Minnesota Toll Roads Complete Guide: E-ZPass Express Lanes, Bridges & Payment 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Minnesota Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass Express Lanes (formerly MnPASS) + 2 Cash-only Toll Bridges
Coverage: Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area express lanes, International Falls Bridge, Fargo-Moorhead Bridge
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders with switchable HOV mode, Dynamic pricing
Operator: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Minnesota? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-ZPass for Minnesota's express lanes - they're free for carpools (2+ people) and outside peak hours. However, solo drivers pay $0.25-$8.00 during peak commute times (6-10 AM, 3-7 PM weekdays) to use these faster lanes.
Key Reality: Minnesota has NO traditional toll roads - only express lanes and 2 cash-only toll bridges. The express lanes use dynamic pricing, meaning costs vary by traffic conditions in real-time.
2025 Update: I-394 reversible lanes closed for major bridge construction (July-November 2025), I-35W Burnsville construction affecting express lanes, and continued interoperability with 19-state E-ZPass network.
Minnesota Toll Costs: Current Rates
Minnesota operates express lanes with dynamic pricing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and maintains two cash-only toll bridges on the state borders.
Current Toll Rates by Facility (2025)
| Facility | Solo Driver Rate | HOV 2+ Rate | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 Express Lanes | $0.25-$8.00 (Dynamic) | FREE | Always tolled when open |
| I-35W Express Lanes | $0.25-$8.00 (Dynamic) | FREE | 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM weekdays |
| I-35E Express Lanes | $0.25-$8.00 (Dynamic) | FREE | 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM weekdays |
| International Falls Bridge | $7.00 round trip (2-axle) | Same rate | Northbound only |
| Fargo-Moorhead Bridge | $0.75 one way | Same rate | All traffic |
Where You Pay Tolls in Minnesota (2025)
Express Lanes: I-394 (16 miles), I-35W (8 miles), I-35E (8 miles) - Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area only
Toll Bridges: International Falls Bridge (to Ontario, Canada), Fargo-Moorhead Bridge (to North Dakota)
Toll-Free: All other Minnesota highways including I-94, I-35, US highways, and state routes
How to Pay Minnesota Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls in Minnesota:
1. E-ZPass Express Lanes (Electronic):
- Minnesota E-ZPass (switchable HOV/solo mode) - works nationwide
- Out-of-state E-ZPass tags - always charge fees (no HOV mode)
- Legacy MnPASS tags - work in Minnesota only
- Video tolling for vehicles without transponders
2. Toll Bridges (Cash Only):
- International Falls Bridge - Cash at manned booth
- Fargo-Moorhead Bridge - Cash at manned booth
- No electronic payment options available
3. Special Considerations:
- Motorcycles always free on express lanes
- Electric vehicles eligible for one-time credits ($250 BEV, $125 PHEV)
- Buses always free on express lanes
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Minnesota toll roads, use TollGuru Minnesota toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Construction Impacts:
- I-394 reversible lanes closed July-November 2025 for bridge repairs (34 bridges)
- I-35W Burnsville construction affecting express lanes between Cliff Road and I-35 split
- Express lanes temporarily converted to regular lanes in construction zones
System Updates:
- Continued E-ZPass interoperability with 19 states (since August 2021)
- Electric vehicle credit program extended through October 2025
- Enhanced video tolling and license plate recognition technology
Bridge Operations:
- International Falls Bridge remains cash-only with $7.00 round trip rates
- Fargo-Moorhead Bridge continues $0.75 one-way toll
- Both bridges close during flood conditions (28-foot water level threshold)
Express Lane Locations
I-394 Express Lanes - Minneapolis West Corridor:
- Reversible lanes: Highway 100 to downtown Minneapolis (closed 2025 for construction)
- Concurrent flow lanes: I-494 to Highway 100 (continue operating)
- Total system: 16 miles when fully operational
I-35W Express Lanes - Minneapolis South Corridor:
- Northbound: County Road C (Roseville) to Lexington Avenue (Blaine)
- Southbound: Crystal Lake Road to Highway 13 (Burnsville)
- Construction impact: Cliff Road to I-35 split affected through November 2025
I-35E Express Lanes - St. Paul East Corridor:
- Northbound: Cayuga Street to County Road J (Ramsey-Anoka line)
- Southbound: County Road 96 to Little Canada Road
- First express lanes in eastern Twin Cities metro area
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily express lane use: $1-16 depending on traffic and routes
- Canada border crossing: $7.00 round trip (International Falls)
- North Dakota crossing: $0.75 one way (Fargo-Moorhead)
- Annual express lane savings: Varies by carpooling frequency
Peak vs Off-Peak Travel:
- Peak hours: 6-10 AM and 3-7 PM weekdays (express lanes tolled)
- Off-peak: Express lanes free and open to all traffic
- Weekends: Generally free except I-394 reversible lanes
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- General purpose lanes on same highways (I-394, I-35W, I-35E)
- Alternative routes: I-94, Highway 169, local surface streets
- Carpool option: Free express lane access with 2+ people
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Minnesota tolls completely?
Yes, easily. Express lanes are optional faster routes - you can always use adjacent general purpose lanes for free. The two toll bridges have toll-free alternative crossings nearby.
What happens if I don't pay Minnesota express lane tolls?
Video tolling captures your license plate and sends a bill to the registered owner. Unpaid tolls result in additional fees and potential registration holds. Payment is typically required within 30 days.
Do out-of-state E-ZPass tags work in Minnesota?
Yes, but they always charge fees regardless of passengers. For carpools, you need a switchable Minnesota E-ZPass tag to avoid charges, or remove the out-of-state tag when carpooling.
Are electric vehicles eligible for toll discounts?
Yes, battery electric vehicles receive a one-time $250 credit, and plug-in hybrids receive $125. This applies to vehicles purchased or leased between November 2019 and October 2025.
How does dynamic pricing work?
Toll rates adjust automatically based on traffic conditions to maintain free-flowing speeds. Higher traffic = higher tolls. Rates are displayed on overhead signs before entry points.
Minnesota vs. Neighboring States
| State/Province | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Express lanes + bridges | $0.25-$8.00 | Metro area only |
| Wisconsin | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free state |
| Iowa | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free state |
| North Dakota | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free state |
| South Dakota | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free state |
| Canada | Provincial highways | Varies by province | Select highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Minnesota Express Lanes - Complete guide to all express lane locations
- Minneapolis-St. Paul Tolls - Metro area toll information
- International Falls Bridge - Canada border crossing details
- Fargo-Moorhead Bridge - North Dakota border crossing
- E-ZPass Minnesota - Account setup and management
- Minnesota Toll Violations - Understanding and resolving violations
Official Resources:
- MnDOT E-ZPass Customer Service: 1-866-397-4334
- E-ZPass Minnesota Website: ezpassmn.dot.state.mn.us
- Minnesota 511 Travel Information: 511mn.org
- International Falls Bridge: Boise Cascade operations
