Minnesota METRO is the main rapid transit system for the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. Operated by Metro Transit, it combines two light rail lines with eight bus rapid transit lines, linking downtown Minneapolis, downtown Saint Paul, the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, and several suburban communities. The system is built for frequent all-day public transport, with many routes running every 15 minutes for much of the day.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Minnesota METRO, operated by Metro Transit |
| Transport type | Light rail and bus rapid transit |
| Lines | 2 light rail lines and 8 BRT lines |
| Main cities served | Minneapolis and Saint Paul |
| Key destinations | Downtown Minneapolis, downtown Saint Paul, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, Mall of America |
| Service frequency | Most routes run at least every 15 minutes during much of the day |
| Main hubs | Target Field Station, Mall of America Station, Saint Paul Union Depot |
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.
Minnesota Metro Lines and Stations
As of 2025, the Minnesota Metro system includes two light rail lines and eight bus rapid transit lines. Together, these routes form the core of city transport across the Twin Cities and nearby communities.
Light Rail
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Blue Line | Route: Target Field Station – Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport – Mall of America |
| Green Line | Route: Target Field Station – University of Minnesota – Union Depot |
Bus Rapid Transit
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Gold Line | Route: Union Depot – Woodlane Park & Ride |
| Orange Line | Route: Downtown Minneapolis – Burnsville Heart of the City |
| Red Line | Route: Mall of America – Apple Valley Transit Station |
| A Line | Route: 46th Street station – Rosedale Transit Center |
| B Line | Route: Lake & France – Union Depot |
| C Line | Route: Downtown Minneapolis – Brooklyn Center Transit Center |
| D Line | Route: Mall of America – Downtown Minneapolis – Brooklyn Center Transit Center |
| E Line | Route: Southdale – Downtown Minneapolis – Westgate |
For many riders, the most useful stations map starts with three major hubs. Target Field Station connects the Blue, Green, Orange, C, and D Lines. Mall of America Station links the Blue, Red, and D Lines. Saint Paul Union Depot connects the Green, Gold, and B Lines.
Most routes have a frequency of at least every 15 minutes during the day, with reduced service at night and on weekends. Stations and stops include heating, pay-before-you-board facilities, NexTrip displays, added lighting, and security features. Real-time route planning and train schedule information are also available through Metro Transit.
Ticket Types and Payment Methods
Metro Transit offers several ticket and fare options based on rider type, service, and time of day. Adult fares apply to riders ages 13 to 64 and are valid for 2.5 hours. Local bus and METRO rides cost $2.00 USD, while express bus fares cost $2.50 USD during non-rush hours and $3.25 USD during rush hour.
Reduced fare tickets are available for youth ages 6 to 12, seniors age 65 and older, and Medicare card holders. For these riders, local bus and METRO fare is $1.00 USD at all times. Express bus fare is $1.00 USD during non-rush hours and $3.25 USD during rush hour.
There is also a Downtown Zone fare structure. Nicollet Mall is free. The Downtown Zone ticket price is $0.50 USD, while regular and express services in the downtown area cost $1.00 USD. Metro Mobility-certified riders travel free on Metro Transit buses and METRO lines.
An all-day pass is valid on buses and light rail from the time of purchase until 2:00 AM the next day. Adult day pass price is $4.00 USD. Reduced-fare and mobility day pass cost is $2.00 USD.
Payment methods include cash, credit cards, debit cards, the Metro Transit app, and Go-To Cards or passes. On METRO lines, riders must pay before boarding because there are no fareboxes on trains or METRO buses. You can buy a ticket at station machines using cash or card, validate a Go-To Card or pass at a platform reader, or use the app.
Go-To Cards can be tapped to pay fare, and transfers are included automatically. They can also be used for multiple riders on a METRO line by selecting Group Fare before tapping. Riders paying cash on Metro Mobility should bring exact fare because drivers do not carry change. Proof of payment may be checked at random, so keep your ticket, pass, or card ready.
Express Bus Fares
Express bus fare is $2.50 USD during non-rush hours and $3.25 USD during rush hour for adults. For reduced-fare riders, the price is $1.00 USD during non-rush hours and $3.25 USD during rush hour.
Hours of Operation
Operating hours vary by line, route, and community, so opening hours and closing time are not the same across the whole system. On the Blue Line, the starting time for the first departure is 3:19 AM, and the last train reaches its final arrival at 12:50 AM. On the Green Line, the first departure is at 4:29 AM and the last arrival is at 12:10 AM.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Blue Line first departure | 3:19 AM |
| Blue Line last arrival | 12:50 AM |
| Green Line first departure | 4:29 AM |
| Green Line last arrival | 12:10 AM |
| Typical daytime frequency | At least every 15 minutes on most trains and buses |
| Metro Mobility reservations | Daily, 6:00 AM-5:00 PM |
| Transit Information office | Mon-Fri 6:30 AM-8:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; closed Sun and holidays |
| Customer Relations and Lost & Found | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; closed weekends and holidays |
| Downtown Minneapolis store | Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-4:00 PM |
| Downtown St. Paul store | Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-11:30 AM and 12:00 PM-3:30 PM |
Most trains and buses run every 15 minutes through much of the day, though schedule today, timings today, and working hours can be shorter late at night and on weekends. If you need exact opening times, route timetable details, or the last train for a specific corridor, check the current train schedule before travel.
