Minneapolis Light Rail & Bus Information
Metro Transit operates one of the largest public transportation systems in the country.
***COVID-19 UPDATE***
Face coverings are required for all customers, with limited exceptions.
Visit www.metrotransit.org/covid19 for more information about what Metro Transit is doing to keep you safe during your ride.
*Special deal this fall: Regular fares for local, rapid and express bus routes, the Green and Blue light-rail lines, and Red Line bus-rapid transit will only cost $1 in September and October 2021.
Riding public transit is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around. Fares range from $2.25 to $3.50, depending on time of day. If you're already downtown and need to hop a ride a few blocks, the fare is 50¢ in the Downtown Zone. Look for buses marked “Free Ride” and pay no fare when boarding along Nicollet Mall.
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 lines, the Twin Cities light- rail transit (LRT) service. 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.
Metro Transit 7-Day Pass
For just $24, enjoy 7 days of touring with a 7-Day Pass. It's good for unlimited rides on Metro Transit buses and light rail (not valid on Northstar). 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 at light rail and A Line stations. It's valid for 7 days from first use. Simple!
Day Passes are available online or at any Metro Transit service center.
Taking the Train to a Game or Event?
Make it easy to get there and back. Buy a Visitor Pass for an easy return trip.
For one low price, you 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!
A Visitor 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; it can be purchased in advanced of your trip and is not activated until it is used on a bus or a train.
Visitor Passes can be purchased online and in advance and are offered at $5.00 each. Bulk discounts are available for large groups. Visit Metro Transit for details.
Light Rail Transit
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 work, 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 Line lines charge the same fares as local buses. Light rail trips operate every 10 minutes throughout the day, every 10-15 minutes evenings and every 30-60 minutes overnight.
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 or 59 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 from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Pay just 50 cents if you ride within the Downtown Zone on other routes.
