Transportation from MSP train station?

[mom2HandH]

We're taking the train from Chicago to MSP. We need to rent a car, and will probably need to get to the airport to pick it up. Any suggestions on transportation? Also, are there any hotels worth staying in nearby? We'll probably return the car the night before we depart, so we'll be at the mercy of cab drivers (which there aren't very many of in MSP).

TIA!

 

[MrFSS]

We're taking the train from Chicago to MSP. We need to rent a car, and will probably need to get to the airport to pick it up. Any suggestions on transportation? Also, are there any hotels worth staying in nearby? We'll probably return the car the night before we depart, so we'll be at the mercy of cab drivers (which there aren't very many of in MSP).
TIA!

THIS hotel is a couple of blocks from the station. I have heard some on this forum say they have stayed there and it wasn't too bad. I don't know if it is walkable from the station or not or if they have transportation to pick you up and drop you back. You could probably call them and ask. Their web page says Complimentary Shuttle Service within 2 mile radius

 

[Guest]

Check with Hertz. Last time I used the MSP station (December 2006) they actually had a Hertz location there.

 

[had8ley]

We're taking the train from Chicago to MSP. We need to rent a car, and will probably need to get to the airport to pick it up. Any suggestions on transportation? Also, are there any hotels worth staying in nearby? We'll probably return the car the night before we depart, so we'll be at the mercy of cab drivers (which there aren't very many of in MSP).
TIA!

I called Enterprise last month for a trip I'm taking. They agreed to deliver a car to the St. Paul station and the agent will have the keys. You have to make a two day minimum rental in order for them to do this. This works out great for everybody especially if the train is late for some reason. (It gets awfully dark around the depot after midnight.)

 

[stlouielady]

Last time I did this, I rented a car from Hertz. Their booth at the station was closed when the train arrived; when I booked the reservation, I was told to take a cab to the airport to pick up the car, and they would re-imburse the cab fare (up to a certain amount, but I can't remember that amount). Their re-imbrsement covered the cab fare though. If you call Hertz to make the reservation, let them know that you will be arriving at the Amtrak station, and will be returning the car to the Amtrak station.

I stayed at the Days Inn about 2-3 blocks from the Amtrak station. I returned the car the afternoon before my departure, and walked back to the hotel; it's a quick and safe walk. If you return it during the hours they are open, you will get your receipt then. If you return it after they are closed, you will have to just leave the keys in the drop box. The hotel does have a shuttle available to take you back to the station in the morning. Just tell them at the front desk when you check in that you need a ride to the Amtrak station.

If you are an Amtrak Guest Rewards member, then you can earn miles with the Hertz rental, and the Days Inn reservation. If I remember correctly (it was over a year ago, so, the memory is a little fuzzy), they offered a special rate for Amtrak customers.