Finding affordable Minneapolis to Denver flights requires strategy, timing, and insider knowledge. Whether you’re planning a mountain getaway, a business trip, or an adventure to explore Colorado’s stunning landscapes, this route offers numerous opportunities to save money if you know where to look. The distance between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Denver International Airport (DEN) spans approximately 920 miles, making it a medium-haul domestic flight that typically ranges from $150 to $400 depending on when you book.
This comprehensive guide reveals expert strategies to find the cheapest flights on this popular corridor, along with practical tips for maximizing your savings and making the most of your journey between these two vibrant American cities.
Best Times to Book Minneapolis to Denver Flights
Timing is everything when hunting for budget-friendly Minneapolis to Denver flights. Industry experts consistently recommend booking your tickets 2-3 months in advance for domestic routes like this one. However, the sweet spot for finding the absolute cheapest fares typically falls 6-8 weeks before your intended departure date.
Tuesday and Wednesday departures historically offer lower prices compared to weekend travel. Flights departing early morning (between 6-8 AM) or late evening (after 8 PM) tend to be significantly cheaper than mid-day options. Airlines price these less desirable time slots lower to fill seats, creating excellent opportunities for flexible travelers.
Avoid traveling during peak seasons: summer vacation (June-August), winter holidays (December-January), and spring break periods. If you can travel during shoulder seasons—late April through May or September through October—you’ll encounter dramatically reduced fares while still enjoying pleasant Denver weather.
Airlines and Carriers Offering Competitive Fares
Several major carriers operate the Minneapolis to Denver route, and their competitive pricing creates excellent opportunities for savvy travelers. Southwest Airlines frequently offers some of the most competitive fares on this corridor, particularly for travelers with flexible schedules. Their two free checked bags policy adds significant value compared to competitors.
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines both maintain robust service between MSP and DEN, with multiple daily flights. These carriers often have flash sales and promotional fares, particularly during shoulder seasons. Frontier Airlines, a budget carrier based in Denver, occasionally offers remarkably cheap fares on this route, though their baggage fees and seat selection charges can offset initial savings.
Consider exploring regional carriers and comparing prices across all available options. Sometimes a slightly longer itinerary with a connection can save you $50-$150 compared to direct flights, making the extra travel time worthwhile if you’re not in a rush.
Money-Saving Strategies and Booking Hacks
Master the art of flight searching by using multiple tools and techniques. Flight comparison websites allow you to set up price alerts for your specific route, notifying you instantly when fares drop. Set alerts for multiple date ranges to capture the best deals.
Clear your browser cookies before searching for flights, or use incognito mode. Airlines track repeat searches and may increase prices if they detect you’re monitoring a specific route. This simple step can prevent dynamic pricing from inflating your fares.
Be flexible with your exact travel dates. Sometimes flying a day earlier or later can save substantial amounts. If your schedule permits, consider flying on less popular days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays rather than Fridays or Sundays.
Package deals combining flights with hotel accommodations often provide better overall value than booking separately. Websites specializing in vacation packages frequently offer rates 15-25% cheaper than purchasing components individually.
Sign up for airline newsletters and follow social media accounts of carriers operating this route. Airlines announce flash sales and limited-time promotions to subscribers first, giving you a competitive advantage in finding deals.
Airport Alternatives and Ground Transportation
While Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) remains the primary option for Minneapolis travelers, consider whether nearby airports might offer cheaper flights. However, for this particular route, MSP typically provides the best fares and most frequent service.
In Denver, Denver International Airport (DEN) is your main hub. No viable commercial alternatives exist in the immediate area, so you’ll want to book your Denver to Chicago flights or other onward connections through DEN.
Ground transportation significantly impacts your overall trip cost. Denver’s RTD light rail connects the airport directly to downtown Denver for just $10.50, eliminating expensive taxi or ride-share charges. Minneapolis travelers can utilize the light rail system connecting MSP to downtown Minneapolis for approximately $3.25, making public transit an excellent budget option.
Flight Duration and Scheduling Options
Direct flights from Minneapolis to Denver typically require 2 hours and 45 minutes of flight time, though actual travel time including boarding and deplaning reaches closer to 4 hours. Most flights depart MSP in late morning or early afternoon, arriving in Denver mid-afternoon local time (Denver operates on Mountain Time, one hour behind Central Time).
