For travelers with a layover in Minneapolis, the proximity of MSP to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 60 minutes via METRO Blue Line, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave MSP:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Minneapolis takes about 60 minutes by METRO Blue Line. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting from MSP to Minneapolis
From MSP, the METRO Blue Line gets you to Minneapolis in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the METRO Blue Line offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Storing Your Luggage at Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at MSP may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Minneapolis’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Minneapolis layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Minneapolis, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
How to Spend Your Time in Minneapolis
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Minneapolis, two standouts are:
- City Center Walk — It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
- Local Market — It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at MSP, check out Airport Lounge or Duty Free Shopping to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Minneapolis, local travelers recommend Local Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Popular Eatery is another popular pick.
Back at MSP, Airport Cafe is the go-to. Terminal Restaurant rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MSP, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Minneapolis itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at MSP, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Minneapolis doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 60 minutes from MSP, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.