Downtown Minneapolis with Nicollet Mall, US Bank Stadium, theaters, and the vibrant North Loop neighborhood.

About Downtown Minneapolis

Downtown Minneapolis is a vibrant urban core renowned for its skyway system — 11 miles of enclosed, climate-controlled pedestrian bridges connecting 80+ blocks of shops, restaurants, and buildings, allowing residents to navigate the city without stepping outside during Minnesota's harsh winters. The system is the most extensive in the world.

The cultural anchors include the Walker Art Center and its adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (featuring the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry), the Guthrie Theater (a Jean Nouvel-designed landmark on the Mississippi riverfront with a famous cantilevered 'Endless Bridge'), and First Avenue — the legendary music venue made famous by Prince in 'Purple Rain.' The Mill District along the Mississippi showcases the city's flour-milling heritage, with the Mill City Museum built in the ruins of the Washburn A Mill.

Nicolet Mall, the main downtown pedestrian street, connects the retail core (Target's flagship store, Macy's) to the new RBC Gateway tower and convention center. The North Loop neighborhood, just west of downtown, has emerged as a dining and nightlife hot spot with craft breweries, innovative restaurants, and converted warehouse apartments. Minneapolis consistently ranks among America's most livable cities, with a strong cycling culture and extensive riverfront parks.

Nearby Landmarks

First Avenue Walker Art Center Guthrie Theater Mill City Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $30-45
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $25-40
Time 20-30 minutes

Terminal 1 Level 1 Ground Transport, Terminal 2 Transit Center

Train (METRO Blue Line)

Cost $2
Time 25 minutes
Frequency Every 10-15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow signs to Light Rail station under Terminal 1 or at Terminal 2. Board Blue Line toward Target Field.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $30-45 20-30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $25-40 20-30 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $2 25 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The METRO Blue Line runs until approximately midnight (12:30 AM on weekends). Downtown Minneapolis nightlife on First Avenue, Hennepin Avenue, and the North Loop stays active until 2:00 AM. Uber and Lyft operate 24 hours. Late-night ride-shares to the airport cost $20-30. The skyway system closes at varying times (most by 10:00 PM) so plan surface routes at night. MSP airport is well-served with 24-hour taxi queues.

Luggage Tips

The METRO Blue Line has open floor areas for luggage and is manageable with suitcases outside rush hours. MSP airport has no luggage storage (closed after 9/11). Downtown hotels universally offer luggage storage. The Nicollet Mall light rail station is centrally located for most downtown hotels. The skyway system is wide and easy to navigate with rolling bags, though some connector bridges have narrow doorways.

Accessibility

MSP airport is fully ADA-compliant. The METRO Blue Line is wheelchair accessible with level boarding at all stations. Downtown Minneapolis is one of America's most accessible city centers — the skyway system is heated, flat, and fully accessible (though some skyway connections between buildings have challenging doors). Street-level sidewalks have curb cuts throughout. The Walker Art Center and Guthrie Theater are fully accessible.