Minnesota Metro — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Minnesota Metro Information

A bus and light rail rapid transit system serving people in the Minneapolis-St.Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota, METRO began operations at the turn of the century. According to data published in 2014, the system consists of three different lines that connect Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport and Bloomingdale with St.Paul and downtown Minneapolis. Numerous extensions have been proposed and many are in the planning stages. The network is operated by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and Metro Transit, each with a clearly defined service area.

Minnesota Metro, also known as METRO, is a public transportation system serving the state of Minnesota, USA. Information on daily ridership, 24-hour operation, air conditioning, walking between platforms, driverless trains and platform screen doors are not specified in the data provided.

The Metro system is operated by Metro Transit and the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority. It operates from 3:29 am to 1:54 am on weekdays. It operates from 3:29 am to 3:54 am on Saturdays and from 3:29 am to 1:54 am on Sundays.

The fare for a local bus, A-line or METRO is $2.25, while the fare for an express bus is $3.00.

Minnesota Metro Map

Map of Minnesota Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Minnesota Metro map in PDF format.

Hours of Operation

Blue Line (Hiawatha Line):

Monday to Friday:

First train departs around 3:30 AM.
Last train departs around 1:30 AM.

Saturday:

First train departs around 3:30 AM.
Last train departs around 1:30 AM.

Sunday:

First train departs around 3:30 AM.
Last train departs around 12:30 AM.

Green Line (Central Corridor):

Monday to Friday:

First train departs around 4:00 AM.
Last train departs around 2:00 AM.

Saturday:

First train departs around 4:00 AM.
Last train departs around 2:00 AM.

Sunday:

First train departs around 4:00 AM.
Last train departs around 12:00 AM.

A Line (Bus Rapid Transit):

Monday to Friday:

Approximately 24-hour service with frequent intervals.

Saturday and Sunday:

Approximately 24-hour service with frequent intervals.

B Line (Bus Rapid Transit):

Monday to Friday:

Service from early morning to late night with frequent intervals.

Saturday and Sunday:

Service from early morning to late night with frequent intervals.

Lines and Stations

Lines are identified by colour, not number. Target Field Station is currently the hub station in Minneapolis. In the future, Union Depot in St Paul may also become a hub.

The lines operate under a system of shared and exclusive rights of way. Exclusive right of way is used in downtown areas.

Blue Line

The route begins at Target Field and ends at the Mall of America, with 19 stations. All of the stations on this line are at ground level except for the Lindbergh Terminal. It runs parallel to Hiawatha Avenue along a wide open space. It has a short section that runs in a tunnel under the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. One, two or three car trains run on this line depending on traffic.

A number of bus routes connect to this line and getting to jobs, shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues is never a problem. It shares 5 stations with the Green Line. The route is 12 km long and connects three major points in the Twin Cities: downtown Minneapolis, the international airport and the Mall of America. Passengers can travel free of charge from one airport terminal to the other.

Green Line

The Green Line connects passengers to several key destinations, including the historic Capitol, bustling downtown Minneapolis, the culinary hub of University Avenue and landmarks such as the University of Minnesota. It connects downtown St. Paul with downtown Minneapolis in about 46 minutes. The line terminates at Target Field in Minneapolis and Union Depot in St. Paul.

The line has exclusive right-of-way along University Avenue. It shares track with the bus line near the Washington Avenue Transit Mall. The line is 18 km long and has 23 stations. It is an easy transfer to the Northstar Rail Line.

Red Line

The Red Line is a bus service that runs between the Mall of America and Apple Valley. It is frequently used by shoppers because it provides an easy, 10-minute connection between the Mall of America and the Twin Cities Premium Outlets. It also serves some of the fastest growing neighbourhoods in the region. Passengers on this line can easily transfer to the Blue Line to reach downtown Minneapolis and the airport. Transfer to Downtown St. Paul at the US Bank Stadium station.

Stations have bus pull-offs, which make it easier for one bus to pass another while picking up or dropping off passengers. Ridership was reported at 130,733 in 2013 and increased to 2,706,416 in 2014. The Red Line serves five stations, namely:

Apple Valley
147th Street
140th Street
Cedar Grove
Mall of America

A Line

The A Line is a bus rapid transit service that serves the Twin Cities. Formerly known as the Snelling Avenue Bus Rapid Transitway, it follows the same route as other Metro buses but operates at a higher speed. The Transit Signal Priority system is used at many of the traffic signals along the route. It is not possible to buy tickets on the bus; tickets must be purchased before boarding or by using a Go-To card. Passengers can board the bus at any door.

