Minneapolis Light Rail & Bus Information
Metro Transit operates one of the largest public transportation systems in the country.
Riding public transit is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around. Fares range from $2 to $3.25, depending on time of day. You can pay bus fares in exact change in coins and bills, with a Go-To Card or with the Metro Transit app.
Metro Transit offers fast, frequent service to both downtowns, Mall of America and hundreds of other popular attractions. For an extremely efficient way to travel, get around town on the METRO Blue and Green light rail lines and the A and C bus rapid transit lines. The METRO Blue Line connects downtown Minneapolis with the airport and Mall of America, and the METRO Green Line connects downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota and downtown St. Paul.
These are special zones in downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. If your trip stays within these zones you pay just 50¢. It's great for riding just a few stops on buses and on METRO Blue and Green lines. Pay on board buses or buy a Downtown Zone ticket at METRO station ticket machines.
Metro Transit 7-Day Pass
For just $24, enjoy a week of touring with a 7-Day Pass. It's good for unlimited rides on Metro Transit buses and METRO lines (not valid on Northstar Commuter trains). Metro Transit offers fast, frequent service to both downtowns, Mall of America and hundreds of other popular attractions.
The 7-Day Pass is easy to use. Just tap the card on the reader as you board the bus or METRO stations. It's valid for 7 days from first use. Simple!
7-Day Passes are available online or at any Metro Transit service center.
Taking the Train to a Game or Event?
All-Day Pass
Make it easy to get there and back. Buy an All-Day Pass for an easy return trip.
For one low price, you'll get unlimited rides on buses or light rail. It's enough time to take in a game, a concert or another event. When you're ready to come back, you won't have to wait in line to buy a return ticket - no waiting, just hop on!
An All-Day Pass can be used for unlimited local bus, light rail and off-peak express rides from the time of purchase through 2 a.m. the next day.
Adults can buy an All-Day Pass for $4.00-5.00 on weekdays (depending on time of day), $4.00 on weekends. For youth, seniors and Medicare card holders, prices are $2.00-$5.00 on weekdays and $2.00 on weekends . All-Day Pass prices are $2.00 at all times for persons with disabilities.
To get your All-Day Pass for the train, press Key G on the ticket machine at the light-rail station before you insert your credit card or cash. Note: all tickets from the ticket machine are valid from time of purchase.
METRO Light Rail
The METRO Blue Line offers fast, quiet light-rail service between downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America.
Dozens of bus routes are timed to connect with trains at Blue Line stations, making it easy to get to events, to shopping or wherever you need to be.
The METRO Green Line has many destinations to choose from: the history of the Capitol City, the cuisine along University Avenue, the energy of the University of Minnesota campus, the bustle of downtown Minneapolis. Check out this Light Rail Beer Crawl and experience 19 different taprooms along the Green Line.
The METRO Blue & Green lines trains charge the same fares as local buses. Light rail trips operate frequently throughout the day. Real-time arrival signs at stations display when the next train is due.
Free Ride Buses
Look for buses marked “Free Ride” and pay no fare when boarding along Nicollet Mall. You’ll have an easy ride between the Convention Center and the METRO Blue and Green lines on 5th Street.
Ride for free from the Minneapolis Convention Center here:
- board a northbound Route 18 between Nicollet & Grant to Hennepin & Washington
- get on a southbound Route 10 between Hennepin & Washington and the Convention Center
Free Ride buses travel north into downtown Minneapolis and end at Washington Avenue. They are available seven days a week.