Fares & Passes
Each fare is valid for 2½ hours of unlimited rides, including transfers, except in Downtown Zones. The fares shown below are for adults. See other fares.
| Fare Type | Fare |
|---|
 Bus
The base fare is charged for local and limited-stop buses. Higher fares apply during rush hours.
|
$1.75
$2.25 rush hours (?)
|
 Express Bus
Express buses travel on freeways for at least four miles. On many express buses leaving downtown areas or the University of Minnesota campus, fares are collected as customers leave the bus.
|
$2.25
$3.00 rush hours (?)
|
 Light Rail
Fares for rides on light rail are the same as for non-express buses.
|
$1.75
$2.25 rush hours (?)
|
 Northstar Line
Northstar fares are determined by where you're boarding, whether you're traveling to/from downtown or between suburban stations and day of the week. There are no rush-hour fares for Northstar trains.
|
$3.25 to $7.00
depending on station
|
Save Green with a Pass / Go-To Card
Save even more when you buy fares in advance. Get a Go-To Card for rechargeable convenience and fast boarding. You may be eligible for a Metropass, U-Pass or College Pass through your employer or school.
> Passes & Go-To Cards          > Buy Pass / Go-To Card
> Fare guidelines and procedures    > Add value to a Go-To Card       Â
Downtown Zone
Whether you work downtown or are visiting, Metro Transit's Downtown Zone is inexpensive travel without the footwork. It's a ride on a bus or on light rail for a fraction of the normal fare! You can reach most downtown stores, restaurants and businesses on the Downtown Zone fare, which is 50¢ at all times.
> Read more details about the Downtown Zone
How to Pay with Cash or Pass/Go-To Card
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Cash
Bus fareboxes accept U.S. currency and coins in the amount of the correct fare. Fareboxes and drivers do not make change.
At rail stations, ticket machines accept currency and coins. Change is available up to $19.50 and is given in dollar coins.
Pass / Go-To Card
On buses, touch your Go-To Card or pass to the Go-To circle on the blue card reader to the right of the farebox.
On rail station platforms, touch your Go-To Card or pass to the Go-To circle on the reader before you board the train. Readers are located next to ticket machines on rail platforms.
Mon.-Fri.: 6-9 am & 3-6:30 pm