St. Paul Downtown Airport

St. Paul Downtown Airport, also known as Holman Field, is a unique transport hub located in a picturesque bend of the Mississippi River, just minutes from the bustling business centre of St. Paul. Unlike its large neighbour, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, this airport specialises in business aviation and private flights, offering an atmosphere of exceptional comfort and history. There are no endless terminals or crowds of tourists here: passengers appreciate Holman Field for its privacy, speed of service, and breathtaking views of the city skyline opening up right from the runway.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Dining Experience: The popular restaurant Holman’s Table operates right within the historic terminal building. This is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy an exquisite dinner while watching planes take off and land just metres from your table.
• Historical Heritage: The airport preserves the charm of the golden age of aviation. The main terminal, built in 1939, is an architectural monument and creates a special atmosphere unavailable in modern glass hubs.
• Ideal Location: Located practically in the city centre, it is incredibly convenient for business travellers and high-profile guests, allowing access to St. Paul offices and hotels in mere minutes.
• Scenic Approaches: Thanks to its location in the river valley, pilots and passengers can admire beautiful views of the "Twin Cities" skyscrapers and the natural landscapes of Minnesota.

• Official Airport Website: metroairports.org/stp
• Airport Address: 644 Bayfield St, St. Paul, MN 55107, USA
• Information Service Phone (Metropolitan Airports Commission): +1 612-726-8100
• Email: There is no public email address; it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website in the "Contact Us" section.
• Social Media: Airport news is often published on the pages of the managing company, Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), on Facebook and X (Twitter).
• Lost and Found: Since the airport serves business aviation, for lost items, please contact your charter operator or the ground handling company (FBO) directly, for example, Signature Flight Support.
• Customer Support: For urgent questions, it is recommended to visit the information desk in the terminal or call the main number of the managing company.

Getting to St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field) is significantly easier and faster than reaching large international hubs. Thanks to its location within the city limits, a trip from downtown St. Paul takes literally a few minutes, and from downtown Minneapolis — about 15–20 minutes, provided there is no heavy traffic.

Since the airport primarily serves private and business aviation, there are no huge transport interchanges typical of commercial terminals. The main focus is on individual transfers and car transport.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services

This is the most popular and convenient way to get to the terminal. As the airport is within the city, waiting times for a car are usually minimal.

• Services: Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services operate 24/7.
• Travel Time:
  • From downtown St. Paul: 5–8 minutes.
  • From downtown Minneapolis: 15–25 minutes.
  • From Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): about 15–20 minutes.
• Cost: A trip from downtown St. Paul will cost approximately $10–15, from Minneapolis — about $25–40 depending on the tariff and time of day.

Personal Car and Rental

The airport is easily accessible by car. The main access is via Bayfield Street. If you are renting a car, rental companies (such as Hertz or Enterprise) often partner with ground handling operators (FBOs) at the airport and can deliver the car directly to the steps of your aircraft upon prior request.

Parking

One of the main advantages of St. Paul Downtown Airport is parking. Unlike major aviation hubs, it is maximally convenient for visitors here.

• Free Parking: For guests of the Holman’s Table restaurant and short-term visitors, free parking is provided right next to the historic terminal building.
• Long-term Parking: If you are leaving your car for the duration of a private flight departure, conditions should be clarified with your FBO operator (e.g., Signature Flight Support or St. Paul Flight Center); this service is often included in the handling.

Public Transport

Using public transport to travel to this airport is not recommended, especially if you have luggage. There are no direct metro or bus routes entering the terminal grounds directly.

• The nearest bus stops of the Metro Transit system are located at a distance, and the walk from them to the terminal can be inconvenient for pedestrians due to road interchanges and the location in the river floodplain.
• If you still decide to use this method, it is better to travel to the Union Depot transport hub in downtown St. Paul by bus or light rail (Green Line), and take a taxi from there for the final 3 kilometres.

Important Note for Travellers:

There are several airports in the "Twin Cities" region. Ensure your flight is indeed departing from St. Paul Downtown (code STP). Most scheduled commercial flights are served by the neighbouring large hub — Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), located 13 km away. Choosing the wrong airport could cost you a missed flight.

