Airports in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is served primarily by Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), one of the busiest airports in the United States and a major hub for air travel throughout the Upper Midwest. Located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis in the cities of Minneapolis and Bloomington, MSP handles over 40 million passengers annually and connects travelers to 150+ nonstop destinations across the country and around the world.
MSP is a critical gateway for Minnesota residents, business travelers, and tourists visiting the Twin Cities metro area. The airport sits along the Minnesota River and Cedar Avenue corridor, providing convenient access from both Minneapolis and Saint Paul via multiple highways including I-494, Highway 77, and Post Road. The airport's strategic location between the two major cities makes it an ideal hub for regional and international air travel.
Terminal 1 – Lindbergh Terminal
The Lindbergh Terminal (Terminal 1) is the main terminal at MSP and the largest of the two terminals. Named after famous Minnesota aviator Charles Lindbergh, this terminal serves the majority of airlines operating at MSP. Delta Air Lines, which operates MSP as one of its primary hub airports, dominates Terminal 1 with extensive domestic and international service. Delta's presence at MSP makes it one of the airline's most important hubs in its global network, offering nonstop service to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
In addition to Delta, Terminal 1 hosts American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Icelandair, KLM, Lufthansa, and numerous other domestic and international carriers. The terminal features four concourses — A, B, C, and F — connected by an underground automated people mover called the Tram, which allows passengers to travel between concourses quickly without returning to the main terminal level.
Terminal 2 – Humphrey Terminal
The Humphrey Terminal (Terminal 2), named after former Vice President and Minnesota Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, is the smaller of MSP's two terminals. This terminal primarily serves Southwest Airlines, which offers extensive point-to-point service from Minneapolis to dozens of destinations nationwide. Sun Country Airlines, a Minneapolis-based ultra-low-cost carrier, also operates from Terminal 2, providing seasonal and year-round service to leisure destinations across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Terminal 2 is a more compact, straightforward facility ideal for travelers who prefer a quieter, less congested airport experience. The terminal features its own set of amenities, dining options, and ground transportation access, including connections to the METRO Blue Line light rail.
Getting to Minneapolis from MSP – METRO Blue Line
One of MSP's most convenient features is its direct connection to the METRO Blue Line, the light rail transit line operated by Metro Transit. The Blue Line runs directly from MSP's Terminal 1 (Lindbergh Station) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey Station) all the way into downtown Minneapolis, continuing north through the city to Target Field and the Warehouse District. The trip from MSP to downtown Minneapolis takes approximately 25–30 minutes and costs a standard Metro Transit fare, making it one of the most affordable and convenient airport-to-downtown transit options in any major U.S. city.
The Blue Line operates daily with frequent service, connecting MSP to key destinations including the Mall of America in Bloomington (just one stop from the airport), the Minneapolis Convention Center, Nicollet Mall, and the Target Field transit hub where passengers can transfer to the METRO Green Line heading toward Saint Paul.
Regional Connectivity and Nearby Cities Served
MSP serves as the primary commercial airport for the entire Upper Midwest region, providing air service not only for Minneapolis and Saint Paul but also for communities throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa. Nearby cities regularly served by travelers using MSP include Saint Paul (approximately 9 miles east), Bloomington (adjacent to the airport), Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Burnsville. The airport's accessibility via the regional highway network makes it the go-to choice for travelers across a wide geographic area.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Minnesota Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Minneapolis St Paul International Airport - Msp
Minneapolis Saint Paul International/Wold Chamberlain Airport
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Local Airports
There are 5 Local Airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota.