Avoid the parking hassles and take Metro Transit to the State Fair
Can it be that time of year already? The Minnesota State Fair, an event that marks the end of summer, is just around the corner.
State Fair visitors board an express bus to Northtown at the end of their day at the fair.
And Metro Transit is planning for its 12 days of special bus service to the fair, which will be held Aug. 21 through Sept. 1. The agency offers customers three easy ways of getting to the food, the rides and the entertainment: free shuttles, State Fair Express service and regular bus routes.
Free shuttles from lots near the fairgrounds
Fairgoers can ride free on shuttle buses that serve 33 free parking lots within a few miles of the fairgrounds. Some sites have limited days of operation. More information on free State Fair shuttle buses.
Express service from locations farther out
Express buses travel from suburban parking lots directly to the fairgrounds. Cost is $5 roundtrip. Children age four and under ride free.
Express service operates every 15 minutes daily during the fair from Northtown, Brookdale, I-394 & County Road 73 park-and-ride lot in Minnetonka, Dunwoody Institute of Technology, Southdale and Bloomington (east of Mall of America). Half-hour service is available every day of the fair from Oakdale Center park-and-ride lot, Signal Hills and Cottage Grove park-and-ride lot. Service is offered every half hour on weekends and Labor Day from Maple Grove Transit Station and Maplewood Mall.
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and SouthWest Transit also operate State Fair Express buses.
More details about State Fair Express service.
Three regular routes serve the fairgrounds
Three regular bus routes provide handy options for those heading to the State Fair. Anyone who lives or works in downtown Minneapolis can take Route 960 for quick service between Nicollet Mall and the fairgrounds.
In addition, Route 3, which travels on Como Avenue, and Route 84, which travels on Snelling Avenue, serve the fairgrounds directly.
Hop On Transit Day – Wednesday, Aug. 27
Transit riders can get discounts if they attend the State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 27 – Hop On Transit Day. Bus fare on a State Fair Express that day is $3 for a round-trip ride. Plus, everyone who pays fare on a regular route or State Fair Express that day gets a $2 discount on admission to the fair.