Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) to Bloomington is the METRO Blue Line Light Rail + Bloomington Transit Bus 535. It takes 45-60 minutes and costs only $2.50-$3.00. For direct door-to-door service, a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is fastest (15-25 mins) but costs $35-$50. The cheapest option is the public transit combo, while the most convenient for groups or those with heavy luggage is a rideshare.
Light Rail & Public Bus: The Detailed Budget Guide
This is the most economical and eco-friendly method, ideal for solo travelers, couples, and anyone without excessive luggage. The route leverages Minnesota's integrated transit system.
Step-by-Step Guide: Blue Line + Bus 535
- Find the Station: From MSP Terminal 1 baggage claim, follow signs for "Light Rail Transit" to the indoor station on the tram level. From Terminal 2, take the free Route 58 shuttle to Terminal 1.
- Purchase a Ticket: Buy a ticket from the vending machine. You need a 2.5-hour pass ($2.00 off-peak, $2.50 peak) that covers both the train and bus transfer. Cards and cash accepted.
- Board the Blue Line: Take any southbound train towards Mall of America. The ride from MSP to the Mall of America Transit Station takes about 12 minutes. Trains run every 10-15 minutes. (Check schedule on Metro Transit).
- Transfer to Bus 535: At Mall of America, follow signs to the bus bays. Find Bloomington Transit Route 535 (Southtown Express). This bus runs directly to major points in Bloomington like the Southtown Center, Penn-American Boulevard, and the Bloomington Civic Plaza.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes on weekdays, less frequent on weekends.
- Show your Metro Transit pass to the bus driver; no extra fare is needed within the 2.5-hour window.
- Alight in Bloomington: The bus travels along American Blvd and Penn Ave. Use the Bloomington Transit Trip Planner to find the stop closest to your final destination.
Total Time: 45-75 minutes (depending on bus wait). Total Cost: $2.00 - $2.50.
Alternative Route: Bus 54
From the Mall of America station, you can also take Metro Transit Bus 54 which goes along Portland Ave S into south Bloomington. This is useful for destinations east of I-35W. A separate fare may apply if your transfer time has expired.
Hotel & Private Shuttles
Many Bloomington hotels, especially those near the Mall of America and along American Boulevard, offer free scheduled shuttle service to and from MSP Airport.
How to Use This Service:
- Confirm Before Booking: Check your hotel's website or call them directly to confirm they offer a free airport shuttle and its operating hours.
- Upon Arrival: After collecting baggage, call the hotel's front desk. They will instruct you where to wait (usually at a specific hotel shuttle door on the baggage claim level).
- For Private Shuttles: Companies like Go Groome offer shared-ride and private van services. You must pre-book online. Cost is $25-$40 per person for shared rides. Good for groups or areas not served by hotel shuttles.
Rental Car at MSP Airport
Renting a car is only advisable if your stay in Bloomington requires frequent travel to suburbs not served by transit, or you are embarking on a wider Minnesota road trip.
Key Considerations:
- Rental Center: All rental car companies are located in a consolidated Rental Car Facility. Take the free, 24/7 Rental Car Shuttle (Route 53) from outside either terminal. The ride takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Drive to Bloomington: The drive is straightforward. Take MN-5 West from the airport area, which turns into American Boulevard, a main east-west artery through Bloomington. Drive time is 10-20 minutes without traffic.
- Cost vs. Benefit: Weigh the daily rental rate, mandatory insurance, fuel, and hotel parking fees (often $10-$20/night) against the cost of occasional rideshares and free transit. For a typical tourist staying in Bloomington, a rental car is often an unnecessary expense.