The structure of St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) differs radically from the huge international hubs passengers are accustomed to. Here you will not find endless corridors, confusing gate maps, or crowded waiting halls. It is a boutique general aviation airport where all infrastructure is designed for maximum privacy and speed of service.

Number of Terminals and Their Purpose

In the classical sense, there are no multiple passenger terminals (like Terminal 1 or 2). The airport complex consists of several key zones located along one line of the airfield:

• Historic Terminal (Administration Building): The main building, constructed in 1939. It now serves as an administrative centre and public space. This is where the famous restaurant Holman’s Table is located. It is a zone for relaxation, meetings, and gastronomic tourism, but not for mass flight check-ins.
• FBO (Fixed Base Operators): Private ground handling complexes fulfil the function of passenger terminals. Two main operators work at STP: Signature Flight Support and St. Paul Flight Center. Each is a separate building with its own lounge, arrival/departure zone, and hangars. This is where passengers of charter flights and private jet owners head.

Airport Map and Navigation

Navigation around the territory is extremely simple. The airport stretches along the Mississippi River embankment. The main access is via Bayfield Street, which connects all facilities.

• Upon entering the territory, you will see signs to the Historic Terminal (centre of the complex).
• The FBO buildings are located to the sides of it. If you are flying on a private aircraft, your pilot or broker will inform you in advance which specific operator (Signature or St. Paul Flight Center) you need to drive to.
• It is practically impossible to get lost here: all buildings are within direct sight of each other, and the distances between them can be covered on foot or in a minute by car.

Departure, Arrival Zones and Transitions

St. Paul Downtown lacks the rigid boundaries between the "sterile zone" and the public access zone typical of commercial airports.

• Departure Zone: Represents a comfortable hall in the FBO building. There are no boarding gates with numbers. When the plane is ready, a staff member simply escorts you to the exit onto the apron, located literally 10–20 metres from the soft armchairs of the lounge.
• Arrival Zone: You step off the plane directly onto the apron and immediately enter the operator's building or, if a transfer to the steps is ordered, get into a car.
• Transitions: There are no internal walkways between the FBO buildings and the historic terminal; movement takes place via the street (sidewalks) or by car.

Procedure Times

Speed is the main advantage of STP. Since there are no scheduled flights by major airlines here, queues for TSA security screening in their usual form are absent.

• Check-in and Screening: For private jet passengers, procedures are formal and take no more than 5–10 minutes. It is sufficient to present documents to staff at the FBO reception.
• Arrival at the Airport: It is recommended to arrive just 15–20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This time is quite enough to have coffee, settle formalities, and board.

Navigation Recommendations

To ensure your visit goes perfectly, follow these simple tips:

• If you are going to the restaurant, follow signs to "Holman’s Table" or "Main Terminal". Parking is right in front of the building.
• If you are a flight passenger, clarify the name of the service company (FBO) in advance. It is better to set your navigator immediately to the specific operator's address (e.g., "Signature Flight Support STP") to avoid walking with luggage from the main building.
• Do not look for departure and arrival boards: all information is provided personally by your charter staff.

The history of St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) is a fascinating chronicle of the development of American aviation, beginning nearly a century ago. Unlike many modern faceless airfields, Holman Field possesses a rich past in which the fates of legendary pilots, military feats, and battles with the elements are intertwined.

Foundation and the Era of "Speed" Holman

The airport was officially opened in 1926 on the initiative of local authorities striving to include St. Paul in the growing air transport network. Initially, it was a simple landing strip, but by 1928 it received the name it bears to this day — Holman Field. The airport was named after Charles "Speed" Holman, a local aviation hero, stunt pilot, and the first pilot for Northwest Airways. Holman was a true star of his time: he set speed records and performed loops on biplanes, inspiring thousands of people.

The Golden Age and Terminal Construction

A crucial stage of development occurred in the late 1930s. Under Roosevelt's "New Deal" and the WPA (Works Progress Administration) programme, the historic administration and terminal building was constructed in 1939. Architects used famous local Kasota limestone, giving the building a strict and elegant look in the Streamline Moderne style. This structure has survived to this day and is the heart of the airport, serving as a reminder of times when aviation was the domain of romantics.

