Earlier this year while getting ready to take a winter trip, I was searching for parking options at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
On my last trip, I used airport parking and ended up paying what seemed like a fortune for just a few days. I wanted to find a way to drastically cut the cost of keeping my car in storage while I was off enjoying vacation.
Finally, I came across what seemed like a good deal. It’s called Ramp-Ride-Fly.
Basically, you park your car at the 4th Street/C Garage in downtown Minneapolis. From there, you buy a ticket at the nearest lightrail station outside (Target Field or Warehouse District) and ride the line down to either the Lindbergh or Humphrey Terminal.
It sounded easy so I gave it a go. How did it work? Each time I’ve flown since then, I have been using this method to park and it has saved big bucks over the long run.
Here’s how it works: Prior to your flight, fill out the parking request form on the Minneapolis Parking website. Someone from the office will call to confirm the reservation and get your payment information, such as a credit card number.
On the day of your flight, show up to the C Ramp in downtown Minneapolis. Use the credit card that you made a reservation with to enter the garage and find a parking spot. Then, take a short walk outside to the Hiawatha Line, ride it to the airport and you are good to go! When you return, swipe the same card at the exit to get out.
While this method is not as convenient as having your car at the airport or within close distance at another facility, it will save you money if you have the extra time to make the roughly 30 minute journey from downtown to the airport.
Here’s an breakdown of what it would cost a family of four to park for seven full days using different parking options.
Parking with Ramp-Ride-Fly
-$10 for first day
-$3 each day after
-$1.75 regular fare lightrail ticket (x4) to airport
-$1.75 regular fare lightrail ticket (x4) from airport
-$42 for 7 day trip
Airport Parking-Lindbergh
-$18 per day with ePark/$20 per day w/o ePark
-$126/$140 for 7 day trip
Airport Parking-Humphrey
-$14 per day with ePark/$16 per day w/o ePark
-$98/$112 for 7 day trip
Park n Fly
-Rates may vary, results for a trip September 8th-15th
-$72.65 for uncovered spot
-$86.65 for covered spot
EZ Air Park
-$11 per day, 7th day is free
-$66 for 7 day trip
Park n Go Airport Parking
-$9.75 per day including $1 off discount per day
-$58.50 for 7 day trip
Ramp-Ride-Fly may not be the best option for everyone. Be sure to check the lightrail schedule to make sure there are trains running from downtown to the airport within the departure timeframe. Otherwise, if you have the extra time and do not mind leaving your car away further from the airport, this option may save you some cash. For more information, click here.