flyingrox

Hello everyone,

It looks like I am arriving into MSP tomorrow likely in the A or B concourse (on an RJ). What is the quickest way from the A/B concourse to the taxi stand (for a trip to Downtown Minneapolis)? Is it walking on the C/G concourse connector than down to the tram on level T and taking the tram to the taxi area or is it walking through C and past D to the mall area (between F and E) and than exiting down to the T level.

In fact, if I arrive at the A/B, would be quicker to just hop on the light rail to downtown Minneapolis since it would be closer to the A/B area? Thoughts on time to get to taxis or light rail and travel time to downtown Minneapolis in early afternoon?

JulienMSP

Ground transportation/Taxi area is stupidly annoying to get to. You basically have to go down to Baggage Claim and then go down another level ..just to go back up to the level you were originally on! The light rail is a really really really long walk in that same basement area in the opposite direction. If someone is picking you up; it's actually easier!

MSPeconomist

For the light rail, take the C to G connector and exit in the middle, near the TSA security checkpoint. Then you follow the signs and go down, including a long escalator.

For taxis, follow the baggage claim signs, go down one more level, and then you sort of go down a hill and straight past some merchants and DL group check in desks, and then to the left and up one level.

If your destination is downtown and you don't have tons of luggage, take the light rail. It will save about $40 and, depending on traffic, could save time as well.

flyingrox

These are my only options. I have around 1.5 hours from arrival to an obligation in downtown Minneapolis so I do need to think about the quickest option.

Any other thoughts on Taxi vs Light Rail and time to get from A/B to each transportation option?

fti

If you take a taxi, I would exit through the C/G connector, then make a hard left and take the elevator (not the escalators) to the tram level. Take the tram to the end (just one stop), exit the tram, at the information kiosk turn left then up the escalator to the taxi stand area.

But if you are going downtown, then I would highly recommend the light rail (www.metrotransit.org and look for the Blue Line if interested). It is very efficient, departs every 10 minutes, and is not dependent on any traffic or congestion. In this case, take the same elevator from the C/G exit to the lowest level. When you exit, you are on the level for the light rail entrance and tickets. $1.75 before 3pm and $2.25 during rush hour (3pm until I believe 6.30pm). You can pay with cash or credit/debit cards. I use the light rail a lot when going to/from the airport. Very reliable.

SEUS777

If you want the quickest option, take light rail. It's fast, easy to navigate and will drop you off right in the heart of downtown...multiple stops on 5th St if my memory serves me correctly.

Traffic from MSP to downtown Minneapolis can be a heavy depending on the time of day and if there is any road construction on your route.

And as MSPecon mentioned, it will save you $$ too.

tbeard

I agree with the light rail. I have used this several times. Very easy and fast to downtown Minneapolis. Just follow the signs and buy your ticket before you get on the train.

jacobac00

I use the light rail every time. It's about $2 each way and faster than taking a taxi.

MSPeconomist

The time needed on the light rail is much less variable, so less risky for the OP's downtown obligation.

MNAudiS4

I think it's roughly 20 minutes from Terminal 1 to target Field.

Ebes1099

Definitely take the light rail. Much cheaper and even in the best taxi conditions the time difference is negligible.

Take the C/G connector, take the elevator to the bottom level, walk straight out and you'll run into the machines for tickets.

MSPeconomist

I remember it as 27 minutes from Lindberg Terminal (Terminal 1, which DL uses) to Nicollet Mall, but I don't have a timetable handy to check.

daregale

Love the light rail. Cost and convenience win out

nmoe

Another vote for the light rail. I used to live downtown and preferred that over taxi, especially if coming from A/B. As mentioned above, there is an elevator directly to the left once you exit security past the point of no return on the C/G connector. Take it all the way down and it drops you off right at the train.

RFDMinnesota

Definitely light rail. And in case you're concerned, minneapolis' light rail system is relatively new and very well maintained making airport travel with bags painless