The vehicles are more modern than regular METRO buses and offer more space for passengers. They are also designed to be accessible to disabled passengers. It is easy to transfer from the A Line to the Green Line and Blue Line. It serves popular destinations such as Highland Village, Hamline University, Minnehaha Park and Harmar Mall. The operator expects 8,000 daily riders by 2030.

Expansion

The expansion programme includes both new lines and extensions to existing lines. Some of these projects are currently in the planning stage, while others have already started construction.

C Line: This proposed bus rapid transit line is expected to connect the Brooklyn Center Transit Center to downtown Minneapolis. Construction could begin in 2022.
Orange Line: This proposed bus rapid transit line will connect Minneapolis with Bloomington, Richfield, Burnsville and Lakeville. Service is expected to begin in 2023.
Gold Line: This proposed bus rapid transit line is expected to connect Woodbury and the St. Paul Union Depot.
Blue Line Extension: The Blue Line will be extended to Brooklyn Park, with an estimated completion date of 2024.
Green Line Extension: The Green Line will be extended southwest to serve several suburbs. Service is expected to begin in 2023.
Red Line Extension: The Red Line will be extended to Lakeville, Minnesota.

Fare and Ticket

A passenger must purchase a ticket before starting their journey. Tickets can be bought from ticket vending machines at the stations or by scanning the Go-To cards at designated points. Passengers can either buy single-journey tickets or use multiple-journey passes. Passes are available in many forms, e.g., Day Pass, Event 6-hour Pass, etc. For students of the University of Minnesota, the U-Passes are very useful.

The Minnesota Metro Transit system offers various fare options and ticket types for its light rail and bus services. Here is a detailed overview of the fare structure and ticket options:

Fare Structure:

Regular Fares:

Local Bus and Light Rail (Blue Line and Green Line)

Adults (ages 13-64): $2.00 during non-rush hours, $2.50 during rush hours
Seniors (ages 65+), Youth (ages 6-12), Medicare card holders, and persons with disabilities: $1.00 during non-rush hours, $1.00 during rush hours

Express Bus Fares:

Adults (ages 13-64): $2.50 during non-rush hours, $3.25 during rush hours
Seniors (ages 65+), Youth (ages 6-12), Medicare card holders, and persons with disabilities: $1.00 during non-rush hours, $1.00 during rush hours

Ticket Types and Payment Methods:

Go-To Card:

A reusable, reloadable smart card that offers a convenient way to pay fares.
Can be used on all buses and trains.
Offers a 2.5-hour transfer window from the first use.

Go-To Lite Card:

A limited-use version of the Go-To Card.
Can be loaded with a specific number of rides.

Single-Ride Tickets:

Can be purchased at ticket machines located at light rail stations and select bus stops.
Valid for one ride with a 2.5-hour transfer.

10-Ride Pass:

Can be purchased at retail locations and online.
Offers a discount compared to buying single-ride tickets.

Day Pass:

Unlimited rides on buses and light rail for one day.
Price: $6.00.

Monthly Pass:

Unlimited rides on buses and light rail for one month.
Prices vary based on service level: $65 for local service, $120 for express service.

Mobile App Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased and stored on the Metro Transit mobile app.
Offers the same fare options as physical tickets and Go-To cards.

Special Programs:

Student Pass:

Available for students at participating schools.
Offers unlimited rides during the school year.

College Pass:

Available for students at participating colleges and universities.
Offers unlimited rides during the academic term.

U-Pass:

Available for University of Minnesota students.
Offers unlimited rides during the academic term.

Transit Assistance Program (TAP):

Provides discounted fares for low-income residents.
TAP card holders pay $1.00 per ride.

Facilities and Services

Most stations have adjacent free car parks. However, overnight parking is not permitted.
The Metro system operates a lost and found facility at 570 Sixth Avenue North, Minneapolis.
Real-time departure information is displayed on electronic message boards on the platforms and on the Metro Transit website.
Bicycle racks are provided on trains.
In Minneapolis, ticket machines provide instructions in Spanish, English, Hmong and Somali.
Cameras are installed in the stations and on the vehicles for added security.
The Red Line offers free Wi-Fi for passengers.

Rules

Passengers must obey the safety rules and be aware of the barriers for their own safety.
When a train is approaching, passengers must stay behind the yellow line drawn on the platform.
For a valid journey, a passenger must carry their ticket throughout the journey.
Tickets are valid for up to 2.5 hours after purchase, including transfers.

Tips

If you witness or are a victim of criminal activity in the station or on the trains, call Metro Transit Police immediately.

Transfers from the Minnesota Metro system to Northstar trains require additional payment. Make sure you have the correct tickets before making such a transfer.