Transit connects people in our region. The Twin Cities’ award-winning transit system includes light rail (LRT), Northstar commuter rail, and a sturdy backbone of local and express buses, bus rapid transit (BRT) and microtransit. Learning to navigate the transit network is the ticket to fast, frequent, reliable, and affordable transportation.
Planning a transit trip is a breeze with apps like Metro Transit’s NexTrip, Moovit, Google Maps and Metro Transit’s Trip Planner. Map the quickest route, locate your bus in real time and even request an alert to tell you when to start walking to the bus stop!
The five transit authorities in the Twin Cities operate on the same fare system for a seamless commute. Fare options allow for paying for single trips, tapping a Go-To pass card, or scanning with an app. Metropass is the commuter’s golden ticket: a discounted, unlimited employer-based fare card offered as a transportation benefit or via pre-tax payroll deduction. Student fare cards provide low-cost travel at most regional colleges and several school districts. The transit assistance program (TAP) accommodates eligible passengers with transit access for just $1 per ride.
First time riding the bus or train? Check out Metro Transit’s How to Ride page for information on fare payment, routes and stops and other resources.
Commuter-oriented routes connect suburban areas to major employment centers and destinations, including downtown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul, and the University of Minnesota. Fixed route buses and microtransit provide access within communities or to connect riders with frequent transit networks. The entire system is interconnected.
