How do I find my route & stop?
The Northstar Line offers fast, reliable travel – designed for commuters – between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis. Use the Stops & Stations Finder to locate the nearest station. Check the schedule for specific times. There are currently four trips to downtown Minneapolis and two return trips each weekday. There is no regular weekend service.
In 2024, Northstar is serving all Twins weekday day games, all weekend games, games on Memorial Day and Independence Day, and any playoff games. Northstar will support Vikings games.
Maps & Schedules
612-373-3333
How do I transfer?
The best way to transfer to or from a Northstar train is with a Go-To Card. Transfers from buses and light rail require an additional fare. For fastest boarding, add stored value to your Go-To Card. Every time you touch your card to the reader at a Northstar station, the added fare will be deducted from your stored value. Easy!
Transfers from Northstar to light rail and buses are free. Note: even though the transfer is free, it's important to remember to touch your card to the card reader at the METRO station or when boarding a bus.
How much does it cost & how do I pay?
Fares are valid for 2½ hours from time of purchase and must be purchased before boarding the train; tickets cannot be purchased onboard. Customers must be prepared to show proof of payment on the train. Those without a valid ticket or pass are subject to a citation.
There are ticket machines at each station. Purchase a ticket from the machine using cash or a credit card. Note that rail station platforms are paid fare zones, reserved for those who are purchasing tickets or for ticketed customers who are waiting for or getting off trains.
Frequent riders will want to get a Go-To Card. Just touch your card to a reader at the station and the fare is paid instantly. Add value to your card online or at a station ticket machine. The Metro Transit app is also an easy way to pay.
Go-To Cards, Metropasses, and College Passes are accepted at Northstar stations. To use one of these passes, you must validate it by touching it to the card reader before boarding. These passes are valid for $3.25 toward your Northstar fare; the remaining fare is paid using stored value, which you can add to your card here.
> Fares > Pass / Go-To Card Options
> How to Pay> Northstar Roundtrip Family Pass> Metro Transit App
What are the rules when riding the train?
- Wait well behind the yellow line on the platform until the train stops completely. Wait for others to exit the train before boarding.
- Take a seat, and keep your proof of payment available to show to transit personnel if asked. Certain seats are designated for seniors and people with disabilities. Please surrender these seats when they are needed by these customers. Strollers and non-motorized bicycles are welcome on trains. Each train has bicycle storage.
- Remain seated throughout the trip. If there is standing room only, hold hand rails in case of sudden stops.
- Most trips stop at every station. Please wait until the train has come to a complete stop before leaving your seat.