Minneapolis-St. Paul Tolls Complete Guide: Twin Cities E-ZPass Express Lanes 2025
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Minneapolis-St. Paul Tolls Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass Minnesota Express Lanes (HOT lanes)
Coverage: I-394, I-35W, I-35E in Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area
Technology: Dynamic pricing, switchable E-ZPass transponders
Operator: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Population Served: 3.7 million Twin Cities metro area residents
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Minneapolis-St. Paul? 2025 Update
Most Twin Cities driving is completely toll-free. You only pay tolls if you choose to use express lanes as a solo driver during peak hours (6-10 AM, 3-7 PM weekdays). If you have 2+ people in your vehicle, use buses/motorcycles, or travel during off-peak hours, all lanes are free.
Key Reality: Minneapolis-St. Paul has NO traditional toll roads. The Twin Cities metro uses optional express lanes that provide faster travel for solo drivers willing to pay during busy periods while keeping regular lanes free for everyone.
2025 Update: Major construction impacts include I-394 reversible lanes closed July-November, I-35W Burnsville construction, and new I-494 express lanes under construction from Highway 100 to I-35W.
Twin Cities Toll Locations & Rates
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area operates express lanes on three major highways with dynamic pricing that adjusts every 3 minutes based on traffic conditions.
Express Lane Locations & Current Rates (2025)
| Highway | Route | Solo Driver Rate | HOV 2+ Rate | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 | Minnetonka to Downtown Minneapolis | $0.25-$8.00 | FREE | 🚧 Partial closure July-Nov |
| I-35W | Burnsville to Blaine via Minneapolis | $0.25-$8.00 | FREE | 🚧 Burnsville construction |
| I-35E | St. Paul to Anoka County | $0.25-$8.00 | FREE | ✅ Fully operational |
| I-494 | Highway 100 to I-35W (Phase 1) | TBD | FREE | 🚧 Under construction |
Peak Hours by Highway Direction (2025)
| Highway | Direction | Morning Peak | Evening Peak | Off-Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 | Eastbound (to Downtown) | 6-10 AM | — | FREE |
| I-394 | Westbound (from Downtown) | — | 3-7 PM | FREE |
| I-35W | Northbound (to Minneapolis) | 6-10 AM | 3-7 PM (Hwy 62+) | FREE |
| I-35W | Southbound (from Minneapolis) | 6-10 AM | 3-7 PM | FREE |
| I-35E | Northbound (from St. Paul) | — | 3-7 PM | FREE |
| I-35E | Southbound (to St. Paul) | 6-10 AM | — | FREE |
How to Pay Twin Cities Tolls
Minneapolis-St. Paul toll payment depends on your vehicle occupancy and travel times:
1. Free Usage (No Payment Required):
- Vehicles with 2+ occupants (including children and infants) - always free
- Buses and transit vehicles - always free
- Motorcycles - always free
- All vehicles during off-peak hours when signs display "OPEN"
- Weekends and holidays - generally free (except I-394 reversible lanes)
2. E-ZPass Required (Solo Drivers During Peak Hours):
- Minnesota E-ZPass (switchable): Toggle between HOV and solo mode
- Out-of-state E-ZPass: Works but always charges fees
- Legacy MnPASS tags: Minnesota-only functionality
- Video tolling: License plate billing for vehicles without transponders
3. Account Setup Requirements:
- Initial deposit: $25 minimum balance required
- Auto-replenishment: Account refills automatically when balance runs low
- Monthly statements: Detailed usage reports via email
- Account management: Online portal at ezpassmn.dot.state.mn.us
To calculate specific toll costs for your Twin Cities routes, use the TollGuru calculator:
Major Construction Impacts (2025)
🚧 I-394 Downtown Minneapolis Bridge Project:
- Duration: July - November 2025
- Impact: Reversible express lanes (Highway 100 to I-94) completely closed
- Scope: Repair and replacement of 34 bridges
- Alternative: Concurrent flow lanes west of Highway 100 remain operational
- Detour: Use I-94, Highway 169, or surface streets for east-west travel
