St. Paul is Minnesota’s charming capital, known for its historic neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and vibrant downtown. Whether you have a short connection or a longer layover at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (STP), this guide will help you decide whether to explore the city or stay at the airport – and how to make the most of your time.
Before You Leave the Airport
Essential Information
- Visa Requirements: Check IATA Travel Centre for your specific nationality and destination.
- Language: English is spoken throughout St. Paul and the airport.
- Currency: US Dollars (USD). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters.
- Getting Around: Public transit, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or rental cars available.
- Time Zone: Central Time (CT).
Getting to St. Paul from STP
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (STP) is located approximately 8 miles from downtown St. Paul. Several transit options are available:
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Rail (Blue Line) | 30-40 min | $2.50-$3.25 | Budget travelers |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 15-25 min | $15-$30 | Groups, convenience |
| Taxi | 15-25 min | $25-$40 | Direct service |
| Rental Car | Varies | $40+/day | Exploring beyond city |
Pro Tip: The Blue Line light rail is the most affordable and reliable option for reaching downtown St. Paul. Stations connect directly to the airport terminals.
How Long of a Layover Do You Need at STP?
The length of your layover determines what you can realistically do:
- 2-3 hours: Stay at the airport. Time is too tight to leave and return through security.
- 4-5 hours: Risky for leaving the airport. Only attempt if you’re traveling domestically and familiar with the airport.
- 6+ hours: You have time to explore. Budget 1 hour for immigration (if international), 2-3 hours to return to the airport and clear security, leaving 2-3 hours to explore the city.
- 12+ hours (overnight): Consider a hotel near the airport or explore St. Paul more thoroughly.
Rule of Thumb: Always factor in immigration + security time. For international connections, add an extra 30-60 minutes to your return buffer.
What to Do During Your Layover
If You’re Staying at the Airport
While specific amenities data for STP is limited, most major airports offer:
- Food courts and restaurants
- Retail shops and duty-free stores
- Charging stations for devices
- Restrooms and family care facilities
- WiFi (download offline entertainment before arriving)
Lounge Access: If you don’t have lounge access through your airline or credit card, consider purchasing a one-time day pass:
- Alaska Airlines: ~$39
- American Airlines: ~$45
- Delta: ~$49
- United: ~$59
- Priority Pass: Access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide (often included with premium credit cards)
If You’re Exploring St. Paul
St. Paul offers several attractions worth visiting during a layover:
- Minnesota State Capitol: Historic building with free tours available.
- Cathedral of Saint Paul: Stunning architecture in the heart of downtown.
- Rice Park: Historic public square surrounded by cultural institutions.
- The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts: Check for matinee performances during your layover.
- Downtown St. Paul: Walk along historic streets, grab lunch at local restaurants, and explore shops.
Eating in the City: Airport food is 2-3x more expensive than city restaurants. If you have time to leave the airport, eat in St. Paul instead. Use a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates with zero markup.
Luggage Storage at STP
If you want to explore St. Paul without carrying luggage, use a luggage storage service:
- Bounce: Partner with local businesses near STP. Typically $5-8/bag/day.
- Stasher: Similar service with multi-bag discounts available.
- LuggageHero: Another option for secure luggage storage near the airport.
These services are much cheaper than airport lockers and allow you to explore hands-free.
Quick Tips for Your STP Layover
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing. Airport WiFi can be unreliable.
- Stay hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security. Staying hydrated helps manage jet lag.
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on for easy access.
- Use ATMs for cash: Never exchange money at airport currency counters – rates are terrible.
- Share your location: If exploring solo, share your location with a trusted contact.
Special Tips by Traveler Type
Families
Most major airports have baby care rooms with changing tables, bottle warmers, and nursing areas. Download offline entertainment before your layover – airport WiFi may be slow or time-limited. Pack a ‘layover bag’ inside your carry-on with snacks, entertainment, and basic toiletries for easy access without unpacking everything.
Solo Travelers
Keep your most valuable items (passport, phone, wallet) in a cross-body bag or hidden money belt when exploring. Get an eSIM before traveling (Airalo, Holafly) for instant data without hunting for WiFi. Check SleepingInAirports.net to see if STP is a good airport for sleeping during a long layover.
Groups
Add 15-30 minutes ‘group tax’ to all time estimates – groups move slower through immigration, security, and transit. Designate a ‘group leader’ before the layover who manages timing and communication. Use WhatsApp or a group chat for real-time coordination, and share departure gate and boarding time as a pinned message. For luggage storage, book all group bags together for multi-bag discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave STP airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave STP during a layover if you have sufficient time. For domestic flights, you need at least 4-5 hours total layover time. For international flights, budget 6+ hours to account for immigration and security. Always factor in 2-3 hours to return to the airport and clear security before your next flight.
What is there to do at STP during a layover?
At the airport, you can use lounges, eat at food courts, shop, or rest. If you leave the airport, St. Paul offers the Minnesota State Capitol, Cathedral of Saint Paul, Rice Park, and downtown attractions. The Blue Line light rail connects the airport directly to downtown in 30-40 minutes.
Are there lounges at STP?
Yes, lounges are available at STP. If you don’t have lounge access through your airline or credit card, you can purchase one-time day passes (Alaska ~$39, American ~$45, Delta ~$49, United ~$59). Priority Pass gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide and is often included free with premium credit cards.
Is there luggage storage at STP?
Yes, luggage storage is available through services like Bounce, Stasher, and LuggageHero, which partner with local businesses near STP. Storage costs $5-10/bag/day and is much cheaper than airport lockers. Multi-bag discounts are available for groups.