Parking Overview
MSP Short-Term Parking (also called Hourly Parking) is the closest do-it-yourself option to both terminals: Terminal 1’s hourly parking is in the connected ramps (with the primary access noted at Level 3 of the Gold Ramp), and Terminal 2’s hourly parking is in the ramp connected to T2 via skyway. It’s designed for fast in-and-out parking, meeting arriving passengers, or short business trips where convenience matters more than cost.
Best for: quick pickup/drop-off, short stays of a few hours, or travelers who want to walk straight into the terminal without waiting for a shuttle. For week-long trips or strict budgets, MSP’s Value/Economy options or off-site lots usually cost less per day, but take longer.
Pricing
- Typical drive-up hourly rate: about $5 for the first hour, then $3 each additional hour (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 hourly).
- Daily maximum: commonly up to $30/day for Terminal 1 ramps used for hourly/daily parking (a good estimate when your “short-term” stay runs long).
- Weekly estimate: at a $30/day max, plan roughly $210/week (before any taxes/fees).
How it compares: Value/Economy on-site parking is typically cheaper (often around the low $20s/day), Quick Ride Ramp is lower still (around $19/day), and off-site lots can drop further (often $3–$14/day when prepaid). Short-term is the premium choice for proximity.
Discounts: check MSP’s official parking reservation system for prebook discounts and guaranteed space. Frequent parkers may benefit from programs like ePark Elite (where available) for streamlined entry and monthly options.
Payment: MSP parking generally supports major credit/debit and mobile wallet payments at exit lanes; keep your ticket (or booking QR) handy. If you’re expensing, save the receipt from the pay station or exit.
Getting to Your Terminal
- Terminal 1 (T1): park in the connected ramps (noted access via Gold Ramp Level 3) and walk indoors to the terminal. Expect about 5–10 minutes depending on where you park.
- Terminal 2 (T2): the hourly ramp connects by skyway for a mostly weather-protected walk. Plan about 5–10 minutes.
Shuttles: typically not needed for short-term/hourly ramps since they connect directly. This is the main time-saver versus Value/Quick Ride lots that rely on shuttle or light rail.
Features & Security
- Covered vs. uncovered: these are ramp facilities, so parking is generally covered compared with open lots (confirm by specific ramp area/signage).
- Security: on-site airport ramps are well-lit and patrolled; always lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight.
- EV charging: EV charging is available at MSP in selected ramps (notably in higher levels of certain T1/T2 ramps). If you need charging, follow garage signage or confirm availability before arrival.
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible spaces and elevator access are available in terminal-connected ramps for easier baggage handling.
Booking Tips
- Reserve online when offered to lock in a spot and potentially save versus drive-up pricing.
- Peak times: holidays, summer weekends, and major events can fill the closest ramps first—arrive earlier than usual if you need hourly parking.
- Cancellations: prepaid bookings typically allow cancellation within a defined window—review the terms before purchase.
- If full: use Value Parking (often cheaper, with light rail/shuttle) or Quick Ride Ramp. For pickups, consider the free Cell Phone Lot to wait until your party is curbside.