Layover Guide

Minneapolis

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the crown jewel of the Upper Midwest, serving as a primary gateway to the north-central United States. Whether you are passing through on a short connection or have a long day to explore, the Twin Cities offer incredible accessibility via light rail. With 1 airport(s) serving the region, travelers can easily transition from the terminal to world-class shopping or scenic waterfalls in under 20 minutes.

By James Windsor|Reviewed July 18, 2026

32,000+ layovers planned

4,281 Minneapolis layovers

Avg itinerary: 23s

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Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour

A great tour year-round, especially if you're visiting in the winter months! Minneapolis is home to the largest, contiguous skyway system in the world! Originally designed to counter the 1950s post war suburban boom by revitalizing the city's retail core, today the second story walkways connect 80 city blocks and meander more than 9 miles. This is a great way to see the city - inside and out - during cool weather, hot weather, rainy days and the brutally long Minnesota winter, so pretty much year-round! There are so many treasures within downtown's unique architectural landscape, and the skyway system is sometimes the only way to see them. AFTERNOON TOUR ends at the historic Minneapolis Club, not typically open to the public. Choosing Mpls City & Skyway Tours, you are supporting a local, woman-owned small business with a big heart. (Please note, this is a walking tour. We will walk up to two miles, with breaks. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.)

Duration

2h 15m

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 4.3h total

Admission

What you'll see

Attraction stop (15 mins)

We'll ascend into the second-story walkway from the Foshay Tower to begin the tour. We come full circle, returning to the Foshay Tower at the end of the tour where you can take advantage of the opportunity to check out the city from the 31st floor of the only outdoor observation deck in the city!

Attraction stop (15 mins)

Artwork by light sculptor, Jason Krugman, and glasswork by Chihuly.

Attraction stop (15 mins)

Large public art collection

Attraction stop (15 mins)

This extraordinary City Hall took nearly 20 years to build and while not connected to the skyway system, it is connected to an underground tunnel which we will use to visit the Federal Courthouse. Inside the rotunda you'll have the chance to rub the big toe of the Father of Waters statue for good luck.

+3 more stops

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Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings

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Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings

Learn about the unique character and history of Minneapolis and its neighborhoods with local expert guides while enjoying hand selected drinks that define our city and its people. Share stories with your guide and fellow tour members as we walk the streets of Minneapolis between our bars. Chat with the knowledgeable bartenders and staff that help us get through those long winter months, and heartbreaking sports teams

Duration

2h 30m

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 4.5h total

Admission

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What you'll see

Attraction stop (30 mins)

We begin our tour on the cobblestone streets of Saint Anthony Main, the oldest neighborhood in Minneapolis. Home to bustling restaurants, cobblestone streets, and scenic views of the Mississippi riverfront

Attraction stop (30 mins)

Have a taste of history on an island in the middle of the Mississippi river, in a building that reflects over a century of development in Minneapolis

Attraction stop (30 mins)

Stop in at an unassuming neighborhood bar in the heart of the city. Characterized by the photos of its patrons on their travels around the world, comfortable atmosphere, and according to some, the best wings in the city!

Attraction stop (45 mins)

Follow your guide down an easy to miss alleyway to our final stop that is truly the hidden gem of the Warehouse District. Enjoy an exclusive cocktail handcrafted by some of our favorite bartenders in the Twin Cities!

Ready to book for your Minneapolis layover

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Airport Guides

Msp Minneapolis Airport

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Home to These Airports

Airports in Minneapolis

MSP

Minneapolis Airport (MSP)

MSP has two terminals, Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey), which are connected by a light rail shuttle. If you have a layover of 4+ hours, take the Blue Line light rail directly to the Mall of America. For shorter stays, Terminal 1 offers an award-winning selection of local shops and restaurants.

Explore the City

Best Things to Do During a Minneapolis Layover

8 experiences to discover

013-5 hours

Mall of America

The largest mall in the US features an indoor theme park, aquarium, and hundreds of shops. Accessible via a 12-minute light rail ride from either terminal.

5 miles from airport

021.5-2 hours

Minnehaha Falls

A stunning 53-foot waterfall located in one of Minneapolis' oldest parks. It is just a few stops away on the METRO Blue Line.

4 miles from airport

032 hours

Stone Arch Bridge

Walk across this historic former railroad bridge for the best skyline views of Minneapolis and the Mississippi River.

