Search Flights from Minneapolis to Detroit

Approximate Travel Distance
Approximate Flight Duration
Popular Airlines
Popular Airport
542 Miles
1 hour 40 min
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Transportation to Minneapolis Airport from the City Center

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the primary airport serving the state of Minnesota, handling over 36 million passengers in 2015. The airport is about 15 km from downtown Minneapolis and is one of the largest airports in the United States. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport operates passenger services out of 2 terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport provides passengers with a variety of services and amenities to meet their pre-flight and post-flight needs.

If you get to the airport with plenty of time to spare you can relax in the passenger lounges before your flight as you enjoy complimentary treats, newspapers, magazines, and internet access. The airport also features a rich variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, bookstores, ATMs, children’s play areas, baby care rooms, and even a hairdresser.

The airport is accessible from the city center by a variety of transportation alternatives including taxis, which are easily accessible throughout the city, rental cars, or shuttles. If you want a more affordable transportation alternative then you can take the city buses that provide transportation from the city center to the airport throughout the day. Taking the train from the city center to the airport is another affordable option.

Bus

Buses are an affordable and convenient transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city center. Bus route #54 provides transportation to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport from the city, stopping at the Transit Center at Terminal 1. The total trip from downtown Minneapolis to the airport takes about 40 minutes.

Buses start to run early in the morning until late at night and cost around 2-3 dollars. If you’re traveling to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport from other places like Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota there are regional buses that you can take. Another alternative to get to the airport is by scheduling a private bus. This transportation alternative is ideal for those traveling in big groups.

Rental Car

Renting a car is a very common means of transportation in Minneapolis, for both visitors and locals. Renting a car from the city center is a convenient way to get to the airport. There are various rental car companies that you can choose from that have offices throughout the city including Advantage, Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, Thrifty and Hertz.

Traffic in the city is very light, especially outside of peak hours, and the roads are very easy to navigate. Therefore renting a car is a very convenient option. You can book your vehicle in advance by making a reservation online or ask the hotel you are staying at to help arrange a rental car for you. You can return your vehicle at the airport before your departure.  

Hotel Shuttle Services

Many hotels in the city provide guests with shuttle services to and from airport. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the airport from the city center by shuttle. Taking a shuttle service provided by the hotel you are staying at is incredibly practical, reliable, and convenient. You have to first find out if your hotel provides such services and then arrange your reservation ahead of time. Hotels in the area that provide airport shuttle services include Super 8, Hilton, Marriott, Radisson Blu and Ramada.

Rail

Another transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city is by light rail. The light rail system provides transportation from the city center to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Trains depart from downtown Minneapolis and run directly to both terminals at the airport, stopping at other location along the way. The train from Mall of America to the airport takes about 12 minutes and the train from downtown Minneapolis to the airport takes about 25 minutes.

Trains run every 10-15 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes during peak hours. Compared to other forms of transportation the light rail system is significantly cheaper. Tickets range between $2-3 depending on whether or not you’re traveling during peak hours. You can purchase tickets for the light rail from automated machines at the stations.

Taxi

Taxis are one of the most common methods of transportation to get to the airport from the city center. Taxis are easily accessible throughout the city 24 hours a day. You can also have the hotel you are staying at help arrange a taxi for you. A taxi to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is located about 15 km away, will take between 25 and 30 minutes. Taxi fares from downtown Minneapolis to the airport averages between $40-50.  

Shuttle Services

Several companies provide scheduled shuttle services to and from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. These shuttle services are a comfortable and reliable transportation alternative, especially for those traveling in large groups or with excess luggage. These companies provide bus, van, and limousine services and while the overall rates are higher compared to public transportation and taxis they are a more luxurious and convenient method of transportation.

Rates will vary depending on the vehicle you choose, the number of passengers, and the distance traveled. Shuttle services from downtown Minneapolis to the airport take about 30 minutes. Reservations for these services must be made in advance. These shuttle services are also a great option if you’re traveling from other cities to the airport.

Companies that provide these services include Executive Express, GO Carefree Shuttle, and Lakes Express. For more detailed contact information on companies that provide scheduled services please visit Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport’s website. You can find out detailed information regarding rates and routes directly from the company you choose to use.

Airport Information

Located about 15 km from the city center, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the primary airport serving not only the city of Minneapolis but the entire state. The airport operates international and domestic flights out of 2 passenger terminals and offers passengers a rich variety of services and amenities to meet their pre-flight and post-flight needs. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport contains numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, and more, creating a welcoming and relaxing environment for passengers to enjoy.

One of the unique services the airport features is the Escape Lounge. This lounge is open to all travelers, offering them a relaxing common-use area with free Wi-Fi, complementary food and drinks, a rich selection of magazines and newspapers. The Escape Lounge is open from 4 am to 9 pm and covers an area of 5,000 square feet.  

Restaurants where passengers can enjoy a bite to eat or something to drink at the airport include venues like A&W, Arby's, Burger King, Ben & Jerry's, Caribou Coffee, Dunn Bros, Mc Donald's, Godfather's Pizza, Cocina Del Barrio, Axel’s Bonfire, FlyBar, Sbarro, Starbucks Coffee and Wok & Roll.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport also features pet services for those passengers traveling with an animal. The airport contains pet and service animal relief areas and pet boarding facilities. At the XpresSpa Regis Salon you can get pampered before your flight or after you land and enjoy relaxing services like a massage or getting your hair done.

