Minnesota Express Lanes Complete Guide: I-394, I-35W, I-35E E-ZPass HOT Lanes 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Minnesota Express Lanes Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass Minnesota High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes
Coverage: I-394 (16 miles), I-35W (32 miles), I-35E (16 miles) in Minneapolis-St. Paul metro
Technology: Dynamic pricing with E-ZPass transponders, switchable HOV/solo mode
Operator: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Peak Hours: 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM weekdays (varies by location and direction)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Minnesota Express Lanes? 2025 Update
You need E-ZPass ONLY if you're driving solo during peak hours and want to use the express lanes. If you have 2+ people in your vehicle (including children), buses, or motorcycles, you can use express lanes FREE at all times without any transponder.
Key Reality: Express lanes are optional faster routes that run alongside regular lanes. During off-peak hours (90% of the time), ALL drivers can use express lanes for free regardless of passenger count.
2025 Update: Major I-394 reversible lanes closed July-November 2025 for bridge construction, I-35W Burnsville construction affecting express lanes, and I-494 new express lanes under construction.
Minnesota Express Lanes: Current Operations
Minnesota operates 3 express lane systems using dynamic pricing that adjusts based on real-time traffic conditions to maintain speeds of 50-55 mph.
Express Lane Operations by Highway (2025)
| Highway | Length | Lane Type | Peak Hours | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 | 16 miles | Concurrent + Reversible | Variable by segment | Partial closure July-Nov |
| I-35W | 32 miles | Concurrent flow | 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM | Burnsville construction |
| I-35E | 16 miles | Concurrent flow | 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM | Fully operational |
| I-494 | Under construction | Future concurrent flow | TBD | Construction 2023-2026 |
Dynamic Pricing Structure (2025)
| Traffic Condition | Solo Driver Rate | HOV 2+ Rate | Lane Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Traffic | $0.25 minimum | FREE | 55+ mph maintained |
| Moderate Traffic | $1.00-$4.00 | FREE | 50-55 mph target |
| Heavy Traffic | $4.00-$8.00 | FREE | Speed protection |
| Off-Peak Hours | FREE ("OPEN") | FREE | Open to all traffic |
Express Lane Locations & Hours
I-394 Express Lanes - Minneapolis West Corridor
Total Length: 16 miles from I-494 (Minnetonka) to I-94 (downtown Minneapolis)
Concurrent Flow Lanes (I-494 to Highway 100):
- Eastbound: 6 AM - 10 AM (Monday-Friday)
- Westbound: 2 PM - 7 PM (Monday-Friday)
- Off-peak: Free and open to all traffic
🚧 Reversible Lanes (Highway 100 to I-94) - CLOSED 2025:
- Construction Period: July - November 2025
- Reason: Repair/replacement of 34 bridges
- Normal Hours: Eastbound 6 AM - 1 PM, Westbound 2 PM - 5 AM
- Weekend Operation: Switches back to eastbound 11 AM Saturday
I-35W Express Lanes - Minneapolis South Corridor
Total Length: 32 miles from County Road C (Roseville) to Highway 13 (Burnsville)
Northbound Express Lane Hours:
- 6 AM - 10 AM: Crystal Lake Road to Highway 62
- 6 AM - 10 AM AND 3 PM - 7 PM: Highway 62 to 26th Street (downtown)
- County Road C to Lexington Avenue: Opens 2021, current operations
Southbound Express Lane Hours:
- 6 AM - 10 AM AND 3 PM - 7 PM: 26th Street to I-494
- 3 PM - 7 PM only: I-494 to Highway 13
🚧 2025 Construction Impact:
- Affected Section: Cliff Road to I-35/I-35W/I-35E split
- Duration: April - November 2025
- Impact: Express lanes converted to regular lanes during construction
I-35E Express Lanes - St. Paul East Corridor
Total Length: 16 miles from County Road 96 to County Road J (Ramsey-Anoka line)
Northbound Express Lane Hours:
- 3 PM - 7 PM: County Road E to County Road J
- Year-round operation: Weekdays only
Southbound Express Lane Hours:
- 6 AM - 10 AM: County Road 96 to Little Canada Road
- First eastern metro express lanes (opened December 2015)
I-494 Express Lanes - Future System (Under Construction)
🚧 Construction Status: Major project 2023-2026
Planned Express Lane Segments:
- Westbound: Highway 77 to I-35W (Phase 1: Highway 100 to I-35W)
- Eastbound: France Avenue to Highway 77
- Current Priority: Highway 100 to I-35W section under construction
Construction Impact 2025:
- Major closures: I-494 reduced to 2 lanes between Highway 100 and Highway 77
- Bridge replacements: Nicollet Avenue, Portland Avenue, 12th Avenue
- New features: Turbine interchange at I-35W/I-494
How to Use Minnesota Express Lanes
Minnesota express lanes operate as High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes, providing options for different user types:
1. Free Users (No Transponder Required):
- Vehicles with 2+ occupants (including children and infants)
- Buses and transit vehicles
- Motorcycles (always free)
- All vehicles during off-peak hours when signs show "OPEN"
2. Paid Users (Transponder Required):
- Solo drivers during peak hours
