WELCOME Visitor Information The Star of the North is easy to reach, whether you’re flying, driving or arriving by train. No matter how you get here, we want your travels to be as hassle-free as possible. ARRIVING BY AIR In 2024, Airports Council International (ACI) declared Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) North America’s Best Airport Serving 25-40 Million Passengers for the third year in a row. Minnesota is one to two hours away by air from most Midwest cities, and a two-or three-hour flight from the east and west coast. Direct international flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul are available from multiple cities in Canada, South America, Europe and Asia. The airport is conveniently located on the south side of the metropolitan area, 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 some of the best parks around, 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. 8 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM 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. 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 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.
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 8
