How to get from Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport to Mall of America

Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) to Mall of America (MOA) is one of the easiest airport-to-mall transfers in the U.S. The METRO Blue Line light rail runs directly from both airport terminals to MOA in minutes; taxis and rideshares are plentiful; and hotel/airport shuttles cover many flights. Pick your speed, budget, and luggage comfort below—with step-by-steps and planner links.

At A Glance (Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport to Mall of America)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚇 METRO Blue Line (Terminal 1/Terminal 2 → MOA)	~12–15 min from either terminal	Fastest & cheapest, runs frequently
🏷️ Cost: ~US$2–2.50 (time-of-day) • Official info: Metro Transit Blue Line
🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door)	~8–15 min (traffic)	Heavy luggage, mobility needs, late nights
🏷️ Cost: ~US$20–35 per car + tip • Official pickup details: MSP Taxis / App-based rides
🚌 Hotel / Courtesy Shuttles	~10–20 min including wait	Guests of participating hotels
🏷️ Cost: Often free (guests) • Check your hotel’s shuttle page or call upon landing
🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & Greet)	~10–20 min	Families/groups, guaranteed pickup
🏷️ Cost: ~US$45–90 per vehicle • Compare quotes: GetTransfer | Browse providers on GetYourGuide or Klook
🚘 Car Rental (Airport → MOA)	~10–15 min drive	Those planning wider Twin Cities travel
🏷️ Cost: ~US$45–100/day + parking • Compare: Booking.com Car Rental (MSP) | Trip.com Car Hire

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & cheapest for most: METRO Blue Line from Terminal 1 or 2 straight to Mall of America Station (inside the mall complex).
• Most convenient with bags/kids/late arrivals: Taxi or rideshare from the signed pickup zones.
• Group comfort / guaranteed pickup: Private transfer/van with meet-and-greet.
• Planning to explore beyond MOA: Rent a car; parking at MOA is plentiful and free.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Contactless on transit: Buy a fare from station machines or use the Metro Transit app; trains run every ~10–15 min most of the day.
• Wayfinding: Follow signs for “Light Rail Transit (LRT)” in both terminals; elevators/escalators available. MOA station is attached to the mall.
• Rideshare apps: Uber/Lyft operate at MSP—follow terminal signage to the app pickup areas. For fixed-price vans/cars, compare GetTransfer.
• Staying overnight? MOA area has many hotels; compare on Booking.com near Mall of America.

🚇 Option #1 — METRO Blue Line (Fastest & Cheapest)

Budget Every ~10–15 min Direct station at MOA

• Overview: Board the Blue Line at Terminal 1–Lindbergh Station or Terminal 2–Humphrey Station. Ride a few stops south to Mall of America Station, connected directly to the mall.
• How to book (with price): Buy a ticket at the platform machine or via app; expect ~US$2–2.50 depending on time of day. Official schedules/maps: Metro Transit Blue Line.
• Pros: Fast, frequent, step-free access. Cons: Short outdoor walk between station and mall entrance in winter weather (covered walkways available).

Step-by-step: METRO Blue Line

1. After baggage claim, follow signs for Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Terminal 1–Lindbergh or Terminal 2–Humphrey stations.
2. Buy a ticket at the machine (or app), then enter the platform and board any train marked Blue Line to Mall of America.
3. Ride ~12–15 minutes to Mall of America Station.
4. Exit the fare area and follow signs into the mall complex; elevators/escalators provide easy access to mall levels.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport LRT Stations & MOA)

• Terminal 1–Lindbergh Station: Connected by underground tram/skyway from concourses; well-signed.
• Terminal 2–Humphrey Station: Short covered walk from arrivals.
• Mall of America Station: Integrated with the mall; entrances near the east transit center.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)

Convenience 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Pick up an official taxi from the terminal queue or request Uber/Lyft to the signed app zones. Direct ride to MOA entrances or your MOA-area hotel.
• How to book (with price): Metered taxis typically US$20–35 + tip. See official pickup info: MSP Taxis / App-based rides. For fixed quotes or larger vehicles, compare GetTransfer.
• Pros: Zero transfers, great with luggage/kids. Cons: Costlier than light rail; brief waits at peak times.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare

1. From arrivals, follow overhead signs to Taxi or App-Based Ride Services at your terminal.
2. Join the taxi queue or request an Uber/Lyft; confirm the car/plate before boarding.
3. Set destination as Mall of America (or your hotel entrance) and ride ~8–15 minutes.
4. Get dropped at your preferred mall entrance or hotel porte-cochère.

