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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:

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:

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

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