Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport: where to…

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport is connected to downtown by the Blue Line light rail, with frequent trains and a trip of about half an hour: for those arriving or departing at normal hours, sleeping downtown makes it possible to use the stopover to see the city, walking through the system of covered skyways that link hotels, shops, and restaurants even in the coldest months. Travelers with an overnight layover or a dawn flight find it convenient to use the one hotel right next to the terminal, with a free shuttle running around the clock. North Loop and the university area are quieter alternatives, always reachable by the Blue Line.

Airport area

Free hotel shuttle, running around the clock, a few minutes from Terminal 1; the direct walking link via skyway is closed due to a shortage of TSA staff, with no reopening date announced.

Best for: travelers with a short layover, a dawn flight, or a late-night arrival

Pros

Free shuttle around the clock, just notify the hotel before arrival
Runway views for those who like watching takeoffs

Cons

The skyway that directly linked to the terminal has been closed indefinitely
An isolated area, nothing to do on foot in the evening

Recommended hotels in this area

InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport by IHG: The only hotel right next to the terminal, with two in-house restaurants and a continuous shuttle.

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Downtown Minneapolis

City centre · Blue Line light rail, direct from the airport, in about 30 minutes.

Best for: travelers who want to explore the city and make use of the covered skyway system

Pros

Direct light rail connection from the airport
Covered skyways between hotels, shops, and restaurants in the cold months

Cons

On weekends with stadium events, the streets near the convention center are noisier
Hotel parking is expensive compared to the outlying areas

Recommended hotels in this area

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis: Connected by skyway to the Convention Center and Orchestra Hall, convenient for getting around without going outside.
Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis: A historic skyscraper downtown, connected to the skywalk, spacious rooms for those wanting a more refined stay.

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North Loop and Mill District

Neighbourhood · Blue Line to Target Field, about 30 minutes from the airport, then a few blocks on foot.

Best for: travelers looking for restaurants and independent spots away from downtown's convention circuit

Pros

Renovated brick warehouses with the neighborhood's restaurants and breweries
Quieter than the convention-center streets in the evening

Cons

The nearest light rail station is a few blocks away on foot
Fewer shops open on Sundays compared to downtown

Recommended hotels in this area

Hewing Hotel: A former warehouse from the early twentieth century in North Loop, with a rooftop spa, for those seeking character beyond location.
Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District: Close to the Guthrie Theater and the Mississippi, convenient for those who want to stay away from the convention center.

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University area

Neighbourhood · Blue Line to US Bank Stadium, then Green Line to Stadium Village or East Bank: about 30-40 minutes from the airport in total.

Best for: travelers visiting the University of Minnesota or an event at Huntington Bank Stadium

Pros

Lower prices than the central areas
Light rail stop a few minutes on foot

Cons

Requires a line change to get there from the airport
Lively mainly on class days, quieter on summer weekends

Recommended hotels in this area

Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis: 10 minutes on foot from the Stadium Village station, designed for those who spend time around the campus.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis University Area: Free shuttle to the campus and Huntington Bank Stadium, useful for families or longer stays.

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