I-35E Express Lanes Minnesota Complete Guide: E-ZPass, Rates & Payment 2025
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I-35E Express Lanes Minnesota Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass Minnesota (High Occupancy Toll lanes)
Coverage: Cayuga Street (St. Paul) to County Road J (Anoka County line)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders, Dynamic pricing, Traffic monitoring
Operator: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Do I Need E-ZPass for I-35E Express Lanes? 2025 Update
You only need E-ZPass if you're driving solo during peak hours. Unlike other states, Minnesota's I-35E Express Lanes operate differently - they're free for everyone (including solo drivers) about 90% of the time.
Key Reality: The lanes are only tolled during specific peak hours and directions. HOV 2+ vehicles (including children and infants), buses, and motorcycles always use the lanes for free.
2025 Update: E-ZPass Minnesota joined the national E-ZPass network in 2021, making transponders usable across 19 states. The system maintains dynamic pricing ($0.25-$8.00) to keep traffic flowing at 50-55 mph.
I-35E Express Lanes Toll Costs: Current Rates
I-35E Express Lanes use dynamic pricing that adjusts every 3 minutes based on traffic conditions to maintain optimal flow.
Current Toll Rates by Usage (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Peak Hours Rate | Off-Peak Rate | Average Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Driver (Car) | $0.25 - $8.00 | FREE | $1.06 (2023 average) |
| HOV 2+ (Carpool) | FREE | FREE | $0.00 |
| Buses | FREE | FREE | $0.00 |
| Motorcycles | FREE | FREE | $0.00 |
| Small Trucks (≤26,000 lbs) | $0.25 - $8.00 | FREE | Same as cars |
I-35E Express Lanes Operating Hours (2025)
| Segment | Direction | Tolled Hours | Free Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cayuga St. to Little Canada Rd. | Southbound | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (Weekdays) | All other times |
| CR E to CR J | Northbound | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Weekdays) | All other times |
| CR 96 to Little Canada Rd. | Southbound | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (Weekdays) | All other times |
How to Pay I-35E Express Lanes Tolls
You can use the following payment methods for I-35E Express Lanes:
1. E-ZPass Minnesota System:
- Switchable E-ZPass Flex tag (HOV mode when carpooling, Solo mode when driving alone)
- Compatible with all E-ZPass states (19 states total)
- $25 minimum account balance required
- Automatic replenishment available
2. Compatible E-ZPass Tags:
- I-PASS (Illinois), SunPass (Florida), FasTrak (California)
- Any E-ZPass tag from participating states
- Note: Out-of-state tags cannot switch to HOV mode
3. No Payment Required:
- HOV 2+ vehicles (including children and infants)
- Buses and motorcycles
- All vehicles during non-peak hours (lanes marked "OPEN")
To calculate toll costs for I-35E Express Lanes and all Minnesota toll facilities, use TollGuru Minnesota toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
System Improvements:
- Continued E-ZPass interoperability across 19 states since 2021
- Enhanced traffic monitoring and dynamic pricing algorithms
- Improved lane markings and signage for better driver guidance
Performance Metrics:
- Approximately 440,000 tolled trips taken in 2017 (latest available data)
- 98% of trips maintain speeds above 45 mph during peak hours
- Average toll cost remained at $1.06 per trip in 2023
Electric Vehicle Incentive:
- E-ZPass Minnesota credits for electric vehicle purchases/leases
- Program runs through October 31, 2025
- One incentive per person, requires active E-ZPass account
Regional Minnesota Express Lanes
I-35E Express Lanes - East Metro Network:
- First express lanes in eastern Twin Cities metropolitan area
- Opened December 2015 (Cayuga St. to Little Canada Rd.)
- Extended December 2016 (CR 96 to Little Canada Rd. southbound, CR E to CR J northbound)
- Serves St. Paul to northern suburbs commuter corridor
Related Minnesota Express Lanes:
- I-35W Express Lanes - West metro network with northbound/southbound segments
- I-394 Express Lanes - Reversible lanes connecting downtown Minneapolis
- Minnesota Toll Roads & Bridges - Complete state toll information
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Average daily toll cost: $1.06 per trip for solo drivers
- Free 90% of the time (nights, weekends, off-peak hours)
- Monthly frequent user costs: $20-50 depending on usage
Best Practices:
- Use E-ZPass Flex switchable tag for flexible HOV/solo mode
- Check overhead signs for current toll rates before entering
- Consider carpooling to use lanes free during peak hours
- Monitor traffic apps for congestion-based pricing
Alternative Routes:
- I-35E general purpose lanes (free but slower during peak hours)
- US Highway 61 (parallel route through eastern St. Paul)
- I-694 loop for cross-metro travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid I-35E Express Lanes tolls?
Yes, easily. The lanes are free 90% of the time (nights, weekends, off-peak hours). During peak hours, you can use the general purpose lanes or carpool with 2+ people to use express lanes for free.
Do children count for HOV 2+ requirements?
Yes, children and infants count toward the HOV 2+ requirement. A driver with one child can use the express lanes for free during all hours.
Can I use my Illinois I-PASS on I-35E Express Lanes?
Yes, I-PASS and other E-ZPass compatible tags work on Minnesota express lanes. However, they cannot switch to HOV mode, so you'll be charged as a solo driver even when carpooling.
How does dynamic pricing work?
Tolls adjust every 3 minutes based on traffic density in the express lanes. Higher traffic = higher tolls (up to $8), lower traffic = lower tolls (minimum $0.25). The goal is to maintain 50-55 mph speeds.
What happens if I don't have an E-ZPass?
Solo drivers without E-ZPass cannot use the express lanes during peak tolled hours. The lanes are only available to E-ZPass users (paying toll) or HOV 2+ vehicles (free) during those times.
Minnesota vs. Neighboring States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | HOT Express Lanes | $0.25-$8.00 (peak only) | 3 express lane corridors + 2 toll bridges |
| Wisconsin | No tolls | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
| Iowa | No tolls | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
| North Dakota | No tolls | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
| South Dakota | No tolls | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Minnesota Toll Roads & Bridges - Complete state toll information
- I-35W Express Lanes - West metro express lane network
- I-394 Express Lanes - Reversible downtown Minneapolis lanes
- E-ZPass Minnesota - Account setup and management
Official Resources:
- MnDOT E-ZPass Customer Service: 1-866-397-2774
- E-ZPass Minnesota Website: www.dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn
- Account Management: Online portal for balance and trip history
- Mobile App: E-ZPass Minnesota mobile application
