Travel and Transportation

Minneapolis, Minnesota is serviced by the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The airport is approximately 14 miles from downtown Minneapolis and takes about 20 minutes to drive.

Airline discounts

The National Charter Schools Conference is pleased to offer negotiated discounts with the following airlines. Discounts are subject to availability and not applicable to all fare prices.

*When booking online, select Meeting Event Code and enter the meeting code (NM9RE) in the box provided on the Search Flight page. Reservations may also be made by calling our Delta Meeting reservations at 1-800-328-1111 Mon-Fri 7:00 am – 7:00 pm CDT.

Airport transportation

• Book your airport transportation in advance through SuperShuttle and receive discounted rates. Shuttle transportation will be available to and from all conference hotels. Prices are $16 one-way and $26 round trip (this includes fuel surcharge). Use the group code UUFT7 to receive the conference discount. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 800-BLUE-VAN (258-3826).
• The light rail travels from the airport to downtown in about 30 minutes, and the fare is $1.75 during normal hours and $2.25 during peak hours. Please click here for a brochure [pdf]. Once downtown, a complimentary shuttle runs to within two blocks of all conference hotels.
• Taxis from the airport to hotels or the convention center are approximately $40.00.

Directions from the airport

From Airport Main Terminal to Downtown Minneapolis

Leaving the airport, follow the signs for Highway 55 West to Minneapolis. This will take you to Highway 62 West (Crosstown Highway). Stay on Highway 62 for about 5 miles and take the I-35W North exit. Follow I-35W north for approximately 4 ½ miles and then follow the signs into downtown Minneapolis.

From Airport Charter Terminal to Downtown Minneapolis

Take a right when leaving the Charter Terminal onto 34th Avenue. Follow 34th Avenue for less than a mile to the entrance for I-494 West. Take I-494 to I-35W North. Follow I-35W north into downtown Minneapolis.

From Downtown Minneapolis to the Airport

Take 12th Street south or 4th Avenue south to I-35W South. Follow I-35W south 4 ½ miles to the exit for Highway 62 East (Crosstown Highway). Follow Highway 62 East approximately 5 miles to Highway 55 East. Stay in the right lane and follow the signs to either the main or charter terminal.

Parking

Parking is available at all downtown hotels as well as the convention center. Rates vary by property, and we encourage you to contact the hotel for more information. To view a parking map, please click here [pdf]. Convention center rates are $9.50 daily.

Hotel reservations

Hotel reservations must be made independently by you. Please visit the hotel information page for links and phone numbers in order to make your reservation.

Rental Cars