Car Hire Minneapolis Airport

Minneapolis Airport Mini Guide

What is Minneapolis Like?
The name Minneapolis means ‘city of the lakes’ and refers to the city’s position on and around 22 lakes. It was the water from the lakes and particularly the drop of St Anthony Falls that brought wealth to the city. In the early days of the industrial revolution, water power was king and so the falls powered lumber mills and eventually the flour mills that made the city the largest flour producer in the world. Today, the lakes and falls are used for other purposes; attracting tourism to the city and along with the development of the different parts of the city and a thriving arts scene, Minneapolis’ wealth is once again growing with burgeoning tourism.

How do I get to Minneapolis?
Delta and Sun Country Airlines both fly direct from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports respectively. There are also many connecting flights from the major US airports like New York, Washington and Chicago. The airport is on the outskirts of the city and is served by bus and light rail links into the city. Car rental is also available at the airport and is useful if you wish to explore the region around the lakes.

What is the Airport Like?
It has two terminals called the Lindbergh (terminal 1) and the Humphrey (terminal 2). Both are connected by the light rail system which also traverses the longest concourse (concourse C). The Lindbergh is by far the biggest terminal and has seven concourses. It’s also the most modern and the facilities there are excellent.

What can I Expect When I Land in Minneapolis?
You’ll be taken directly into the concourse from your plane via an air bridge and then have a short walk (or light rail trip) down to security if you’ve come in from abroad. From security you’ll need to find the number of you baggage reclaim belt before descending to the lower level to collect your luggage. A brief stop at customs will see you soon in the arrivals hall and eager to get out into the city. For any information that you might need, try the airport help desk who can offer assistance on airport matters, transport or the city itself.

To find the car rental desks you’ll have to enter the concourse connector from concourse C to G and just off the connector you’ll come to the rental company desks. Some companies have cars on site whilst others require a short shuttle trip to collect your car. If you find you need dollars, you can use the currency exchange facility in the arrivals hall or your plastic in one of the ATMs around the airport.

What are the Facilities Like for the Departing Passenger?
Once you’ve checked in, the airport shops and restaurants will be at your disposal. There are dozens of them spread across the two terminals with the majority in the Lindbergh terminal. Nearly everything you could wish to buy can be found in the stores and it’s worth visiting the airport website before your journey as you can often download discount coupons to use in the shops. The same applies for restaurants and discount coupons are regularly available for the many eateries there. Food ranges from take away to more substantial quality dining but there’s something for all tastes and budgets.

Minneapolis Airport is known as the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport (airport code MSP) and it has a huge catchment area including North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. That makes it one of the busiest airports in America and the world with more than 34 million annual passengers.

Terminal 1 of Minneapolis Airport is known as Lindbergh, after the aviator Charles Lindbergh, while Terminal 2 is known as Humphrey, after Hubert Humphrey former US VP. There are also a number of concourses labelled A-G. Business travellers are well catered to at Minneapolis Airport as United Airlines runs a Red Carpet Club, one of three airport lounges. Book your premium car hire in Minneapolis Airport in advance for great deals.