Before August 17, 2019, the full Green Line operated 24/7. That overnight rail service gap from 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM was later replaced by bus service. During the same overnight gap on the Blue Line, Metro Transit provides a shuttle between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the airport.
Blue Line service between Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey runs 24/7 and is free for trips between terminals. Metro Mobility service hours depend on the community served and may change with notice.
Connections to Other Systems
Metro Transit is the main public transport operator in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, but it also connects with other local transport providers across the region. That makes transportation in the Twin Cities more flexible, especially if your trip goes beyond the core METRO route plan.
The largest suburban operators are Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Maple Grove Transit, and SouthWest Transit. These agencies serve parts of the metro area outside the main Metro Transit network.
The University of Minnesota also runs a campus shuttle system that connects with Metro Transit service, helping riders move between the university and the broader city transport network.
Within the METRO system itself, key transfer stations include Target Field Station, Mall of America Station, and Union Depot, where different light rail and BRT lines meet. Metro Transit also operates paratransit through Metro Mobility via private contractors such as First Transit.
Airport Connections
Metro Transit provides frequent airport transport between Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, downtown Minneapolis, downtown Saint Paul, and Mall of America. For many visitors, this is one of the easiest ways to use local transport without renting a car.
Bus and light rail service are available at the transit station on the east side of the Blue and Red parking ramps. Follow Ground Transportation signs to the lower level, then take the tram. For light rail, go down one level from the tram and continue to the METRO Blue Line platform with a paid ticket.
- Blue Line trains run every 15 minutes during most of the day.
- Onboard luggage storage is available.
- Step-free boarding makes access simple.
- You can pay at station ticket machines, with a Go-To Card or pass, or in the Metro Transit app.
- Many Blue Line stations have drop-off areas.
Routes with daily service
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Airport to Mall of America | Blue Line every 12 minutes; running time 12 minutes |
| Airport to downtown Minneapolis | Blue Line every 12 minutes; running time less than 30 minutes to Target Field |
| Airport to downtown St. Paul | Route 54 bus roughly every 15 to 30 minutes; running time about 20 minutes |
| Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 | Blue Line operates 24 hours a day; no fare required |
Between the two airport terminals, Blue Line service is free and runs around the clock. Boarding is at ground level, which keeps the transfer straightforward.
Facilities and Services
Metro Transit provides a solid mix of passenger facilities across the METRO system. Major transfer stations include Target Field Station, Mall of America Station, and Saint Paul Union Depot, each connecting several routes.
Most services run at least every 15 minutes during the day, with lower frequency at night and on weekends. The system also uses bus lanes and transit signal priority on some corridors to support faster running time and more reliable schedule performance.
Station amenities include heating, pay-at-the-station boarding, and electronic NexTrip displays with predicted departures. Route planning and real-time schedule today information are available through Metro Transit.
For customer access, Metro Transit operates 29 transit centers and serves 70 park-and-ride lots and ramps. Service Centers in Downtown Minneapolis and Downtown St. Paul can help riders buy Go-To Cards, add value, and get route information.
Accessibility is built into the fleet and stations. All Metro Transit buses and light rail trains have bike racks, and buses are accessible through hydraulic lifts or low-floor designs.
At the airport, passengers can ride free between Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey on the Blue Line. Metro Transit also provides a shuttle during the overnight Blue Line gap.
The agency also operates maintenance and support facilities for buses, rail vehicles, training, and operations, including the Metro Transit Campus in Minneapolis.
Rules
Metro Transit service follows Minnesota Rules, Metropolitan Council policies, and published fare and riding procedures. Riders should follow the official instructions for boarding, paying, transferring, and carrying items on buses and METRO lines.
These materials explain how to board, when to request a stop, how to use a ticket, pass, or card, and what is allowed on board. If you want the latest official wording, use Metro Transit and Metropolitan Council rule resources.
Official rule resources
- Metropolitan Council
- Search Minnesota Rules
- About Minnesota Rules
- Agency List
- Table of Chapters
- Rules Index (topics)
- Minnesota Rule Status
- State Register
- Invalid Rules
Related chapters
| Chapter | Title |
|---|---|
| 5700 | Matters of Metropolitan Significance |
| 5800 | Matters of Metropolitan Significance |
| 5900 | Wastewater Services |
Transit rules at a glance
- For trip help, call a transit expert at 612-373-3333.
