If you’re moving to Minneapolis in the near future, you might be wondering how to navigate this bustling city. While the city has a robust highway system, you can get around using public transit. Even if you have a car, big events, like concerts and Vikings games, often make Minneapolis public transportation a better, faster, and more cost-effective alternative to driving. 

How Does Public Transportation Work in Minneapolis?

Metro Transit is one of the largest public transportation systems in the country and lets you travel the Twin Cities quickly and reliably. 

Using the Metro Transit System

The backbone of Minneapolis public transportation is Metro Transit, which includes an extensive network of buses and light rail services. The Blue Line and Green Line light rail routes connect major destinations, including both Minneapolis and St. Paul downtowns. 

• Ride the Blue Line for downtown Minneapolis, the airport, and the Mall of America
• Ride the Green Line for downtown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul, and the University of Minnesota 

Downtown Zones are included in both metropolitan areas; you can get where you need to go for only 50¢ if you stay within the predetermined downtown zones. This is a great way to get to your next destination quickly (and warmly) in the winter. 

Learn how to ride the Metro Transit System in Minneapolis.

The bus system complements the rail services, covering a wide range of local, express, and rapid routes to ensure accessibility to diverse neighborhoods and suburbs. With a commitment to sustainability, Minneapolis has also invested in environmentally-friendly options like electric buses.

Riding metro transit costs $2 to $3.25, depending on what time of day you’re riding it. You can use cash (exact amounts only!), a debit/credit card, a Go-To Card, or the Metro Transit app to pay your fare. You can also get an all-day pass if you’re looking to travel a lot on a specific day. 

In downtown areas, you can look for buses with “Free Ride” on the front. These won’t take you far but can be convenient in cold weather. 

Northstar Rail 

When you’re ready to get out of town, The Northstar Line offers services outside of the Twin Cities, including Anoka, Coon Rapids, Elk River, Fridley, and Ramsey. Most importantly, it runs during  Vikings home games, which is great because parking in downtown Minneapolis during a game can be sparse and expensive. 

The Transit App

To know when your train or bus is scheduled to arrive, you can turn to the Transit App. It’s updated regularly, making it a reliable resource when planning your trip or letting people know your ETA. 

It’s worth noting that while Minneapolis public transportation service between both downtowns is reliable, service can slow down when you reach the suburbs, especially later at night. In these cases, it is sometimes better to use a ride-sharing service to avoid waiting in the cold for too long. 

Move to Minneapolis and St. Paul With AAA Movers

Minneapolis public transportation helps foster connectivity and accessibility, making it a key component of the city's infrastructure. If you’re looking to move to Minneapolis or St. Paul and take advantage of everything this city offers, AAA Movers can get you there. Our ProMover-certified team can take you where you need to go in the Twin Cities, whether it’s a new home or business space. 

Request a free quote from our team!