The War Period

During World War II, Holman Field became a strategically important facility. Northwest Airlines (the future Delta Air Lines) organised a major modification centre here for B-24 Liberator bombers. In the airport hangars, the latest radar and secret equipment were installed on planes before deployment to the front. During this period, the airport operated around the clock, making a significant contribution to the US war effort.

Battle with the River and Modernisation

Its location in the picturesque Mississippi floodplain has always been both the airport's main asset and its main problem. Throughout the 20th century, Holman Field repeatedly suffered from devastating floods that completely paralysed its operations (particularly severe floods occurred in 1965, 1997, and 2001).

A key stage in modern history was the completion of a massive flood protection system in 2008–2009. The project included the construction of levees and unique removable aluminium walls that can be installed in a short time when water levels rise. This engineering marvel turned STP into a reliable all-weather haven and gave a powerful boost to the development of business aviation.

Interesting Facts and Achievements:

• Birthplace of a Giant: It was here in 1926 that Northwest Airways (later Northwest Airlines) began its flights, becoming one of the largest carriers in the world before merging with Delta. The first flights carried mail between Minneapolis and Chicago.
• Screen Star: Holman Field served as the filming location for the Hollywood disaster movie "Airport" (1970). Scenes of the snow-covered airfield were filmed right here, as the real Minnesota winter fit the script perfectly. Episodes of the film "Slaughterhouse-Five" (1972) were also filmed here.
• Attendance Record: During Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis in 2018, Holman Field hosted a record number of private jets, becoming one of the main parking areas for VIP guests from around the world.
• Tribute to Memory: Inside the historic terminal, you can find a statue of Charles Holman himself and an exhibition of old photographs recounting the early days of the airport's operation.

The infrastructure of St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) is designed with the needs of business travellers and private pilots in mind. Here you will not find noisy shopping galleries or overcrowded food courts typical of commercial aviation hubs. Instead, the airport offers exclusive service focused on comfort, speed, and privacy.

Restaurants and Shops

The main gastronomic gem of the airport is the restaurant Holman’s Table, located in the historic terminal building. This establishment is famous for modern American cuisine and an elegant interior in the spirit of 1930s aviation. Visitors can take tables by the panoramic windows or on the open terrace (in warm seasons) to watch planes take off and land. The restaurant is open not only to passengers but to everyone, so it is better to book a table in advance.

There are no customary Duty Free shops or souvenir stalls at the airport. A small assortment of travel goods, snacks, and press may be available at the reception desks of FBO operators, but for full shopping, it is recommended to head to the city centre.

Lounges and VIP Service

The airport concept implies that every passenger here is a VIP client. The function of waiting halls is fulfilled by the luxurious lobbies of ground handling operators (Signature Flight Support and St. Paul Flight Center). At guests' disposal are:

• Comfortable lounge zones with soft furniture and fireplaces.
• Complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea, and light snacks (cookies, fruit).
• Fresh press and television.
• Concierge services for ordering transfers, hotels, or on-board catering.

Communication and Business Services

Since the main flow of passengers consists of business people, the airport ensures excellent conditions for work.

• Wi-Fi: Free high-speed wireless internet is available throughout the FBO and historic terminal territory.
• Charging Stations: Sockets and USB ports are available in sufficient quantities in rest zones.
• Conference Rooms: FBO operators and the airport administration offer meeting rooms and conference halls with views of the airfield for rent. They are equipped with everything necessary for holding meetings and presentations immediately before departure or right after arrival.
• Business Centres: Computers, printers, and scanners are available for prompt work with documents.

Financial and Medical Services

There are no currency exchange points or full bank branches at the airport. It is recommended to arrange cash in advance or use ATMs in the city. Payment for services at the FBO and restaurant is accepted by bank cards.

There is no specialised medical centre or pharmacy on the territory. Staff are trained in first aid, and in emergencies, thanks to the proximity to the centre, city rescue services arrive within a few minutes. The nearest major hospitals are located in St. Paul.