12 miles from airport

042-3 hours

Walker Art Center & Sculpture Garden

Home to the iconic 'Spoonbridge and Cherry' sculpture. This world-renowned contemporary art museum is a must-see for culture seekers.

13 miles from airport

052 hours

Mill City Museum

Built into the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, this museum tells the industrial history of the city.

12 miles from airport

063 hours

Target Field

If your layover aligns with a Minnesota Twins home game, this open-air stadium is easily accessible via the light rail.

13 miles from airport

072-4 hours

Chain of Lakes

Explore Lake Harriet or Bde Maka Ska for a true 'Land of 10,000 Lakes' experience with walking trails and boat rentals.

10 miles from airport

082-3 hours

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

A beautiful, free zoo and botanical conservatory located in nearby St. Paul, perfect for families.

11 miles from airport

Where to Eat

Where to Eat During Your Stopover

Matt's Bar

American / Burgers$South Minneapolis

Blue Door Pub

Pub Food / Jucy Lucys$$MSP Terminal 1

Ike’s Food & Cocktails

Classic American$$MSP Terminal 1

Spoon and Stable

French-Inspired Midwestern$$$$North Loop

Surly Brewing Co.

Brewery / Pizza$$Prospect Park

LoLo American Kitchen

Street Food / Fusion$$MSP Terminal 1

Hello Pizza

Pizza$Edina

Shop & Browse

Shopping Destinations

Mall of America

Over 500 stores with no sales tax on clothing or shoes, making it a shopper's paradise.

12 mins via Light Rail

Nicollet Mall

A twelve-block portion of Nicollet Avenue in downtown Minneapolis with flagship stores and boutiques.

25 mins via Light Rail

MSP Terminal 1 Retail

Features local favorites like Prince's 'The Purple Store' and high-end international brands.

0 miles

50th & France

An upscale neighborhood shopping district with luxury boutiques and local jewelry designers.

15 mins via Taxi

Navigate

Getting Around Minneapolis

The most efficient way to navigate during a layover is the METRO Blue Line light rail, which connects both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to the Mall of America and Downtown Minneapolis. Trains run every 12-15 minutes. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at designated areas in both terminals. For those staying at airport hotels, most offer complimentary shuttles.

Good to Know

Practical Tips for Your Minneapolis Stay

Minnesota has no sales tax on clothing and shoes—perfect for shopping at the Mall of America.

Check your terminal carefully; Terminal 1 and 2 are accessed by different road exits and are not walkable from each other.

Use Smarte Carte lockers in Terminal 1 to store your carry-on luggage while you explore the city.

The Light Rail is significantly cheaper than a taxi for reaching major landmarks.

Allow at least 2 hours for security when returning to MSP, as it is a major hub and can get busy.

Download the Sun Country or Delta apps if flying through MSP, as they offer the most frequent updates for this hub.

If traveling in winter, utilize the Minneapolis Skyway system downtown to stay warm indoors.

MSP offers free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals for all passengers.

Open the airport and route guides you need next

Keep your planning flow on Borderly by opening the local airport and route pages connected to this stopover.

Msp Minneapolis Airport

Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

Make Every Minute Count

Layover Time Management Guide

For a 2-4 hour layover, stay within Terminal 1 to enjoy the local food scene or the walking path. For a 4-8 hour layover, take the Blue Line light rail to the Mall of America (12 mins) or Minnehaha Falls (15 mins). If you have 8+ hours, head into Downtown Minneapolis to see the Stone Arch Bridge and enjoy a meal at one of the city's top-rated restaurants in the North Loop or Mill District.

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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the airport during a layover in Minneapolis?

Yes, as long as you have the necessary visa/entry requirements for the United States. The light rail makes it very easy to reach local attractions quickly.

How far is the Mall of America from MSP?

It is approximately 5 miles away and takes about 12 minutes to reach via the METRO Blue Line light rail.

Does MSP have luggage storage?

Yes, Smarte Carte offers luggage storage lockers at various locations in Terminal 1.

Is there a train from MSP to downtown?

Yes, the METRO Blue Line runs from the airport to downtown Minneapolis in about 25-30 minutes.

What is the 'Jucy Lucy' and where can I get one?

A Jucy Lucy is a burger with cheese melted inside the meat patty. Matt's Bar and 5-8 Club are the famous local spots to try one.

How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?

You must use the Light Rail Transit (LRT) shuttle. It is free to use between the two airport stations.

Is Minneapolis safe for solo travelers during a layover?

Yes, the airport and the light rail route to the Mall of America and downtown are generally very safe for travelers.

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