For passengers traveling with children, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has a wonderful entertainment area for kids, the Lucky Lindy’s Video Arcade. The arcade is equipped with a variety of games that passengers of all ages can enjoy. The arcade is located in Terminal 1 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In addition to a large duty free shop where you can buy chocolate, alcohol, toys, and more, there are other stores throughout the airport where you can buy an endless selection of goods like gifts, souvenirs, clothing, books, and electronics. There are also a variety of kiosks located throughout the airport that sell snacks, magazines, newspapers, small travel items, and more. Stores where you can go shopping include News & Gift Wall, Red Balloon Bookshop, Sunglass Hut, Simply Books, The Body Shop and Travel Express.

Passengers looking for some peace and quiet can enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere of the quiet seating areas. Other services that Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport offers passengers includes postal services, a lost and found, lockers for storage, a walking path, luggage delivery services, ATMs, charging stations, children’s play areas, and baby care rooms. The airport also features free Wi-Fi that passengers can enjoy throughout the terminal buildings. 

Last Updated: 10 Jun 2019

Transportation to Detroit City Center from Airport

Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also referred to as Detroit Metro Airport, connects the city of Detroit with the rest of the country and the world. One of the most preferred transportation alternatives to get to the city center from Detroit Metro Airport, which is located 32 km away, is by taxi.

Getting to the city center from the airport usually takes about 40 to 50 minutes; the total travel time will vary depending on which method of transportation you use and the traffic conditions.

Taxis are among the most comfortable and popular transportation alternatives in the city. However, the fact that the airport is located far from the city center makes the total fare quite expensive. Renting a car is one of the most frequently preferred means of transportation by visitors to the city. The cost of renting a car in Detroit is very reasonable. The city and its surroundings are easy to navigate by car, which is one of the main reasons why renting a car is a widely preferred method of transportation.

There are various international rental car companies located at the airport, such as AVIS, Hertz, and Budget, making renting a car in the city easy and practical. It is no surprise that public transportation in Detroit is not widely used and is not very well developed since the city is known as the ‘automobile capital’ of the United States. The nearest train station in the city is located 19 km from the airport. You can get to the station by taxi or car and then take a train to other cities around Detroit.

Detroit Metro Airport offers passenger services out of two terminals, the North Terminal and McNamara Terminal. There are shuttle services that provide transportation between terminals every 10 minutes. There are many well known restaurants and cafes at the airport, like TGI Fridays and Starbucks, as well as a rich variety of venues offering delicious dishes from international cuisine, especially American cuisine and Far East cuisine.

The airport also contains currency exchange services and ATMs to meet your monetary needs, cafes, restaurants, bars, bookstores, and duty free stores where you can go shopping for a great variety of affordable products.

Bus

Buses are a convenient transportation alternative to get to the city center from Detroit Metro Airport. Buses depart from in front of both terminals and provide transportation to the city center. Bus services depart from the Ground Transportation Center at both the North Terminal and McNamara Terminal. It takes about 1 hour to get to the city center from the airport by bus.

Rental Car

Renting a car in Detroit, one of the most important automobile centers in the United States, is a very popular choice among visitors. There are many rental car companies that you can choose from, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Each company is located at the rental car campus. There is a shuttle service that provides transportation between the rental car campus and the Ground Transportation Center at each terminal.

If you are planning on renting a car in the city then we recommend booking your vehicle in advance by making a reservation online. This way your car will be ready for you when you land at Detroit Metro Airport.

Taxis and Luxury Sedans

Taxis are readily available at the terminal exit at Detroit Metro Airport and they offer both classic taxi services as well as luxury sedan services. Taxi service in the city is provided by Metro Cab and luxury sedans are provided by Metro Cars. The fares for both options are quite reasonable. However, these services are still more expensive than public transportation alternatives such as buses. You can access both vehicle options 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the Ground Transportation Center at both terminals. Taxis can be an expensive alternative if you are traveling alone. However, if you are traveling in a group or with your family then taxis are among the most comfortable and fastest transportation alternatives in Detroit.

Private Transfer

Another way to get to the city center is by private transfer. There are various companies in Detroit that offer private transfer services. The fees for these services vary according to the service company you use and the distance traveled. However, in general private transfer services are cheaper than taxi services but more expensive than bus services. Private transfer services are usually preferred by large tour groups or corporate employees traveling on business. If you want to use a private transfer service to get to the city center then you have to make a reservation in advance before you land at the airport.

Hotel Shuttles

Hotel shuttle services are not a very common or preferred transportation alternative in Detroit, however they are available as a method of transportation to get to the city center from the airport. Hotel shuttle service fees are not too high. Moreover, some hotels offer these services free of charge to their guests. If you want use this service we recommend contacting the hotel you are staying at in advance to give them information about your flight arrival time and to make a reservation.

Car

You can easily get to the city center from the airport by car. Driving to the city center is among one of the most convenient transportation alternatives thanks to the passenger drop-off area and parking lots that offer both short-term parking and long-term parking. Parking fees at the airport are reasonable. Detroit Metro Airport also has charging stations to charge electric vehicles.

Last Updated: 06 Mar 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Wingie offer the cheapest Minneapolis-Detroit flights?

When you search for Minneapolis-Detroit flights, Wingie directly gathers and compares instant data from all airlines. You can see all Minneapolis-Detroit flights together for the date you are looking for and choose the most suitable flight.

Which airports can I use for Minneapolis-Detroit flights?

For Minneapolis-Detroit flights, you can use Flying Cloud Airport, Minneapolis Saint Paul Intl. Airport as departure airport, and Coleman A. Young Intl. - Coleman A. Young Municipal - Detroit City Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Willow Run Airport for arrival.

How many kilometers is the flight distance from Minneapolis-Detroit and how long does the flight take?

The flight distance between Minneapolis-Detroit is 872 kilometers in total. The flight between the two cities takes 1 hour 40 minutes.

Which day is the most convenient for Minneapolis-Detroit flights?

When the average prices are examined, the most suitable day for Minneapolis-Detroit flights is Thursday.

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