Services for Passengers with Children

Special playrooms or baby changing tables in general access are not provided, as passengers' stay time in the terminal is usually minimal. However, the atmosphere in the lounges is calm, and staff are always ready to help families with children. The Holman’s Table restaurant has a children's menu, and the view of the planes is sure to captivate young travellers.

Accessible Environment

The airport fully complies with American accessibility standards (ADA). The single-story layout of buildings makes movement in wheelchairs unobstructed. Entrances are equipped with ramps or automatic doors, and restrooms are adapted for people with disabilities. FBO staff provide assistance with boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.

Hotels

There are no hotels on the airport territory itself, but thanks to the location 5–10 minutes' drive from downtown St. Paul, passengers have access to the city's best hotels. Some of the nearest options:

• The Saint Paul Hotel — a historic luxury hotel.
• InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront — a hotel with beautiful views of the Mississippi River.
• Hyatt Place St. Paul/Downtown — a modern and convenient option for business trips.

FBO staff can assist with booking a room and organising a transfer to the hotel.

The dining scene at St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) fully corresponds to its status as an exclusive business aviation hub. Unlike large commercial airports, you will not find the usual food courts with fast food or chain coffee shops here. Instead, passengers and guests are offered a unique experience in a single but famous restaurant, as well as premium service in private aviation lounges.

Holman’s Table Restaurant — The Main Gastronomic Point

A centre of attraction for gourmets, pilots, and travellers is the restaurant Holman’s Table. It is located in the historic main terminal building (Administration Building) and is accessible to everyone (landside zone), not just passengers. This establishment is famous for its 1930s atmosphere, exquisite interior, and panoramic view of the runway.

• Cuisine and Signature Dishes: The restaurant's menu is described as "modern American classic." Chefs focus on fresh local ingredients.
  • What to try: Be sure to order their signature "Holman’s Burger" or Steak Frites. Seasonal risottos and fresh fish dishes (walleye — popular in Minnesota) are also popular.
  • Bar: A selection of cocktails and local craft beverages is available.
• Dietary Requirements: The menu always has options for vegetarians (for example, grain bowls or pasta with vegetables) and gluten-free dishes (many items can be adapted, including burgers on a gluten-free bun). Strictly vegan or halal dishes should be confirmed with the waiter in advance, as the menu is seasonal.
• Average Bill: Price level is above average ($$–$$$). Lunch will cost approximately $20–30, dinner — from $40 per person.
• Opening Hours: The restaurant is usually open for lunch and dinner (from 11:00 to 21:00/22:00), and serves brunch on weekends. Note: The establishment is often closed on Mondays; it is recommended to check the current schedule before visiting.

Dining in FBO Terminals (Signature and St. Paul Flight Center)

If you are departing on a private flight via ground handling operator terminals (FBO), the dining format here differs. There are no full cafés inside these buildings, however, the service is oriented towards passenger comfort.

• Quick Snack: In the lobbies of both operators (Signature Flight Support and St. Paul Flight Center), guests are offered complimentary freshly brewed coffee, tea, soft drinks, fresh pastries (cookies, muffins), and fruit. This is an ideal option to refresh yourself 10–15 minutes before departure.
• Vending Machines: For those who want to buy snacks or bottled water for the road, vending machines are installed in the waiting areas.

In-flight Catering

For a full meal on board a private plane, passengers usually order catering service in advance through their broker or FBO operator. Food can be delivered both from Holman’s Table and from the best restaurants in St. Paul and Minneapolis. In this case, any type of menu is available: from children's and dietary to haute cuisine.

Recommendations:

• If you have at least an hour before departure, we strongly recommend visiting Holman’s Table in the historic terminal. This is not just food, but part of the experience of visiting the airport.
• If time is short, count on light snacks in the FBO lounge or arrange for food to be ordered on board in advance.

Travelling through St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) differs radically from the experience of flying through large international hubs. Since private planes, charters, and business aviation are served here, many customary rules (like arriving 3 hours early or removing shoes at security) do not apply here. Here are key tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget about long queues. At St. Paul Downtown, your time is valued.