Getting to the main embarking points (MSP Forecourts & MOA)

• MSP pickup zones: Clearly signed at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• Mall of America: Multiple curbside drop points; coordinate with your driver for the nearest entrance.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Hotel / Courtesy Shuttles

Often free Family-friendly Fixed schedules

• Overview: Many MOA-area hotels run scheduled shuttles from both terminals. If staying overnight, this can be simpler than light rail with lots of luggage.
• How to book (with price): Check your hotel’s shuttle times on its website or call upon landing. Price is usually free for guests.
• Pros: Easy with kids/gear. Cons: Wait times and fixed runs; may stop at multiple properties.

Step-by-step: Hotel Shuttle

1. Before travel, confirm your hotel’s shuttle schedule and pickup location at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
2. On arrival, follow signs for Hotel Shuttles and wait at the designated island/door number.
3. Board the hotel van; confirm if it stops directly at MOA or at the hotel first.
4. Ride to your hotel or MOA; if hotel first, walk/ride a short distance to the mall.

Getting to the main embarking points (Shuttle Islands & Hotels)

• Shuttle islands: Signed curb areas at both terminals—check your hotel’s exact pickup door.
• MOA hotels: Many properties cluster on/near American Blvd with quick access to the mall.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Meet-and-Greet Van/Car)

Door-to-door Great for groups Higher cost

• Overview: A driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign and drives straight to MOA or your hotel.
• How to book (with price): Around US$45–90 per vehicle depending on size/time. Request instant quotes on GetTransfer or browse options on GetYourGuide / Klook.
• Pros: No waits, child seats on request. Cons: Costs more than light rail/taxi for solo travelers.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Prebook with flight number, party size, and luggage; confirm meeting point at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
2. Upon landing, message your driver via app/text and proceed to the agreed arrivals door.
3. Ride ~10–20 minutes directly to Mall of America or your hotel entrance.
4. Coordinate your return pickup if needed.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Halls & MOA)

• Arrivals meet points: Most providers meet just outside baggage claim at a designated door—check your voucher.
• MOA drop-offs: Arrange your preferred entrance (e.g., North/East) for the shortest inside walk.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #5 — Car Rental (Best if You’ll Explore the Cities)

Flexibility Easy parking Not needed just for MOA

• Overview: Pick up your car at MSP’s on-airport rental center and drive a few minutes to free MOA parking. Best if you’ll also visit downtown Minneapolis/Saint Paul, lakes, or suburbs.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$45–100/day plus fuel. Compare at Booking.com Car Rental (MSP) or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Go anywhere on your schedule. Cons: Unnecessary if you only need MSP↔MOA; light rail is faster/cheaper.

Step-by-step: Car Rental

1. Follow airport signs to Car Rentals; complete pickup and set GPS to Mall of America.
2. Drive ~10–15 minutes via I-494/Cedar Ave; choose any MOA parking ramp (free, large capacity).
3. Park and enter the mall via the nearest skyway/elevator bank.

Getting to the main embarking points (MSP Rental Center & MOA Ramps)

• MSP rental center: Connected to terminals via tram/skyway.
• MOA parking: Multiple color-coded ramps; note level/row for return.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport to Mall of America)

How often does the light rail run?
Every ~10–15 minutes most of the day; late night/early morning service is less frequent—check Metro Transit’s timetable.

Is the mall walkable from the station?
Yes. The station connects directly to MOA via enclosed walkways; it’s a short, accessible walk inside the complex.

Are there luggage lockers at MOA?
The mall offers guest services and some storage options seasonally; confirm at MOA Guest Services. If you need off-site storage in the cities, compare providers online.

Is parking free at MOA?
Yes—MOA parking ramps are free. They can be busy on weekends/holidays; arrive early for the best spots.

What’s the fastest option late at night?
Taxi or rideshare. Light rail runs late but with lower frequency; check the last-train times if arriving very late.

Where should I stay for a shop-and-fly?
MOA-attached hotels (e.g., Radisson Blu, JW Marriott) or nearby properties on American Blvd. Compare rates/dates on Booking.com near MOA.