Navigating Minneapolis

When you’re attending Tourism Academy in Minneapolis, easily navigating the city is essential for enjoying your time. To make sure you can easily access conference events and explore Minneapolis on your own, we’ve put together a guide of some of the most convenient and affordable transportation options in the city.

METRO Light Rail

Travel through the Twin Cities effortlessly using the METRO Light Rail, which offers service every 10–15 minutes. The Blue Line connects Mall of America to Target Field, while the Green Line links downtown Minneapolis with St. Paul. From the airport, take the Blue Line to Government Plaza, then enjoy a short walk to the hotel. Heading to Target Field for the baseball game? Ride the Blue Line directly to Target Field Station.

Cost: In the Downtown Zone fares are just 50¢ for short trips, while regular tickets cost $2.50 during rush hour and $2.00 the rest of the day. There are also all-day and 7-day passes available.

Payment: There are ticket machines on the platforms or you can secure your tickets through the Metro Transit App.

• Metro Transit App: Apple | Google Play

Ride Sharing

Ride-sharing services, like Lyft and Uber, are convenient for getting to and from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and visiting top attractions throughout the city. Beyond the airport, ride-sharing makes it easy to visit Minneapolis attractions like the Midtown Global Market and Minnehaha Park without worrying about parking or navigation.

Airport Pick-Up Locations: There are two different ride-sharing pick-up points at the airport. For Terminal 1–follow signs for baggage claim ground transportation, and “app-based ride service”, these will take you to Level 2 of the Green Parking Ramp where you can be picked up in Zone A or Zone B. For Terminal 2– follow signs for the arrivals level and “app-based ride service.” The pick up location is across the street at the Ground Transport Center on the ground level of the Purple Parking Ramp.

Payment: Use the Lyft and Uber apps to book your rental.

Minneapolis Skyway System

For a unique way to explore Downtown Minneapolis, the Skyway System offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Stretching over 10 miles, this enclosed network connects 80 city blocks via second-story walkways. Elevators in many of the connected buildings feature ‘SK’ buttons instead of a ‘2’ for easy access. Several key entry points are just a 5-minute walk from the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot.

Hours: Skyway connected buildings are generally open until 6pm, Monday - Friday and closed on weekends.

Map: A map of the Minneapolis Skyway System can be accessed at SkywayAccess.com.

E-Bike & Scooter Sharing

If you're looking for a more active and eco-friendly way to explore Minneapolis, consider Lime and Veo, Minneapolis’ public bike and scooter sharing systems. Designed for quick trips around the city, bike and scooter rentals are fun, flexible, and convenient with rentals available throughout the city. With user-friendly apps, you can easily locate and rent the bikes and scooters, and you have the freedom to drop them off wherever is most convenient for you. The app also allows you to check the battery levels of the scooters, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Here are the essentials:

Availability: Bikes and scooters are available for rent in various locations throughout Minneapolis.

Rental Hours: Scooters are available for use from 4:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. (midnight). Scooters are disabled between midnight and 4:00 a.m. daily.

Payment: Use the app to pay for your rental -

• Lime: Apple | Google Play
• Veo: Apple | Google Play

Bus

Get around Minneapolis with the bus system. To reach The Fillmore Minneapolis or Target Field, simply hop on a bus at ​​Washington Ave S & 3rd Ave / 2nd Ave, just steps from the hotel. You'll need to walk a short distance after getting off the bus to reach your destination. While you’re strolling along Nicollet Mall, keep an eye out for the Free Ride buses and hop aboard for a free ride between the Convention Center and 5th Street.

Cost: The fares are the same as the Blue and Green Lines.

Payment: There are ticket machines on station platforms or you can secure your tickets through the Metro Transit App.

• Metro Transit App: Apple | Google Play

Minneapolis offers a range of transportation options to suit your preferences and needs. Whether you prefer a quick and affordable ride on the Metro Transit light-rail, or if you want to explore on two wheels with an e-bike share or zip around the city on an e-scooter, Minneapolis has you covered. For more information, check out Minneapolis.org. If you're planning to explore Saint Paul, check out VisitSaintPaul.com for more transit information.

As you prepare for Tourism Academy in Minneapolis, rest assured that navigating the city is not only convenient but also an adventure in itself. Enjoy your travels in the heart of the Twin Cities!