Northstar service transition coming in January 2026
Metro Transit will transition from commuter rail to expanded bus service in the Northstar corridor in January 2026.
The last day of Northstar Commuter Rail service will be the weekend of January 3–4, 2026, with special event service provided for the Minnesota Vikings' regular season home game. Beginning Monday, January 5, more frequent and flexible bus service will begin along the corridor between downtown Minneapolis and the Ramsey station area.
Until that time, Northstar service will continue to operate as scheduled, including special service for all Vikings home games during the 2025 season.
More trips, more flexibility
With this transition, the Northstar corridor will see a tenfold increase in trips—from about 40 train trips per week today to nearly 400 weekly bus trips. This expanded service is designed to better match current travel patterns, offering more flexibility at a lower cost to operate.
The new service includes:
- Route 888, which will serve existing Northstar stops in Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and downtown Minneapolis. Route 888 trips will operate in each direction every 30 minutes during weekday rush hours (6 to 8:30 a.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m.) and every 60 minutes midday. Three inbound and three outbound trips will also be provided on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Route 827 (replacing Route 852), traveling between Fridley and downtown Minneapolis. Trips will run hourly in each direction on weekdays and every 30 minutes in each direction on Saturday.
Metro Transit currently does not have the authority to operate buses to Big Lake or Elk River stations in Sherburne County. A replacement service bus service has not been identified at this time.
Why this change is happening
This transition allows us to better meet the needs of more riders, more often, at a lower cost. 
Shaped by Community Feedback
This bus service plan was directly informed by feedback from riders and residents throughout the corridor. Public input gathered in spring 2024 helped shape route planning and identified key infrastructure needs that will support this transition.
Metro Transit will publish finalized schedules and stop locations later in 2025.
The Northstar Line currently offers commuter rail service between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis, stopping at stations in Elk River, Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Fridley.
It connects with buses (Northstar Link) for service to and from St. Cloud. Learn more about Northstar Link.
Northstar trains: Unique, recognizable trains with wider doors and aisles so more people can get on and off easily. All Northstar trains have great amenities including work tables, onboard bicycle storage and onboard restrooms. Plus, all Northstar trains have FREE Wi-Fi! Here are how-to tips for first time riders.
Northstar Park & Ride stations: Each station has ticket machines, a Go-To Card reader, enhanced maps and announcements so you’ll always know when the next train is coming. You can check out the various Park & Ride locations or find the station nearest you.
Fare options: There are a lot of ways to pay for your fare for Northstar. Know before you go and learn how to pay for your ride. Or you can pay from your phone with the convenient Metro Transit app.
Northstar connects with METRO Blue and Green lines at Target Field Station. Northstar is also walking distance to Ramp B/5th Street Transit Center where you can access several bus routes.