Return flights from Denver to Minneapolis generally depart late afternoon or evening, arriving in Minneapolis in the evening or night. This scheduling pattern allows for a full day in Denver, making it ideal for quick business trips or weekend getaways.
Connecting flights typically add 3-5 hours to your total journey time but can cost $75-$150 less than direct options. If you have flexibility and don’t mind a layover (often in cities like Chicago, Dallas, or Phoenix), connections can represent excellent value.
Weather Considerations and Seasonal Patterns
Denver’s high altitude (5,280 feet—the “Mile High City”) means weather patterns differ significantly from Minneapolis. Winter travel (November-February) brings potential snowstorms and flight delays, though fares during these months are notably cheaper. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions with moderate prices.
Summer represents peak season with higher fares but guaranteed pleasant weather and clear skies. If you’re seeking the cheapest Minneapolis to Denver flights, winter travel offers the best prices, though you should book refundable fares to protect against weather-related cancellations.
Denver experiences approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, making it one of America’s sunniest cities. Even winter visits typically feature mild afternoon temperatures, though mornings can be quite cold.
Maximizing Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Benefits
Frequent flyer miles can dramatically reduce your ticket costs. If you maintain status with any major airline, your elite benefits might include discounted award bookings, waived baggage fees, or priority boarding on this route. Check your account balance before booking—you might have enough miles for a free or heavily discounted flight.
Travel rewards credit cards offer excellent value for regular flyers. Cards offering 3-5x points on airfare purchases can accumulate significant value quickly. If you’re planning multiple trips, opening a travel rewards card and meeting the sign-up bonus often provides enough points for a free flight between these cities.
Some credit cards offer travel protections, including trip delay reimbursement and baggage protection. These benefits add value beyond the base rewards, particularly if you’re booking non-refundable fares.
Partner airlines within alliance networks sometimes offer cheaper fares on this route. If you have miles with one airline, check whether partner airlines might offer better award availability.
When comparing flights from Philadelphia to Chicago or other routes, remember that strategies applicable to those corridors often work equally well for Minneapolis to Denver travel. The fundamentals of flight booking remain consistent across domestic routes.
FAQ
What is the cheapest day to fly from Minneapolis to Denver?
Tuesday and Wednesday typically offer the cheapest fares, with prices often 15-30% lower than weekend flights. Early morning departures between 6-8 AM also provide significant savings compared to mid-day options.
How far in advance should I book Minneapolis to Denver flights?
Book 6-8 weeks in advance for optimal pricing on this route. However, set price alerts starting 3 months out to capture any early promotional fares or sales.
Are there budget airlines flying this route?
Frontier Airlines, based in Denver, occasionally offers extremely cheap fares on this corridor. However, factor in their baggage fees ($35-45 per bag) and seat selection charges ($10-30) when comparing total costs to full-service carriers like Southwest or United.
Can I save money by flying into a different Denver airport?
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the only commercial airport serving the Denver metropolitan area, so no alternatives exist. However, using the RTD light rail ($10.50) instead of taxis or rideshares saves money on ground transportation.
What’s the flight time from Minneapolis to Denver?
Direct flights take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes of actual flight time. Total travel time including boarding and deplaning typically reaches 3.5-4 hours.
When is the cheapest season to visit Denver from Minneapolis?
Winter (November-February) offers the cheapest fares, though weather can be unpredictable. Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) provide excellent value with favorable weather conditions.
Should I book a round-trip or one-way tickets?
Round-trip tickets often provide better value than two separate one-way bookings, particularly if booking with legacy carriers. However, always compare both options before purchasing.
How can I find the absolute cheapest fares?
Combine multiple strategies: set price alerts 3 months in advance, use incognito browsing, fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, choose early morning or late evening departures, remain flexible with dates, and consider connecting flights. This comprehensive approach typically yields savings of 30-50% compared to booking standard mid-week afternoon direct flights.
Are there package deals combining flights and hotels?
Yes, vacation package websites frequently offer bundled deals saving 15-25% compared to booking components separately. These packages work particularly well for Denver trips, where hotel rates vary significantly by season.
What about traveling to nearby cities instead?
Flights to Chicago to Dallas flights or Chicago to Phoenix flights might offer cheaper alternatives if you have flexibility. However, for direct service to the Denver area, Minneapolis to Denver remains the most convenient and typically competitive option.