• When to arrive: It is usually sufficient to arrive at the FBO terminal (ground handling operator) 15–20 minutes before departure. This time is enough to meet the pilot, hand over luggage, and drink a cup of coffee.
• For international flights: If you are flying abroad, add another 10–15 minutes to this time for document checks.
• Do not be late: Although a private plane often waits for the passenger, the crew may have strict time slots for departure (especially in bad weather or busy airspace), so punctuality is still important.

Check-in and Security: Stress-Free

The pre-flight control procedure here is reduced to the necessary minimum and takes place in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Documents: Keep your ID (or passport) handy. You simply need to show it at the FBO reception desk.
• Absence of TSA: In most cases (for domestic private flights), you will not have to pass through metal detector frames, body scanners, or remove belts. You simply proceed from the lounge to the plane accompanied by a staff member.
• Privacy: No one will loudly announce your name over a PA system. Staff work discreetly and personally inform you when the aircraft is ready.

Luggage and Hand Luggage: Business Aviation Rules

Luggage rules on private flights differ from commercial airlines and depend on the type of aircraft.

• Liquids: The "100 ml rule" usually does not apply here. You can bring your own bottle of water, favourite lotion, or a full lunch on board, if not prohibited by the specific vessel operator's rules.
• Type of Bags: This is an important tip: for flights on small business jets, it is better to use soft travel bags rather than rigid suitcases. Luggage compartments of small planes often have non-standard shapes, and soft bags are much easier to stow.
• Weight Restrictions: Clarify weight limits with your broker or pilot in advance. On small planes, every kilogram matters for balancing.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

In business jets, there are no boarding passes with seat numbers (1A, 12B, etc.).

• Free Seating: Usually passengers occupy any seats they like. If you are flying as a group, agree in advance who sits where.
• Expert Tip: Since STP is located in a picturesque river valley, stunning views of the St. Paul and Minneapolis skyscrapers open up during takeoff and landing. Try to take a window seat — the flight altitude during manoeuvres here is low, and the city is visible in the palm of your hand.

Customs Control

If you are arriving in St. Paul from abroad (for example, from Canada), the border crossing procedure will be maximally comfortable.

• You do not need to go to a general immigration hall. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers usually arrive directly at the plane or meet passengers in a separate FBO zone.
• The procedure for checking documents and luggage is quick and without unnecessary witnesses.

Transfers and Connections

STP airport is not designed for classic transfers between flights of different airlines. However, it is often used as an arrival point for the "big" airport.

• Connection with a Commercial Flight: If you arrived on a private jet to transfer to a scheduled Delta or United flight, you need to transfer to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). Order a taxi in advance: the trip will take 15–20 minutes. Allow at least 2 hours for such a transfer considering traffic and queues at MSP.
• Ground Transport: It is most convenient to order a car directly to the aircraft steps (ramp-side pickup). Many FBOs at St. Paul Downtown allow vetted limousine drivers to drive onto the apron so you can transfer from the plane to the car without entering the building.

Saving Time and Money

• Free Parking: Take advantage of free parking at the terminal or FBO. In large airports, parking a car would cost tens of dollars per day.
• Ridesharing instead of Rental: If you have flown into the city for a short time, do not waste time on car rental paperwork. An Uber/Lyft taxi to downtown St. Paul is cheap (about $10-15) and arrives in 3–5 minutes.
• Empty Legs: If you are looking for a way to save on the flight itself, ask brokers about "Empty Legs" flights (return empty flights) from or to STP. This is a popular route, and discounts can reach 70%.

What to Do in Case of Departure Delay

Even private flights can be delayed due to bad weather or air traffic control restrictions.

• Do Not Sit in the Chair: If the delay is more than 30–40 minutes, head to the historic terminal. Visiting the Holman’s Table restaurant will turn the wait into a gastronomic adventure.
• Work and Rest: Operator lounges (Signature, St. Paul Flight Center) are equipped with excellent Wi-Fi and meeting zones. Use this time to work or simply relax by the fireplace with complimentary coffee — it is much cosier here than in the overcrowded waiting halls of ordinary airports.