Travel Information
For most participants, the most convenient method of transportation will be via Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
Airport to Venue
Participants can travel from MSP Airport to the University of Minnesota (East Bank) Campus by light rail, taxi, or driving:
The most convenient method is Light Rail Transit (LRT):
- From either airport terminal, take the Blue Line towards Downtown Minneapolis, to the US Bank Stadium station, then cross the platform and take the Green Line to the University of Minnesota - East Bank station, which is less than one block from the conference venue and the Commons Hotel.
- Trains run every 10-15 minutes, and the trip is approximately 30 minutes total. (Note that between 10:30 pm and 5 am, LRT trains run only every 30-60 minutes)
- The fare during rush hour is $2.25; at all other times it is $1.75
- A map of the route can be found at metrotransit.org.
- Information about LRT stations in the airport terminal can be obtained from http://mspairport.com/GroundTransportation/light-rail-transit-service.aspx
The Uber and Lyft ride-sharing apps can be used; due to local regulations there is an additional fee for airport pick-up.
Car rentals are available at both terminals. The drive to campus varies between 20-25 minutes with no traffic and 45-60 minutes in rush hour. Rental locations:
- Terminal 1 Level 2 and 3 or the blue and red parking ramp
- Terminal 2 Ground level of the purple parking ramp. Located in the Ground Transport Center:
http://mspairport.com/GroundTransportation/car-rentals.aspx
Around town
- The Green Line can be used to visit downtown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul, and locations along the central corridor between them.
- Bus schedules for other destinations are available from metrotransit.org.
- Bike Rentals are available through Nice Ride. Minneapolis is consistently rated as one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America.
Local Information
- A list of local attractions and entertainment options can be obtained from the city of Minneapolis.
- Restaurants near the conference venue are mostly east along Washington Avenue (in the Stadium Village neighborhood) or to the north of campus along 4th St SE (in the Dinkytown neighborhood)
- More upscale restaurants are in downtown Minneapolis, 10 minutes away on the Green Line.
- Many authentic Southeast Asian and East African restaurants are located along the central corridor in St. Paul; the heavy table gives a complete listing from 2016.