Cost & Time Comparison: MSP Airport to Bloomington Center
This table summarizes all options to help you make a data-driven decision.
| Transport Method | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Best For | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Rail + Bus 535 | 45 - 75 min | $2.00 - $2.50 | Budget travelers, solo/couples, light luggage | Cheapest option. Requires one transfer. Check bus schedules. |
| Uber / Lyft | 15 - 30 min | $30 - $45 | Groups of 3+, convenience, heavy luggage, late night | Door-to-door. Price surges during peak times. |
| Taxi | 15 - 30 min | $40 - $55 + tip | Immediate availability, those not using apps | Metered fare. Readily available at taxi stands. |
| Hotel Shuttle | 20 - 40 min | FREE (with hotel stay) | Guests of participating hotels | Must confirm in advance. May have wait times. |
| Private Shared Shuttle | 30 - 50 min | $25 - $40 per person | Small groups, specific drop-offs | Requires advance booking. Multiple stops possible. |
| Rental Car | 10 - 25 min (drive) | $40 - $80+/day + parking & fuel | Extended exploration outside Bloomington | Overkill for city-only stays. Consider all added costs. |
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Luggage Strategy
If you have large suitcases, the Light Rail/bus combo can be cumbersome. Consider taking an Uber/Lyft directly, or use the Light Rail to Mall of America and then a short, cheap rideshare to your final Bloomington address to split the cost.
Navigating the Mall of America Transit Station
This is a major hub. Signs are clear, but allow an extra 5-10 minutes to find your bus bay if you're unfamiliar. The station has indoor waiting areas and restrooms.
Apps Are Your Best Friend
- Transit Apps: Use Google Maps or Transit App for real-time Light Rail and bus schedules, walking directions, and live arrival info.
- Rideshare Apps: Compare Uber and Lyft prices simultaneously before booking; they can vary significantly.
Weather & Seasonal Considerations
In winter (Dec-Feb), allow extra travel time for all methods due to snow. Public transit is generally reliable, but road conditions can slow taxis and shuttles. The Light Rail and airport shuttles are all climate-controlled.
For Business Travelers
Many corporate hotels are along the American Blvd corridor. An Uber/Lyft is the most time-efficient and professional choice after a long flight. Expense the receipt directly from the app.
FAQs: Getting from MSP Airport to Bloomington
What is the cheapest way to get from MSP Airport to Bloomington?
The cheapest way is by taking the METRO Light Rail (Blue Line) combined with a local bus (Route 535). The total one-way cost is approximately $2.50 - $3.00 during off-peak hours ($2.00 for the train + $0.50-$1.00 for the bus transfer).
Is there a direct train from MSP Airport to Bloomington?
No, there is no single direct train. The most efficient public transit route involves taking the METRO Blue Line Light Rail from Terminal 1 to the Mall of America station, then transferring to a Bloomington Transit bus (Route 535) which takes you directly into Bloomington neighborhoods and the city center.
How long does it take to get from MSP to Bloomington by taxi or Uber?
A taxi, Uber, or Lyft ride takes about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic and your exact destination in Bloomington. Travel times can double during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM).
What is the best option for a group or family traveling to Bloomington?
For groups of 3-4 people, a rideshare (UberXL, Lyft) or a taxi can be cost-effective and convenient compared to multiple transit fares. For larger groups, pre-booking a private shuttle van is recommended. Public transit remains the most budget-friendly option for solo travelers or pairs.
Can I get to Bloomington from MSP Airport late at night or early in the morning?
Yes, but options are limited. The METRO Blue Line operates from approximately 3:30 AM to 1:30 AM. For flights arriving between 1:30 AM and 3:30 AM, your only options are 24/7 taxi services, Uber/Lyft (subject to availability), or waiting at the airport until service resumes.
Where do I catch the Light Rail at MSP Airport?
The METRO Blue Line station is located on the T1 (Lindbergh) tram level, between the Blue and Red parking ramps. From Terminal 1 baggage claim, follow signs for "Light Rail Transit." From Terminal 2, take the free inter-terminal shuttle (Route 58) to Terminal 1 to access the station.
Is it easy to travel with luggage on the Light Rail and bus to Bloomington?
It is manageable but requires planning. The Light Rail has designated luggage areas. Buses have space for a few suitcases. During peak hours, space can be tight. If you have more than one large suitcase per person, a taxi or rideshare may be less stressful.
Should I rent a car at MSP Airport to get to Bloomington?
Renting a car is only necessary if you plan extensive travel outside Bloomington's public transit network. For staying within Bloomington, the combination of transit, occasional rideshares, and the city's bike-friendly infrastructure is usually more economical than daily rental fees, parking costs, and fuel.