How much is the light rail from MSP to downtown?

A regular Metro Transit fare is $2 at all times, good for 2½ hours. Buy it at a platform ticket machine or on the Metro Transit app before boarding.

How do I get from the terminal to the Blue Line station?

From Terminal 1, take the free tram from the Tram Level toward the parking ramps, then follow the 'Trains / Light Rail' signs down to the platform. From Terminal 2, go up to the Orange Ramp skyway and down to the north-side platform.

How long does the Blue Line take from the airport to downtown?

About 25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis. Trains run roughly every 15 minutes from around 5 a.m. to midnight.

How much is a taxi from Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport to the city?

A taxi or Uber/Lyft to downtown runs about $40–50 with fees and surge — over twenty times the $2 Blue Line train for a similar 25-minute trip.

What is the best way from MSP to downtown Minneapolis?

For budget travellers the best way is also the cheapest: the METRO Blue Line light rail, a flat $2 fare reaching central Minneapolis in about 25 minutes, with Nicollet Mall station right in the city center.

How do you get from Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport (MSP) to downtown Minneapolis — the cheapest way?

The cheapest way from Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport (MSP) to downtown Minneapolis is the METRO Blue Line light rail, which costs a flat $2 and reaches downtown in about 25 minutes. A free airport tram links Terminals 1 and 2 to the Blue Line stations, and the $2 ticket stays valid for 2½ hours so onward bus and Green Line transfers are free. Don't grab a taxi or Uber/Lyft, which runs about $40–50 for the same trip.

How to find it

AIRPORTMinneapolis–St. Paul International Airport
01Reach the Blue Line platform. From Terminal 1, go from baggage claim down to the Tram Level (one level below), ride the free tram toward the Red/Blue/Silver parking ramps, then follow the 'Trains / Light Rail' signs down to the platform beneath the ramps. From Terminal 2, from Level 1 near ticketing take the escalator or elevator up to the Orange Ramp skyway, then down to the platform on the north side.
02Buy a $2 regular-fare ticket at the platform machine or on the Metro Transit app before boarding — it is good for 2½ hours of travel.
03Board a northbound Blue Line train toward Target Field / downtown Minneapolis. Trains run about every 15 minutes from around 5 a.m. to midnight (service between the two terminals is free and runs 24 hours).
04Ride about 25 minutes into downtown. Get off at Nicollet Mall station for the heart of downtown; Government Plaza, Warehouse District/Hennepin Ave and Target Field are the other downtown stops.
CITY CENTREMinneapolis

Ticket

Metro Transit regular fare, single ride (a 2½-hour ticket)

Where to buy: At the ticket machine on the Blue Line platform at the airport station, or on the Metro Transit app before you board.

How to pay: Machines take cash, credit/debit cards and Go-To cards; the app takes cards. Buy before boarding — there are no ticket sales or gates on the train, but inspectors check fares and fines are steep.

Local's trick: Your $2 ticket is valid for 2½ hours, so you can transfer for free onto any Metro Transit bus or the Green Line light rail to finish your trip — no extra fare. Buy on the Metro Transit app to skip the machine queue, and remember trips between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are always free.

Trap to avoid: Skip the taxi or Uber/Lyft from the Ground Transportation Center — a ride to downtown runs about $40–50 with fees and surge, over twenty times the $2 train for a similar 25-minute trip.

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from MSP airport to downtown Minneapolis?: The METRO Blue Line light rail: a flat $2 fare that reaches downtown in about 25 minutes. A free airport tram connects both terminals to the Blue Line stations.
How much is the light rail from MSP to downtown?: A regular Metro Transit fare is $2 at all times, good for 2½ hours. Buy it at a platform ticket machine or on the Metro Transit app before boarding.
How do I get from the terminal to the Blue Line station?: From Terminal 1, take the free tram from the Tram Level toward the parking ramps, then follow the 'Trains / Light Rail' signs down to the platform. From Terminal 2, go up to the Orange Ramp skyway and down to the north-side platform.
How long does the Blue Line take from the airport to downtown?: About 25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis. Trains run roughly every 15 minutes from around 5 a.m. to midnight.
How much is a taxi from Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport to the city?: A taxi or Uber/Lyft to downtown runs about $40–50 with fees and surge — over twenty times the $2 Blue Line train for a similar 25-minute trip.
What is the best way from MSP to downtown Minneapolis?: For budget travellers the best way is also the cheapest: the METRO Blue Line light rail, a flat $2 fare reaching central Minneapolis in about 25 minutes, with Nicollet Mall station right in the city center.

Last verified: Jul 2, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.