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.
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).
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.
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.
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.
911 (General)
2020 | 2021 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Martin Luther King Day | 20 Jan | 18 Jan |
Presidents Day | 17 Feb | 15 Feb |
Memorial Day | 25 May | 31 May |
Independence Day | 4 Jul | 4 Jul |
Labour Day | 7 Sep | 6 Sep |
Columbus Day | 12 Oct | 11 Oct |
Veterans Day | 11 Nov | 11 Nov |
Thanksgiving Day | 26 Nov | 25 Nov |
Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
The continental climate of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St Paul, is rather harsh because of the northerly and land-locked location. Winters, which fall at the end of the year, are bitterly cold, with abundant snow and average low temperatures plunging well below freezing. In fact, records show that the Twin Cities have maximum temperatures of below freezing point on 76 days out of the year. Summers, which fall between June and August, are mild to hot with highs of 84°F (29°C), but short-lived. The best time to visit Minneapolis is between August and September, which has idyllic weather around the 77°F (25°C) mark, and all the festivals and events the region can fit into the two-month period. Rainfall can occur all year round, but is most plentiful in June. The driest month is February.
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 companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Shuttle buses to the off-site rental companies are accessible from the Transit Center.
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.
The airport's two terminals are linked by covered walkways, shuttles and a free light rail.
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 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.
Free wifi is available throughout the airport via the 'MSP Free WiFi' network.