Practical info Minneapolis, USA
Getting around the city
Getting around on foot in the downtown areas of the massive metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St Paul is a fascinating experience on the famous skyways, a network of enclosed walkways that connect buildings in the city centre at second-storey level, ensuring no pedestrian needs to be exposed to bad weather. About 50 blocks of downtown Minneapolis are connected by skyways. When your feet are tired, hop on the bus: Metro Transit operates one of the largest public transport systems in the United States. Trip planners and route information are readily available in the city and from hotel concierges. The METRO Blue Line Light Rail Transit route links downtown to the airport and the Mall of America, and the Northstar Corridor route takes passengers as far north as Big Lake. The twin cities also have numerous taxi services, available on call or outside hotels and other public venues.
Time
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).
Electricity
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Currency
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Communication
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas. Internet cafes are prevalent in most towns and cities and wifi is widely available.
Emergency number
911 (General)
Travel documents and health
Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport
Getting to the city
A Ground Transportation information booth provides passengers with information and directions. City buses leave from the Lindbergh Terminal to both Minneapolis and St Paul. A light rail operates between the airport, downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America. SuperShuttle provides a shared van door-to-door service to the local cities and towns. Taxis are also available.
Car rental
Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Shuttle buses to the off-site rental companies are accessible from the Transit Center.
Airport taxi's
Taxis are available at both terminals. The journey from the airport to Minneapolis is approximately 12 miles (19km), costing $39-49; and to St Paul is around 8 miles (13km), costing $31-38. To reach the taxi booth from the Lindbergh Terminal, cross through the Tram Level (Level T) toward the parking ramp and go up one level.
Transfer between terminals
The airport's two terminals are linked by covered walkways, shuttles and a free light rail.
Facilities
North Star Crossing in the Lindbergh Terminal is a collection of numerous shops, restaurants and food courts. Other facilities include ATMs and bureaux de change, duty-free and a children's play area. Business centres situated throughout the airport offer internet, fax and photocopying services. Wireless internet access is also provided. The nearby Hilton hotel offers its rooms and gym facilities at day rates. Disabled facilities are good. Those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Parking
Parking for the Humphrey Terminal is in the orange and purple ramps; Lindbergh Terminal parking is in the blue, green, red and gold ramps. All parking is connected to the terminals via skyways. Short-term parking is $5 for the first hour and $3 per hour thereafter up to $26 per day. Value parking in the orange ramp is $19 per day, connected to the Humphrey Terminal by skyway and the Lindbergh Terminal by light rail.
Internet
Free wifi is available throughout the airport via the 'MSP Free WiFi' network.