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Tickets and Fares

The Northstar Commuter Rail Line will offer affordable service between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis. Below are answers to some key ticket and fare questions you may have.

How much will it cost to ride Northstar Commuter Rail?

The Northstar fare structure is still under discussion and will be established by the Metropolitan Council later this year.

Watch here for final fare information.

Where will I buy a Northstar ticket?

When Northstar service begins, you will be able to use cash or credit card to buy round trip or one-way tickets from a ticket machine at the station.

Ticket kiosk.

Frequent Northstar riders should use Metro Transit’s prepaid 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.

Just remember, you must buy your ticket BEFORE boarding Northstar trains. Tickets will not be sold on board. Passengers without a valid ticket or pass are subject to a citation and fine.

Will there be discount rates on Northstar?

If you plan to ride Northstar frequently, the Go-To Card will give you the best value. Metro Transit — which will operate Northstar Commuter Rail when it opens for service later this year — offers a variety of discount transit rates for those people who ride transit frequently.

Many employers are enrolled in the Metropass program which offers a deeply discounted annual pass. Check with your human resources department today.

Visit Metro Transit for information about discount programs for other transit services.

In addition, transit officials are currently determining if other discount programs will be available for Northstar Commuter Rail riders.

How will I transfer to other trains or buses?

If you have a Northstar Commuter Rail ticket or Go-To Card, the cost of a transfer to any Metro Transit service is built right in! No paper transfer is needed — simply have your ticket in hand or touch your Go-To Card to a reader when you board the Hiawatha Light Rail Line or any regional bus. The Hiawatha Line will provide connecting service to the Metrodome, the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America.