Transportation to State Fair: Your Guide to Easy and Fast Bus Services

Getting to the State Fair can be a breeze with the Express Bus service! Forget about parking hassles and enjoy a direct, convenient ride to the fairgrounds. These express buses operate from various park and ride locations, bringing you right to the State Fair Transit Hub, situated on the west side of the fair near the West End Market. Plus, all Express services are wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy a smooth trip.

Stay updated on real-time information regarding State Fair Express lot capacity by following Metro Transit on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), or their alerts-only X feed.

Metro Transit State Fair Express Routes

Metro Transit provides extensive express bus services to the State Fair, ensuring a fast and efficient journey.


Every Day Aug. 22 – Sept. 2
Weekday & Weekend service begins at 8 a.m.
Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes
Last return bus is midnight every day of the fair except for Labor Day (11 p.m.).
Pay with Cash, Metro Transit app, or Bus Bargain Ticket

Park and Ride Locations:

1 Maple Grove – Weekends and Labor Day only. 12350 Main St.
2 Blaine – 95th Ave. Park & Ride, NW corner of I-35W & 95th Ave. NE
3 Maplewood – Maplewood Mall Park & Ride, NE corner of Beam Ave. and Southlawn Dr.
4 Minnetonka – I-394 & Co. Rd. 73 Park & Ride, SW corner of I-394 & Co. Rd. 73
5 Bloomington – 30th Ave. Park & Ride, NW corner of 30th Ave. and 82nd St.
6 Cottage Grove – Cottage Grove Park & Ride, along Hwy. 61 on W. Point Douglas Rd. between 80th St. and Jamaica Ave.

State Fair Express Hours of Operation

Plan your trip according to the daily schedule for the Express service:

Monday – Friday

Express service starts bright and early at 8 a.m.
Buses run until late, with the last bus departing from the State Fair at midnight.
Please note that service from Maple Grove operates exclusively on weekends and Labor Day.

Weekends

Enjoy consistent weekend service starting at 8 a.m.
Last bus leaving the State Fair is at midnight, giving you ample time to enjoy the evening.

Labor Day

Service is available from 8 a.m.
The last bus on Labor Day departs earlier, at 11 p.m.
For detailed State Fair operating hours, you can visit State Fair hours of operation.

Affordable Transportation Costs

Taking the Express bus is not only convenient but also budget-friendly:

Fare Options

$6 cash roundtrip: A simple and straightforward option. Please have exact fare as no change is provided. Disabled veterans can ride for free by presenting their “Service Connected” ID. Note that Go-To Cards, passes, tokens, and coupons are not accepted on State Fair Express buses.
$5 Metro Transit app ticket: Save a dollar and time by purchasing your ticket through the Metro Transit app.
$5 Bus Bargain Ticket: Purchase your Bus Bargain Ticket online, which can be delivered to your phone or printed at home for your convenience. Remember, Go-To Cards, passes, tokens, and coupons are not valid on State Fair Express buses.

Explore Additional Express Services

Beyond Metro Transit, other providers also offer express services to the State Fair, expanding your transportation options.

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA)

MVTA provides services with cash or through the MVTA mobile app tickets. Return services from the Fair for Burnsville, Eagan, and Shakopee locations run from noon to 11:30 p.m. (and until 9:30 p.m. on Labor Day). For more detailed information, visit mvta.com.

7 Eagan – Eagan Transit Station, Yankee Doodle & Pilot Knob Rd. at I-35E
- Weekdays: Every 15-20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Weekends: Every 15-20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Labor Day: Every 15-20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
8 Shakopee – Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride, 1401 Crossings Blvd.
- Weekdays: Every 15-20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Weekends: Every 15-20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Labor Day: Every 15-20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
9 Burnsville – Burnsville Transit Station, Hwy. 13 & Nicollet Ave.
- Weekdays: Every 15-20 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Weekends: Every 15-20 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Labor Day: Every 15-20 minutes from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Note: Bus Bargain Tickets and Metro Transit app tickets are not valid at MVTA Transit locations.

SouthWest Transit

SouthWest Transit also offers express services to the Fair from August 22nd to September 1st. Buses to the fair depart from 6:30 AM to 7:00 p.m., every 30 minutes from all stations. Return buses from the MN State Fair operate from 10:00 AM to Midnight (12:00 AM), also every 30 minutes. For more information, visit swtransit.org.

Fares for SouthWest Transit:

Adults (13-64): $6
Seniors (65+): $6
Youth (6-12): $6
Children (5 & under): Free