MSP Airport Rental Car Guide Minneapolis-St Paul Airport

Car Rental at Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a civil-military airport located in the Midwestern US state of Minnesota. In addition to primarily serving the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, it is also the largest and busiest international airport serving the entire Upper Midwest region, comprising Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is located about 15 miles from both Minneapolis and St. Paul and it takes about 25 minutes to reach the airport from either city. The airport connects the Twin Cities to over 150 domestic and international destinations and is a major hub for Delta Air Lines. There are two terminals – 1 & 2 (originally known as the Lindbergh and Humphrey terminals) – containing 131 gates. The most popular domestic and international destinations from MSP are Denver, Colorado and Amsterdam, Netherlands, respectively.

Many first-time and repeat visitors to Minneapolis/Saint Paul opt to rent a car at the airport for a smooth and stress-free trip to the Twin Cities. There are different ways to reach the Rental Car Center. If you’re arriving at Terminal 1, take the underground tram to the Parking Ramp and follow the signage to the on-airport rental car area. The entrance to the Silver Ramp is found beneath the Prince mural. If you’re arriving at Terminal 2, the on-airport rental car counters can be found in the Ground Transportation Center on the ground level of the Purple Ramp, opposite the terminal building. The car rental agencies housed at the Center are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. Pre-booking your vehicle is highly recommended - you can do this with our trusted partners, Enjoy Travel.

Downtown Car Rental at Minneapolis

If you didn't rent a car at the airport facility, the Twin Cities also consist of various car rental outlets you can visit. If you are planning on renting a car in Minneapolis/Saint Paul for a few days, choose between a compact economy car, a full-size pickup truck or a 9-seater van, depending on the purpose of your trip. The most popular rental vehicles in the Twin Cities are Toyota Avalon, Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Montana. Many rental companies also provide one-way rental services so you can drop off your vehicle at your last destination before flying out from a different airport. The car rental agencies are spread all over town so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one near you.

Driving in Minneapolis

The city's rush hour extends from 6 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 7 pm. Friday evenings and weekends are usually extra busy. Take extra care when joining or leaving the interstate expressways.

Keep a note of the following while driving through Minneapolis/Saint Paul:

● The speed limit in Minnesota is 70 mph on rural interstates, 65 mph on urban interstate highways and expressways, and 30 mph in residential areas and urban districts.

● The use of cellular devices, including hands-free devices, is prohibited. This also includes using your device while stopping at traffic lights.

● Everyone inside the car – front or back – must be safely buckled up. Traffic police can and will stop to fine unbelted drivers and passengers. Furthermore, the seatbelts must be worn properly, meaning the shoulder harness cannot be moved behind your back or under your arm.

● If you are driving with children under age 8 or 4’9” height, they must be safely fastened in a booster seat.

Minneapolis/Saint Paul has a lot of free and paid street parking spots that are provided by both the state and private companies. We recommend using MPLS Parking for up-to-date information on parking apps, off-street parking, metered parking, residential parking, carpools, charter busses, electric vehicle or EV charging stations, and airport parking at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Car Rental Agencies in Minneapolis

Numerous car rental companies serve the Twin Cities, including Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Dollar, Thrifty, and National, among others. Besides renting your vehicle from the airport car rental facility, you can also visit any of the offices of these companies in downtown Minneapolis/Saint Paul. The most frequently rented cars include standard economy vehicles like Toyota Avalon and large SUVs like Chevrolet Montana. If you want the best deals and discounts, pre-book your vehicle with our partners, Enjoy Travel, prior to your arrival in Minneapolis/Saint Paul.

Top Road Trips from Minneapolis

Just an hour and a half from Minneapolis is the stunning Taylor Falls, a charming little town with less than 1000 residents. This place is a geologist’s paradise, as it boasts evidence of ancient lava flows, bluffs, high cliffs, and old river beds. There aren’t actually any falls at Taylor Falls but the town is perched on the edge of the sublime La Croix River, which features a beautifully gushing dam.

A hop down the La Croix River is the Interstate State Park, which boasts spectacular glacial formations and a plethora of outdoor activities. Explore the world’s deepest glacial potholes, unique rock formations, and 360-degree river panoramas. During the summer, we highly recommend you take a gentle glide down the river on a boat tour.

Franconia Sculpture Park, also situated in the Taylor Falls area, is an impressive 43-acre park featuring “ever-changing exhibitions of monumental sculptures.” Spend an afternoon admiring the 120+ installations of fascinating artwork by the rotating artists-in-residence. As the sculptures keep changing every few months, Franconia is worth visiting multiple times a year.

FAQS about car rental in Minneapolis

Cost of renting a car in Minneapolis/Saint Paul?

The average cost per day of renting a car in Minneapolis/Saint Paul Airport is just $48.

What’s the cheapest airport car rental in Minneapolis/Saint Paul?

Prices for Minneapolis/Saint Paul car rentals start from just $43 when booking in advance.

What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Minneapolis/Saint Paul?

To rent a car in Minneapolis/Saint Paul you must be at least 21.

Can I have additional drivers on the rental agreement in Minneapolis/Saint Paul?

Additional drivers can be added to your Minneapolis/Saint Paul car rental agreement upon request.

What’s the best car for getting around Minneapolis/Saint Paul?

We recommend opting for a Kia Forte while in Minneapolis/Saint Paul because of its comfort and fuel economy.