BEST WAY DOWNTOWN: Bus

BASICS
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is located 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Minneapolis and eight miles (12 km) southwest of St. Paul. There is a ground transportation desk on the baggage-claim level by carousels 8 and 9.

The airport's Web site includes plenty of useful information, such as:

• A map of the main terminal
• Special needs information
• Driving directions to the airport

Mall of America, the largest mall in the U.S., is only a 12-minute bus ride away. It's worth the trip if you have a couple of hours to spare. Buses leave from the lower baggage-claim level every 30 minutes from 5:45 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. The fare is $1.50 during rush hour and $1 all other times; exact fare required.

TAXI
As you exit the terminal, cross the street to the taxi stand. Give the dispatcher your destination and he will direct you to the correct taxi. Fare to downtown Minneapolis is about $20 and to downtown St. Paul about $14. Journey time to Minneapolis about 20 to 30 minutes; it's 20 to 25 minutes to St. Paul.

 
BUS
Airport Express offers scheduled van service to both cities' downtowns and to the surrounding suburbs. Check at the ground transportation desk for details. The fare to Minneapolis is $11 one-way; to St. Paul, $9 one-way. Departs every 1/2 hour or so.

PRIVATE CAR
Several private-car companies will pick you up at the airport. You can book in advance or use the courtesy telephones in the baggage-claim area near carousels 9 and 10. A typical fare from the airport to downtown Minneapolis is $30 plus tip.

HOTEL SHUTTLE
There are many hotels on the "strip," the area along Interstate 494 west of the airport. Some hotels have free airport shuttles. Call your hotel when you arrive by using the courtesy phones in the baggage-claim area to check.

RENTAL CAR
There are rental-car counters in the main terminal, but you're better off going straight to the rental-car building. Walk out of the terminal on the lower baggage claim level, cross the street, and walk past the taxi stand where you can catch a shuttle bus. All the major rental firms are represented.

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul are quite spread out, so renting a car can be wise. Rates are reasonable and you'll probably save over taxi fares if you're staying outside downtown.