Getting Here

Carleton College is located in Northfield, Minnesota. We’re less than an hour’s drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Admissions Office is in Scoville Hall, physically located at 105 North College Street. (You can send us mail at 100 South College Street.)

By Air (& then to campus)

The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is about 45 minutes from campus. It has daily flights from many regional, national, and international cities. We recommend that you arrange ground transportation before you arrive at MSP. Options from the airport include:

• The Northfield Lines’ Metro Express is an express bus between Northfield and MSP.
• First Choice Shuttle – 507-339-1651 (only accepts cash or check)
• Renting a car

By Taxi

First Choice Shuttle is the primary taxi service that serves the Carleton campus. They go to and from the airport, train station, and greater Twin Cities metro area. Call First Choice Shuttle in advance of your visit to determine the best option for your travels.

• First Choice Shuttle – 507-339-1651 (only accepts cash or check)
• We do not recommend that visitors take ride shares (Uber/Lyft/etc.) to campus, as they will not be able to return back to the Twin Cities using that same mode of transportation.

By Car

The Admissions Office is in Scoville Hall, located at 105 North College Street. We’re about 45 minutes from the Cities and the airport. Head south on Interstate 35 to exit 69, and then go east on Highway 19 into town. Be sure to check with MN-DOT to see if there are any detours, construction, or other traffic delays.

There’s ample visitor parking within a 5-minute walk from our office. You do not need a special permit to park in standard parking spaces. If you park on the streets in Northfield, please check signs to make sure you won’t exceed time limits or other restrictions.

By Bus

• Northfield Lines’ Metro Express is an express bus between Northfield and the Twin Cities metro area. It stops at the MSP International Airport.
• Megabus goes from Chicago to downtown Minneapolis. From downtown, you can take the Northfield Lines bus to campus.
• Jefferson Lines travels to Northfield from select Midwestern destinations. Note that the drop-off is 7 miles from campus, so you will need to arrange an in-town taxi.

By Train (& then to campus)

• Amtrak trains travel to St. Paul and Red Wing, MN from points throughout the country. The train does not stop in Northfield.
• Northfield Lines’ Metro Express Bus has stops at the Universities of St. Thomas and St. Catherine. Both are a short cab ride from the Amtrak station.
• Or, if you’d prefer a ride tailored to your schedule, contact First Choice Shuttle  or Total Transportation and ask about a taxi between the train stations and Carleton.

Where to Stay

• If your family is looking for a hotel, you’ll find a few options within walking distance of campus. There are even more within driving distance. There are plentiful options in the greater Twin Cities metro area, too. We encourage you to use your favorite search engine to find the best option for your family’s needs.
• You’re welcome to ask our front desk about options for eating on campus. Northfield also has tasty options for meals throughout the day!
• Carleton students may host overnight guests in their campus residence, provided guests are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Nearby Colleges

While you’re in town, you might want to consider other nearby colleges to visit. Our closest neighbor is St. Olaf College, about 2 miles to the west. There are many other colleges and universities in the region for you to visit. If you’re visiting in June, check out Minnesota Private College Week.