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Minnesota Toll Roads & Express Lanes Complete Guide

System: E-ZPass Minnesota express lanes (formerly MnPASS) + 2 cash-only border toll bridges; no traditional toll highways
Coverage: Minneapolis-St. Paul metro express lanes (I-394, I-35W, I-35E); International Falls Bridge (to Ontario), Fargo-Moorhead Bridge (to North Dakota)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass Minnesota switchable Flex transponders (HOV dial), dynamic pricing updated every 3 minutes; legacy MnPASS tags still work
Operator: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

Do I Need E-ZPass for Minnesota? 2026 Update

No. Minnesota's express lanes are completely optional — free general purpose lanes always run alongside the tolled express lanes. If you travel with 2 or more people (HOV 2+), drive a bus or motorcycle, or travel outside peak hours, you pay nothing in the express lanes. Solo drivers pay $0.25–$8.00 only during peak hours (6–10 AM and 3–7 PM weekdays) when they choose to use the express lanes.

Key Reality: Minnesota has NO traditional toll roads. All Minnesota interstates, highways, and bridges within the state are toll-free except for optional express lanes in the Twin Cities metro and two small cash-only international border bridges. Express lanes are free approximately 90% of the time — only during weekday peak hours do solo drivers pay a toll.

2026 Update: MnPASS was rebranded E-ZPass Minnesota in August 2021 and is now interoperable with the full 19-state E-ZPass network. The I-394 reversible express lane bridge repair project (34 bridges between Highway 100 and I-94) that closed those lanes July–November 2025 has completed; monitor 511mn.org for current lane status heading into 2026. The I-494 express lane construction project (Highway 100 to I-35W) is in its 2023–2026 multi-phase construction; expect lane reductions in that corridor. Children and infants count toward the HOV 2+ requirement — one driver plus one child qualifies as HOV.

Minnesota Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)

Express lane tolls are dynamic — rates change every 3 minutes based on real-time traffic to maintain a free-flow speed of at least 45 mph. Rates are displayed on overhead LED signs before each entry point and refresh continuously. There is no fixed price schedule; rates shown here are typical ranges.

Express Lane Rate Ranges — Solo Drivers During Tolled Hours

Facility	Length	Toll Range (Solo, Peak)	Free Periods / Notes
I-394 Express Lanes (Minneapolis west suburbs)	~16 miles	$0.25–$8.00	Reversible section east of Hwy 100: always tolled for solo; concurrent flow west of Hwy 100: free off-peak
I-35W Express Lanes (Minneapolis south suburbs)	~8 miles (north segments; more with extensions)	$0.25–$8.00	North shoulder lane: always tolled when open; southern segments: free off-peak
I-35E Express Lanes (St. Paul east)	~8 miles	$0.25–$8.00	Free off-peak; peak: 6–10 AM and 3–7 PM weekdays
HOV 2+ / Buses / Motorcycles (all express lanes)	All lengths	FREE	All hours; E-ZPass Flex transponder set to HOV mode required; children count toward HOV
Average solo driver trip cost	—	~$1.06 per trip	Average across all trips including free off-peak periods

I-394 Schedule — When Lanes Are Tolled

Segment	Direction	Tolled Hours
West of Hwy 100 (concurrent flow)	Eastbound	Weekdays 6–10 AM only
West of Hwy 100 (concurrent flow)	Westbound	Weekdays 2–7 PM only
East of Hwy 100 to downtown (reversible)	Eastbound (in operation 6 AM–1 PM)	Always tolled for solo when open (min $0.25)
East of Hwy 100 to downtown (reversible)	Westbound (in operation 2 PM–5 AM)	Always tolled for solo when open (min $0.25)

To calculate toll costs for Minnesota express lanes and border bridges, use the TollGuru Minnesota toll calculator:

