2025-12-15 06:30:37
The Star of the North is easy to reach, whether you’re flying, driving or arriving by train.
ARRIVING BY AIR
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is consistently ranked North America’s highest customer satisfaction airport. Minnesota is a one- to two-hour flight from most Midwest cities, and a two- or three-hour flight from the east and west coast. Direct international flights to MSP are available from multiple cities in Canada, South America, Europe and Asia.
MSP is conveniently located 12 miles southeast of downtown Minneapolis, 10 miles southwest of downtown St. Paul and just minutes from Mall of America® in Bloomington. And with so many lakes and parks nearby, you’ll find convenient access to fishing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing and all kinds of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Other Minnesota cities with commercial air service include Bemidji, Brainerd, Chisholm-Hibbing, Duluth, Fargo-Moorhead, Grand Forks-East Grand Forks, International Falls, Rochester and Thief River Falls.
MINNESOTA BY TRAIN
The Empire Builder Amtrak route crosses the state between the southeast and northwest borders, with stops in Winona, Red Wing, Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Cloud, Staples, Detroit Lakes and Fargo-Moorhead. This route runs between Chicago and Seattle or Portland. The new Borealis Amtrak train offers expanded service between St. Paul and Chicago via Milwaukee.
TAKING THE BUS TO MINNESOTA
Megabus provides express bus service to Minneapolis from several Midwest cities, including Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee, and Flix Bus also connects Minneapolis to multiple U.S. cities. Greyhound and Jefferson Lines offer service to many Minnesota cities and provide convenient inter-city travel options within Minnesota.
DRIVING IN MINNESOTA
Rental cars, taxis and rideshare services (including Uber and Lyft) are available in major cities and many suburban areas.
Minnesota’s central location makes it convenient to reach by car. The interstate highway system makes driving to Minnesota from other states a breeze, and eight Minnesota/ Canada border crossings provide easy access for our northern neighbors.
DRIVING DISTANCES
In miles to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Chicago, IL . . . . . . . 400
Denver, CO . . . . . . . 915
Des Moines, IA. . . . 240
Detroit, MI . . . . . . . . 690
Fargo, ND. . . . . . . . . 240
Green Bay, WI . . . . 300
Indianapolis, IN . . . 590
Lincoln, NE . . . . . . . 430
Madison, WI . . . . . . 275
Milwaukee, WI . . . . 340
Omaha, NE . . . . . . . 375
Sioux Falls, SD . . . . 240
Winnipeg, CA. . . . . 450
EXPLORING MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL BY LIGHT RAIL & BUS
Many top Minneapolis-St. Paul attractions are within blocks of the Metro Transit Green and Blue lines, including Target Field and St. Paul’s historic Union Depot.
The light rail is easy to ride: buy a ticket at the kiosk on any platform, use the Metro Transit App or scan your Go-To card if you already have one. Once onboard, seats and standing room are plentiful, and there are even places to rack a bike.
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Visitors from other countries are advised to exchange currency at their earliest convenience, since most Minnesota businesses don’t accept foreign currency. Currency can be exchanged at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and at most large banks, currency exchanges and some hotels, or withdrawn from automated teller machines (ATMs).
Getting Around by Bike
Getting around on two wheels is a popular mode of transportation in Minnesota, ranked the No. 5 Most Bicycle Friendly StateSM by The League of American Bicyclists. Also, Minneapolis consistently ranks among the most bike-friendly cities. With benefits for you and the planet, it’s a win-win.
AROUND MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL
Lime, Veo and Spin provide shared bike, e-bike and scooter services so you can bike to restaurants, breweries, parks and other attractions. For one of the nation’s best urban trails, hit the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, a 51-mile loop connecting the downtown Minneapolis riverfront, Mississippi River, Minnehaha Falls and the Chain of Lakes.
AROUND THE STATE
Beyond a myriad of scenic recreational trails, Minnesota offers two state bicycle routes. Gear up for long-distance rides on the North Star Route (USBR 41) and the Mississippi River Trail (USBR 45).
For more on statewide routes and other biking experiences around Minnesota, see the biking feature on page 36.
MAKE A STOP AT A WELCOME CENTER
Welcome Centers are located on major highways at key points in the state. Stop in for statewide travel information. Scan the QR code to see a map and a list or visit ExploreMinnesota.com/welcomecenters
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