On this page: transportation, housing, dining

See also Google customized map for zoom aerial view, driving directions, parking rates and more parking options.

Getting To/From Airport

The SuperShuttle shared van ride services most metro hotels for about $15 one way.  The Holiday Inn Metrodome, only 2 blocks away, is often a convenient dropoff/pickup point for people. 

Taxis are readily available. Fare is about $25 one way.

The Hiawatha Light Rail and Metro Transit buses provide an inexpensive link between the airport and the University of Minnesota campus (about $2). (Metro Transit rates and schedules) From the Airport to the University campus: Ride the light rail train to the Metrodome station. At the Metrodome station check the posted map for the nearby bus stop for routes 3, 16 and 50 which stop at Anderson Hall on the West Bank. (Your rail pass can be used to transfer to the bus.) Metro Transit buses heading to the University arrive at the Metrodome every three minutes during peak travel times. Once on campus, the free campus connector can be used to get to West Bank, East Bank or St. Paul.

FYI: There are no fareboxes on trains. Each person must pay for the ride before boarding the train. Ticket vending machines accept cash only. These machines accept $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills, but cannot give more than $10 in change. Fare inspectors will randomly ask to see proof of fare payment on trains and at stations. There is a $180 fine for riding the train without paying.

See also U of M Transportation Web site for more travel options including information links for campus shuttles and biking options.

Nearby Housing

Temporary accommodations may be available throughout the year for visiting faculty and University guests in U of M guest apartments (Faculty/Staff Guest Housing). Comfortable efficiency, one- and two-bedroom apartments are located on-campus in residence halls/apartments or within easy walking distance of the Minneapolis campus at University Village-East and Wilkins Hall.  Also described on the above link is the availability to guests of conventional dormitory rooms during summer months.

University Housing also maintains a list of off-campus housing (U of M list: off-campus housing).  Inclusion on this list does not imply inspection or endorsement by the University of Minnesota.  Availability and accommodations vary.  You might contact staff in the special library collection you plan to visit to learn if other guests have provided feedback about individual accommodations.

Another source to locate accommodations for an extended stay is move.com.  To locate nearby apartment rentals, search "near the University of Minnesota", enter the street address " 222 21st Ave S.", or enter the zip code " 55455".  This search will pull up several apartments along with contact information.  The search can be further defined for amenities such as furnished, # of bedrooms, corporate (short term furnished), near public transporation, etc.  Apartments such as Heritage, Marquette and River Gate are often just a metro bus ride to the campus.

The following local hotels have contract rates (as available) for U of M visitors and researchers.  To receive contract rates when making reservations at these hotels, you may need to obtain the current contract number from University of Minnesota staff.  If you are unable to obtain the listed contract rate using on-line reservations for some of these hotels, contact UM staff for further assistance.  (Rates are current as of 2005 but are subject to change.)  Researchers and visitors may also make other arrangements and, at times, find better rates offered through internet or other travel specials.

Nearby Dining

Post Office