Minnesota Toll Calculator

How to Pay Minnesota Tolls

1. E-ZPass Minnesota / E-ZPass Flex Transponder (Express Lanes):

• Switchable E-ZPass Flex transponder with an occupancy dial (1, 2, 3+) — set to HOV mode before entering the lane to ride free when carpooling
• Out-of-state E-ZPass transponders also work in Minnesota at standard rates — however, they cannot switch to HOV mode and will always charge as solo drivers even when carpooling; remove the tag when carpooling to avoid charges
• Legacy MnPASS tags from before the 2021 rebranding continue to work in Minnesota only
• Free transponders available for HOV-only travelers on I-25 (wrong state — for MN: check MnDOT for current free transponder offers)
• Open account at MnDOT E-ZPass Minnesota or call 1-866-397-2774
• Video tolling (without transponder): cameras photograph plate, bill mailed to registered owner at a higher rate

2. Cash (Border Bridges only):

• International Falls Bridge (Rainy River crossing to Fort Frances, Ontario): cash toll booth; no E-ZPass accepted
• Fargo-Moorhead Bridge (Red River crossing to North Dakota): cash toll booth
• Both border bridges are small, local crossings with simple cash payment

Construction Impacts (2026)

I-394 Bridge Repair: The major bridge project repairing/replacing 34 bridges between Highway 100 and I-94 closed the I-394 reversible express lanes July–November 2025. Those lanes are expected to be back in full operation in 2026. Confirm current status at 511mn.org.

I-494 Express Lane Construction (2023–2026): New express lanes under construction between Highway 100 and I-35W in the southwest metro. Current phase involves lane reductions, ramp closures, and bridge replacements. Expect slower travel through this corridor during construction periods; check 511mn.org for current conditions.

I-35W Burnsville Construction: The April–November 2025 construction that temporarily converted express lanes to regular lanes at Cliff Road south has concluded. The I-35W south shoulder lane and express lane network continues to serve Minneapolis commuters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to use Minnesota express lanes?

Only if you are a solo driver during peak hours (6–10 AM or 3–7 PM weekdays). HOV 2+, buses, and motorcycles are always free in express lanes. Outside peak hours, all express lanes are open and free for everyone, including solo drivers.

Does E-ZPass from another state work in Minnesota?

Yes, since the 2021 rebranding to E-ZPass Minnesota. However, out-of-state E-ZPass transponders always operate in solo-pay mode — they cannot switch to HOV mode. If you're carpooling, remove the out-of-state tag before entering the express lane to avoid being charged.

Does Minnesota have any toll roads outside Minneapolis-St. Paul?

No. Express lanes are only in the Twin Cities metro area. All other Minnesota highways, including I-35, I-90, I-94, US-10, and all state routes, are completely toll-free. The two international border bridges (International Falls and Fargo-Moorhead) have small cash tolls but are not highway toll roads.

Minnesota vs. Neighboring States (2026)

State	System	Tag	Notes
Minnesota	Express lanes only + 2 border bridges	E-ZPass Flex (HOV-switchable)	No traditional toll roads; HOV 2+ free; $0.25–$8 dynamic
Illinois	294-mile all-electronic tollway	I-PASS / E-ZPass	No cash; passenger rate increase pending June 2026
Wisconsin	No toll roads	N/A	Entirely toll-free; shares I-94 corridor with Minnesota
Iowa	No toll roads	N/A	Entirely toll-free; shares I-90/I-35 corridors

Useful Links & Resources

• US Toll Guide - All 37 toll states overview
• Minnesota Toll Calculator - Calculate express lane tolls for Twin Cities routes
• E-ZPass Minnesota / MnDOT - Open account, manage transponder; phone: 1-866-397-2774
• 511 Minnesota - Real-time traffic, construction updates, express lane status
• Minneapolis Express Lane Guide - Detailed I-394, I-35W, I-35E access and rate guide
• I-394 Express Lanes - Complete I-394 schedule and pricing guide
• I-35W Express Lanes - Complete I-35W routes and pricing guide

Calculate Your Minnesota Toll Cost

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