Contact for quote | 5-8 min | Groups, luggage, connections |
| Rental car | Gas only | 5 min | If you need a car anyway |
For most travelers: take the Blue Line. It's $2.50, it's fast, and it works.
For groups with luggage or families with kids: a car service or rideshare is worth the convenience.
For layover shoppers with a few hours to kill: Blue Line there, Blue Line back. You'll spend more time shopping than commuting.
NS Limo provides transportation between MSP Airport, Mall of America, and anywhere in the Twin Cities. Book online or call (320) 223-8146.