- Tell the representative your starting point and destination.
- Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early and signal the bus to stop.
- Check the route number and destination display before boarding.
- Pay with a Go-To Card, pass, the Metro Transit app, or cash where available.
- Transfers are generally valid for 2.5 hours, but Downtown Zone fares do not include transfers.
- Signal your stop about a block before you want to get off.
- Strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, suitcases, and non-motorized bicycles may be allowed under published conditions.
- Food, uncovered beverages, and alcohol are not allowed on board.
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you use Minnesota Metro more smoothly:
- Check the timetable before you travel, especially for weekend or late-night trips when frequency drops.
- Use a Go-To Card, pass, or the Metro Transit app if you want faster boarding and easier transfers.
- Keep proof of payment handy, since fare checks can happen on trains and at stations.
- If you are using express bus service, double-check the fare and ticket price because rush-hour cost is higher.
- At the airport, the Blue Line is a simple path train option for reaching downtown Minneapolis or Mall of America.
- If you are planning a day of sightseeing, a day pass can be the easiest choice.
- For trips involving park-and-ride facilities, check station parking details in advance. Parking charges or parking charges per day are not listed here.
History
The history of Minnesota Metro goes back decades. In the 1970s, the Metropolitan Council considered a subway or rapid transit system similar to networks being built in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, but the idea did not move forward after opposition from the Minnesota Legislature.
Rail proposals returned many times after that, especially for the University Avenue corridor between downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, which later became the Green Line. In 1999, the Minnesota Legislature approved funding for the first line along Hiawatha Avenue. That route opened in 2004 and later became the Blue Line.
In 2011, Metro Transit announced a systemwide rebranding to make routes easier to identify, with each service given a distinct color. The Red Line opened in 2013, followed by the Green Line in 2014.
The network kept growing through the 2010s and 2020s. The A Line opened in 2016, the C Line in 2019, the Orange Line in 2021, the D Line in 2022, and the Gold Line in 2025. The B Line and E Line also opened in 2025.
Service patterns changed too. In 2019, overnight Green Line rail service was replaced by bus service during the early morning gap. As expansion continued, Metro Transit kept building the system around major transfer hubs such as Target Field Station, Mall of America Station, and Saint Paul Union Depot.
Metro Transit itself dates back to 1967, when the Minnesota State Legislature created the Metropolitan Transit Commission. The agency later became part of the Metropolitan Council and adopted the Metro Transit name in 1997.
Expansion
The METRO network continues to grow across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region. As of 2025, it includes two light rail lines and eight BRT lines, with additional expansion projects under construction, planned, or under study.
Under construction
The Green Line Extension, also called Southwest LRT, is under construction from Target Field Station to Eden Prairie. It will extend the Green Line through St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and Minnetonka, with opening expected in 2027. The source material describes it as the largest infrastructure project in state history.
Planned and proposed projects
The Blue Line Extension, also known as Bottineau LRT, is planned to reach Brooklyn Park, with the alignment mainly focused along Bottineau Boulevard. The Gold Line is also planned for extension to downtown Minneapolis via Interstate 94, with an anticipated opening in 2027.
Other projects in planning or proposal stages include the Bronze Line between downtown Saint Paul and the northeastern suburbs, the F, G, and H Lines, and the next group of arterial BRT corridors identified as the J, K, and L Lines. The Riverview Corridor has also been studied several times, and Saint Paul has renewed efforts to pursue BRT there after the earlier tramway plan was cancelled.
Metro Transit and regional partners are also reviewing other possible corridors for future transport service before 2035.
Nearby Attractions
METRO makes it easy to explore the Twin Cities without a car. Light rail and bus connections reach shopping, sports venues, parks, museums, and downtown landmarks, often without the extra cost of parking charges.
If you are planning a day out, these attractions are all reachable from designated light rail stops:
- Mall of America – Four stops from Terminal 2 on the Blue Line, with shopping, an amusement park, an aquarium, miniature golf, arcades, and restaurants.
- Minnesota Twins Baseball at Target Field – Reachable on both the Blue and Green Lines, and a practical alternative to station parking or stadium parking costs.
- Minnehaha Park and Falls – Four stops from Terminal 2 on the Blue Line in the opposite direction from Mall of America.
- Minnesota State Capitol Building – Take the Green Line to Capitol/Rice St. for access to the building and public tours.
- Weisman Art Museum – Near the University of Minnesota campus and close to the Green Line at West Bank or East Bank.
Beyond the train route, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area also offers places such as the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, Guthrie Theater, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
One useful extra detail for shoppers: Minnesota does not charge sales tax on clothing or shoes.