A Delta airplane sits on the tarmac at MSP Airport — One of Delta's planes sits on the tarmac at MSP / Emmanuel Canaan

Getting to Minnesota

The North Star State is easy to reach, whether you’re flying, driving or arriving by train. No matter how you get here, we want your travels to be as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Read on for travel information and tips, then check out how to get around Minnesota once you arrive.

U.S. map with various cities highlighted in proximity to Minneapolis St. Paul Airport in Minnesota

Where is Minnesota located on a map?

Minnesota is in the upper Midwest. Its northern border cuts across Canada and brushes up against Lake Superior along its eastern edge. Minnesota's surrounding states include Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas. It's about 400 miles long from top to bottom; the width varies from 200 to 350 miles across; and the Mississippi River flows throughout much of the state.

How do you get here by plane?

Nine passenger service airports offer flights to Minnesota, and three Minnesota airports offer international service. The state's biggest airport — Minneapolis-St. Paul International, better known simply as "MSP" — is also considered one of the country's best, both within the industry (Airports Council International has named it the best airport of its size in North America numerous times) and among consumers (it topped J.D. Power's consumer-driven Satisfaction Study in 2022 and 2024).

Here is a complete list of Minnesota-based airports:

Where is MSP International Airport?

MSP International Airport is surrounded by Minneapolis, St. Paul and the suburban cities of Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights and Richfield. As the 17th busiest U.S. airport for passengers, MSP is home base for hometown carrier Sun Country Airlines and Delta Air Lines' second largest hub.

How many terminals does it have?

MSP has one airfield with four runways and two terminal buildings (Terminal 1 & 2), each with adjoining parking ramp facilities. Travelers who need to transfer from one terminal to the other use the light rail transit service. There is no pedestrian access between the buildings.

What airlines offer service from MSP?

Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) hosts flights from Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air Choice One, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Boutique Air, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines.

Terminal 2 (Humphrey) hosts flights from Condor, Frontier Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines.

MSP Airport play area slide — Kids can play all day at MSP Airport / Metropolitan Airports Commission

What are some ground transportation options from MSP?

MSP Airport offers many convenient, reliable transportation options, including:

Cars and shuttles
Taxi service
Uber, Lyft and other app-based ride services
Van and shuttle services
Car rental services

Local public transportation
Light rail transit
Public bus service

Intercity and interstate buses
Jefferson Lines scheduled bus service

What can you do at MSP Airport?

If you find yourself with some time to spare before your flight takes off, check out 10 ways to explore MSP Airport. With shopping, dining, art, music, kid-friendly fun, a walking path and luxe ways to unwind, you're sure to make the most of your time here.

MSP Airport main mall food court — MSP Airport's food options are well above average / Metropolitan Airports Commission

How Do You Get to Minnesota by Car?

With major interstate highways connecting nearby states to Minnesota and key border town access points between Canada and Minnesota, accessing the North Star State is a breeze. Major interstate highways include I-35, I-35E, I-35W, I-90 and I-94, and auxiliary interstate highways include I-335, I-394, I-494, I-535 and I-694.

Here is a complete list of Minnesota-Canada border crossings:

Check out Minnesota's top road trips and things to do.