Travel Options
All you need to know about getting to Saint Paul
Fly to Minneapolis (MSP)
Serving 130+ Nonstop Destinations Nationwide
Only 15 minutes from downtown Saint Paul, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is a major transportation hub that is easily accessible on a variety of domestic and international airlines.
From the airport, take a taxi or rideshare to downtown Saint Paul, or use public transportation. Click the box below for details.
Rideshare
Both Lyft and Uber are available at the airport. A one-way ride is approximately $25. If arriving at Terminal 1, rideshare pickup is located in the Ground Transportation Center located on Level 1 of the Green/Gold Parking Ramps. At Terminal 2, pick up is available from the Ground Transport Center located on the ground level of the Purple parking ramp. Follow airport signage after exiting security.
Taxi
Taxi service at Terminal 1 is accessible via the Tram Level (Level T). Signs direct passengers one level up to the taxi starter booth, where airport staff are available to assist customers in obtaining a taxi. At Terminal 2, taxi service is available at the Ground Transport Center, located on the ground level of the Purple Ramp directly across from the terminal building, where airport staff are available to assist customers in obtaining a taxi. A one-way ride from the airport to downtown Saint Paul is approximately $35, not including tip.
Rental Cars
Several national rental car companies offer services at the airport. FlightSimExpo offers discounted rental car options through Avis and Budget.
On-airport rental car counters at Terminal 1 are located on the ground level of the Silver Parking Ramp. Passengers can take the underground tram to the ramp and follow the wayfinding signs to the rental area. The entrance to the Silver Ramp is located under the Prince mural. At Terminal 2, on-airport rental car counters are located in the Ground Transportation Center on the ground level of the Purple Ramp directly across from the terminal building.
Public Transit Options
City bus service (Route 54) is provided by Metro Transit and links MSP airport with downtown Saint Paul. City bus pick up and drop off is located in the Transit Center on Level 1 of the Silver Ramp. There is no Metro Transit bus pick-up at Terminal 2. Passengers arriving at Terminal 2 must take the free light rail transit to Terminal 1 to access city buses.
Take Route 54 northbound to the Smith Ave & Kellogg Blvd Stop. From there, it is a 0.2-mile walk to RiverCentre and nearby FlightSimExpo hotels. Use Metro Transit's trip planner for details and fares.
Drive Your Own Car
Several Midwestern Cities Within Driving Distance
Saint Paul is located at the intersection of I-94 and I-35 and has several midwestern cities, including Chicago, within driving distance.
Once in Saint Paul, the RiverCentre, FlightSimExpo hotels, and numerous attractions and dining options are conveniently located in the downtown area within walking distance of each other.
Overnight Hotel Guests
Attendees staying in one of the FlightSimExpo hotel room blocks enjoy discounted parking for the duration of their stay. Details and pricing for each hotel are listed on our Hotels page.
Daily Visitors to the Convention Center
Parking is available at the RiverCentre Parking Ramp for $20-35/day. Click here for driving directions.
150 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN 55102
After parking, scan the QR code on signs throughout the ramp to pay, or use one of the nearby pay stations.
Several other parking options are available throughout downtown Saint Paul. View this interactive map for details.
Train to Saint Paul
Connections to Chicago and Other Nearby Cities
Saint Paul is served by Amtrak's Borealis and Empire Builder routes. The Borealis runs multiple trips daily between Chicago and the Twin Cities, with intermediate stops in cities like Milwaukee and Winona. The Empire Builder is a long distance train that runs daily between Chicago and Seattle. From Chicago, the journey to Saint Paul takes about 8 hours depending on the service. For tickets and schedules, visit amtrak.com.
The train station, Union Depot, is located in downtown Saint Paul, and is a 5-minute drive to the RiverCentre and FlightSimExpo hotels. Taxis, rideshare, and local Metro Transit buses are readily available outside the station.
Fly Your Own Aircraft
Discounts Available at Local FBOs
Attendees flying their own aircraft to the event are encouraged to fly into Saint Paul Downtown Airport (STP) or South St Paul Municipal Airport (SGS) and then stay at one of our discounted hotels.
FlightSimExpo is reaching out to local FBOs to coordinate discounts in support of the event. Additional details will be posted as soon as they are available.
Travel Recommendations
The most cost-effective way to attend FlightSimExpo:
- 1. Fly to MSP, or drive/train to Saint Paul.
- 2. Stay at one of our discounted hotels.
- 3. Register for the show as soon as possible to get the best pricing.
Downtown Saint Paul is a very walkable area. The RiverCentre, FlightSimExpo hotels, and numerous dining options are conveniently located within walking distance, so there’s no need to rent a car!
If you are considering renting a car or driving yourself to Saint Paul, we have negotiated discounted daily parking rates at our contracted hotels.