- Commercial vehicles under 26,000 lbs with 2 axles or less
- Out-of-state E-ZPass users (always charged - no HOV mode)
3. E-ZPass Transponder Options:
- Minnesota E-ZPass (Switchable): Toggle between HOV and solo mode
- Out-of-state E-ZPass: Works but always charges fees
- Legacy MnPASS: Works in Minnesota only
To calculate exact toll costs for your specific route on Minnesota express lanes, use the TollGuru calculator:
Current Construction & Impacts (2025)
Major I-394 Bridge Project:
- Duration: July - November 2025
- Impact: Reversible express lanes completely closed
- Scope: Repair/replacement of 34 bridges between Highway 100 and I-94
- Alternative: Concurrent flow lanes west of Highway 100 remain open
I-35W Burnsville Construction:
- Duration: April - November 2025
- Impact: Express lanes converted to regular lanes temporarily
- Section: Cliff Road to I-35/I-35W/I-35E split
- Work: Bridge replacement, resurfacing, drainage improvements
I-494 Express Lane Construction:
- Duration: 2023 - 2026 (multiple phases)
- Current Phase: Highway 100 to I-35W section
- Impact: Lane reductions, ramp closures, bridge replacements
- New Features: First express lanes on I-494 system
Express Lane Usage Statistics
Annual Toll Transactions (2017 Data):
- I-394 Express Lanes: 1.3+ million paid trips annually
- I-35W Express Lanes: 950,000 paid trips annually
- I-35E Express Lanes: 440,000 paid trips annually
- Total System: 2.7+ million paid trips per year
Performance Metrics:
- Target Speed: 50-55 mph maintained during peak hours
- Lane Utilization: Express lanes free and open 90% of the time
- Transit Integration: Orange Line BRT utilizes I-35W express lanes
- Speed Reliability: Consistent travel times during peak periods
Planning Your Express Lane Journey
Before You Drive:
- Check construction updates: Visit MnDOT's 511 website for current conditions
- Monitor pricing: Overhead signs show current toll rates before entry
- Plan for detours: I-394 reversible lanes closed through November 2025
- Consider alternatives: Regular lanes remain free options
Typical Cost Ranges:
- Short segments: $0.25 - $2.00 during light traffic
- Full corridor: $2.00 - $8.00 during peak heavy traffic
- Daily commuting: $5 - $20 depending on routes and timing
- Carpools: $0.00 always (with 2+ people)
Alternative Routes:
- General purpose lanes: Adjacent to express lanes on same highways
- I-94 corridor: East-west alternative to I-394
- Highway 169: Western metro alternative route
- Local surface streets: Longer but toll-free options
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if express lanes are charging tolls?
Overhead signs display current toll rates or "OPEN" when lanes are free. When signs show "OPEN," all vehicles can use lanes without charge. When prices are displayed, only registered E-ZPass users or HOV 2+ vehicles can use the lanes.
What happens if I accidentally enter an express lane without E-ZPass?
Video cameras capture your license plate and mail a bill to the registered owner. There's typically no additional penalty for first-time users, but payment is required within 30 days to avoid additional fees.
Can I use express lanes with an out-of-state E-ZPass?
Yes, but out-of-state E-ZPass tags always charge fees regardless of passengers. If you frequently carpool, consider a switchable Minnesota E-ZPass tag to avoid charges when you have 2+ people.
Are commercial vehicles allowed in express lanes?
Only small commercial vehicles (under 26,000 lbs, 2 axles or less) can register for E-ZPass and use express lanes during toll periods. Larger commercial vehicles can use express lanes only when they're free and "OPEN."
How do I report problems or violations in express lanes?
Contact MnDOT customer service at 1-866-397-4334 for account issues, or Minnesota State Patrol for traffic violations. HOV violations (solo drivers using lanes illegally) are subject to fines.
Minnesota vs. Other Express Lane Systems
| System | Type | Length | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota E-ZPass | HOT lanes | 64 miles | Reversible lanes, 90% free time |
| Washington State HOT | HOT lanes | 100+ miles | Bridge tolls, higher peak rates |
| Virginia Express | HOT lanes | 95 miles | Separate roadway, higher rates |
| Texas Express | HOT + Toll roads | 800+ miles | Extensive network, mandatory tolls |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Minnesota Toll - Complete toll information including bridges
- Minneapolis-St. Paul Tolls - Metro area toll overview
- I-394 Express Lanes - Detailed I-394 information
- I-35W Express Lanes - I-35W corridor details
- I-35E Express Lanes - I-35E system information
- E-ZPass Minnesota - Account setup and management
Official Resources:
- MnDOT E-ZPass Customer Service: 1-866-397-4334
- Minnesota 511 Travel Information: 511mn.org
- E-ZPass Minnesota Website: ezpassmn.dot.state.mn.us
- Construction Updates: dot.state.mn.us/roadwork
Real-Time Information:
- Current toll rates displayed on overhead signs
- Traffic conditions via MnDOT 511 app
- Construction impacts and lane closures
- Express lane operational status
