MSP Airport Transportation: Every Option Ranked
TL;DR: Seven ways to get to and from MSP Airport - light rail, rideshare, taxi, hotel shuttle, rental car, parking, and car service - ranked by cost, convenience, and when each makes sense. We're a car service company, but we'll tell you when the $2.50 train is the better call.
MSP Airport is the 16th busiest airport in the United States. Getting to and from it should not be this confusing, but here we are. Seven different transportation options, each with different pricing, availability, and trade-offs.
This is an honest breakdown of every option. We are a car service company, so we have a bias - but we will tell you when another option makes more sense.
Light Rail (Metro Blue Line)
The Blue Line runs between MSP and downtown Minneapolis with stops at Mall of America. Fare: $2.50. Runs every 10-15 minutes during the day, less frequent nights and weekends.
Best for: solo travelers going to downtown Minneapolis or Mall of America. It is cheap, predictable, and avoids traffic entirely.
Worst for: anyone with heavy luggage, traveling to suburbs, or arriving late at night. The last train leaves MSP around midnight. If your flight lands at 11:45 PM, you are cutting it close.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Uber and Lyft pick up from the rideshare lot on Level 1 of Terminal 1 or the Ground Transport Center at Terminal 2. Typical pricing: $20-35 to downtown Minneapolis, $25-45 to Saint Paul, $30-60+ to suburbs.
Best for: spontaneous trips to the urban core during off-peak hours.
Worst for: peak travel times (surge pricing can 2-3x the fare), suburban destinations (long wait times), and predictable schedules where flat-rate pricing saves money.
Taxi
Taxis queue at both terminals. Metered fares: roughly $35-45 to downtown Minneapolis, $40-50 to Saint Paul. No surge pricing.
Best for: travelers who want to jump in a car with no app and no advance booking.
Worst for: long-distance trips where the meter runs up, and anyone who has used a modern transportation service and expects a clean car and professional driver.
Hotel Shuttles
Many airport-area hotels (Bloomington, Eagan, Richfield) offer free shuttle service. Call the hotel after landing and the shuttle arrives in 10-20 minutes.
Best for: overnight stays at airport-area hotels. Free is hard to beat.
Worst for: hotels outside the airport corridor. Downtown and suburban hotels rarely offer MSP shuttles.
Rental Car
MSP rental car center is a shuttle ride from the terminal. Full process takes 30-60 minutes. Costs $75-110/day after taxes and fees, plus gas and parking at your destination.
Best for: multi-day trips where you need a car for flexible, self-directed travel.
Worst for: one-day trips, trips to a single destination, and anyone who values their time. The rental process eats 1-2 hours round trip.
Parking Your Own Car
MSP parking rates: $26/day daily lot, $16-18/day value lot (shuttle required), $5 first hour in hourly ramp. A 4-day trip costs $64-104 in parking alone.
Best for: short trips (1-2 days) when you live close to the airport and want your own car waiting.
Worst for: trips longer than 3 days (costs add up fast) and anyone living 30+ miles from MSP.
Professional Car Service
Pre-booked, flat-rate, door-to-door. Driver meets you at baggage claim, tracks your flight, handles luggage. Vehicle is a late-model SUV, not whatever sedan the app dispatches.
Best for: airport transfers, corporate travel, suburban pickups, early morning or late night flights, and anyone who wants guaranteed service at a known price.
Worst for: budget travelers going to downtown Minneapolis (the Blue Line is $2.50 and gets you there in 25 minutes).
The Bottom Line
There is no single best option - it depends on where you are going, when, and what you value. Going downtown on a budget? Take the train. Need a car for a week? Rent one. Flying in for a meeting and flying out? Book a car service. The key is matching the transportation to the trip, not defaulting to the same choice every time.
NS Limo provides flat-rate airport transfers and car service across Minnesota. Book online or call (320) 223-8146.