Why go
Use the Blue Line for the airport and downtown connection, and the Green Line for the University of Minnesota and Saint Paul corridor. The skyway system can link downtown buildings above street level, while routes such as the Midtown Greenway and river parkway paths make cycling a useful alternative.
The full story
Minneapolis is easier to navigate once you separate its travel networks. The Blue Line runs between downtown, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and Bloomington. The Green Line shares downtown stops, then heads through the University of Minnesota toward Saint Paul along University Avenue. The city’s enclosed skyways connect many downtown blocks at second-floor level, a legacy of planning around business-district foot traffic and winter weather. They are building connections rather than a single public corridor, so entrances and access can vary; check a current map before relying on a particular link. At ground level, the Midtown Greenway provides an east–west cycling route, while river parkway paths offer a more scenic ride. These routes answer different needs: rail for longer cross-city trips, skyways for downtown blocks, and cycling for a trip where the journey is part of the visit. Check current Metro Transit schedules and route maps before setting out.