METRO Blue Line

The METRO Blue Line is a light rail line running from Target Field in downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America in Bloomington via Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

The METRO Blue Line is the quickest way to get to MSP without stepping foot in a car - and significantly cheaper than a taxi, Lyft, Uber, with fares for the line set at $2 off-peak and $2.50 at rush-hour, good for travel for two hours from purchase.

While the METRO Blue Line does not make any stops in Anoka County, travelers from the County can take advantage of it by transferring from any of the following routes:

If transferring via Northstar, head up the escalator or elevator from the Target Field Station lower platforms to the Target Field Station light rail platforms. Wait for a Blue Line train to Mall of America.

From the METRO Blue Line, you can transfer to these other METRO light rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) services:

Blue Line Light Rail

Park and Ride

While the METRO Blue Line has just one park and ride lot (at Fort Snelling), riders in Anoka County can take advantage of facilities at Northtown, 95th Ave. Park and Ride, Foley Park and Ride, Fridley Station, Coon Rapids/Riverdale Station, Anoka Station, Ramsey Station, and other park and ride facilities in the area.

Most park and ride facilities prohibit overnight parking, but Northstar stations offer dedicated overnight parking spaces for no more than 7 days at a time.

How to Ride

Unlike Metro Transit buses, riders must have valid paid fare before boarding the train. However, Metro Transit Police Department officers may be aboard to check for valid tickets. More details and information about how to ride Metro Transit buses and trains can be found on Metro Transit's website.

There are three ways to pay for your ride:

  • The Metro Transit App lets you buy, store, and activate tickets anytime, anywhere, and is conveniently stored on your phone. You can find it on the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Metro Transit's smart fare card, Go-To Card, can be used at fare validation points. Refill your card at any station kiosk or on Metro Transit's website. Cards can be purchased at any Cub Foods or at a Metro Transit Service Center.
  • Customers looking to pay with cash or credit/debit card in-person, can do so at the ticket kiosk at each station. You will receive a physical ticket that is good for transfers on buses and light rail trains for two hours after purchase.

Accessibility

METRO light rail trains are accessible. All stations and trains feature level boarding and space for wheelchair users, as well as dedicated seating for seniors and people with mobility issues. Platforms are slightly raised but stations feature gentle ramps  and all facilities are ADA-accessible.

METRO Blue Line Extension

The Metropolitan Council and Metro Transit are currently studying a planned northern extension of the blue line. While the line is not slated to enter Anoka County, commuters may be interested in utilizing the service as it is slated to terminate in nearby Brooklyn Park and will offer a one-seat ride to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Fort Snelling State Park, Minnehaha Falls, and Mall of America from the northwest suburbs. For updates and more information about the proposed extension, please visit the Metropolitan Council's project overview website.