Terminal Layout & Organization
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has two terminals: Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey). Terminal 1 is the larger complex and Delta Air Lines’ primary hub, spanning seven concourses (A–G) with the bulk of MSP’s major airlines and services. If you’re flying a legacy carrier (Delta, United, American, Air Canada, Air France/KLM, Lufthansa, etc.), you’ll most often start in Terminal 1. Terminal 2 is smaller and simpler to navigate, with a single Concourse H and about 14 gates, serving low-cost and select international carriers—commonly Southwest, Sun Country, Frontier, and Icelandair. International processing can occur in both terminals depending on your airline, so confirm your terminal on your boarding pass and the MSP website before you head to security.
Navigation Between Terminals
The terminals are about 3 miles apart and there are no walkways or an internal train connecting them. To switch terminals, use the free Light Rail Transit (LRT) tram. In Terminal 1, follow signs to the tram outside Doors 1 and 4 on the baggage claim level. In Terminal 2, you can access it outside Door 8 (baggage claim) or near Gate H11. Plan on 15–30 minutes terminal-to-terminal once you include walking, waiting, and the ride, and remember: if you change terminals, you’ll usually need to re-clear security. Wayfinding is straightforward—look for “Terminal 1 / Terminal 2” and “Tram” signage on the lower level.
Traveler-Specific Tips
- Families: Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are stroller-friendly with elevators and wide corridors. If you need quiet breaks, ask at an information desk about nursing rooms and family restrooms near your concourse.
- Business travelers: Terminal 1 has the widest choice of lounges, including Delta Sky Club and the United Club. For faster screening, look for CLEAR lanes (available in both terminals) and target less crowded checkpoints (Terminal 1 has checkpoints on Level 2 near Concourse C and Level 1 near Concourse G).
- Accessibility: MSP is fully accessible with elevators, accessible restrooms, and airline-provided wheelchair assistance—request it when booking and again at check-in. If you’re transferring terminals, build extra time for the tram and elevator routes.
- Budget travelers: Bring an empty bottle—MSP has plentiful water fountains/bottle fill stations throughout both terminals, plus widespread charging at gates and seating areas (especially in Terminal 2’s compact Concourse H).
Practical Information
Free Wi‑Fi is available across Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and is generally reliable for streaming and video calls near gate areas. For power, look first around gate seating, food courts, and central waiting zones—if an outlet bank is full, check nearby columns and high-top counters. You’ll find information desks/help points in both terminals (especially near ticketing and baggage claim) for directions, ground transport, and terminal transfer help. Terminal 2’s checkpoint hours are typically 4 a.m. to last flight (closed 10 p.m.–4 a.m.), so late-night arrivals should plan services accordingly. For any temporary closures or construction impacts, check posted alerts on terminal screens and allow extra time if you see reroutes near security or concourse connectors.