🚧 I-35W Burnsville Reconstruction:
- Duration: April - November 2025
- Impact: Express lanes converted to regular lanes during construction
- Section: Cliff Road to I-35/I-35W/I-35E split
- Work: Bridge replacement, pavement resurfacing, drainage improvements
- Traffic: All vehicles use northbound lanes, significant delays expected
🚧 I-494 Express Lane Construction:
- Duration: 2023 - 2026 (multi-phase project)
- Current Phase: Highway 100 to I-35W section
- Impact: I-494 reduced to 2 lanes in each direction
- New Features: First express lanes on I-494, turbine interchange at I-35W
- Bridge Work: Complete replacement of Nicollet Avenue, Portland Avenue, 12th Avenue bridges
Twin Cities Express Lane Details
I-394 Express Lanes - Minneapolis West Corridor
Total System: 16 miles from I-494 (Minnetonka) to I-94 (downtown Minneapolis)
Key Features:
- Concurrent flow lanes: I-494 to Highway 100 (continue operating in 2025)
- Reversible lanes: Highway 100 to I-94 (CLOSED July-November 2025)
- First in Minnesota: Opened May 2005, converted from HOV lanes
- Annual usage: 1.3+ million toll transactions
- Unique feature: Only reversible express lanes in Minnesota
2025 Travel Impact:
- Westbound commuters: Use I-94 to Highway 169 or surface streets
- Eastbound commuters: Consider I-94 via downtown Minneapolis
- Alternative express lanes: I-35W available for north-south travel
I-35W Express Lanes - Minneapolis North-South Corridor
Total System: 32 miles from County Road C (Roseville) to Highway 13 (Burnsville)
Key Features:
- Longest system: Spans entire north-south metro area
- Transit integration: Orange Line BRT uses express lanes
- Multiple segments: Different toll hours by section
- Annual usage: 950,000 toll transactions
- Construction history: Opened 2009-2011, extended 2021
2025 Construction Impact:
- Affected section: Southern portion (Cliff Road to I-35 split)
- Duration: April - November 2025
- Alternative: Express lanes north of Minnesota River remain operational
I-35E Express Lanes - St. Paul East Corridor
Total System: 16 miles from County Road 96 (south of St. Paul) to County Road J (Anoka County)
Key Features:
- Eastern metro focus: Serves St. Paul and eastern suburbs
- Recent addition: First eastern express lanes (opened 2015-2016)
- Directional operation: Different peak hours for north/south directions
- Annual usage: 440,000 toll transactions
- 2025 status: Fully operational with no construction impacts
Twin Cities Toll-Free Alternatives
Major Toll-Free Routes:
- I-94: Main east-west route connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul
- I-694/I-494: Beltway around Twin Cities metro (I-494 portions under construction)
- Highway 169: North-south alternative on western side
- Highway 61: Southeast corridor alternative
- Highway 10: Northwest corridor alternative
- General purpose lanes: Adjacent to express lanes on I-394, I-35W, I-35E
Surface Street Options:
- University Avenue: Minneapolis-St. Paul connector with light rail
- Marshall Avenue/Lake Street: East-west Minneapolis routes
- Hennepin Avenue/Lyndale Avenue: North-south Minneapolis routes
- Snelling Avenue: North-south route through both cities
Transit Alternatives:
- Metro Transit: Extensive bus network plus light rail
- Green Line/Blue Line: Light rail connecting Minneapolis, St. Paul, and airport
- Bus Rapid Transit: Orange Line, A Line, C Line with limited stops
- Express buses: Use express lanes for faster commutes
Planning Your Twin Cities Travel
Cost Estimation for Common Routes:
- Minnetonka to Downtown Minneapolis (I-394): $0.50-$6.00 depending on traffic
- Burnsville to Downtown Minneapolis (I-35W): $0.75-$8.00 for full route
- St. Paul to northern suburbs (I-35E): $0.50-$4.00 typical range
- Cross-town via multiple express lanes: $1.50-$15.00 during peak hours
Time Savings Analysis:
- Express lanes: 15-45 minutes time savings during peak hours
- Regular lanes: Free but slower during rush hours
- Surface streets: Longest travel time but completely toll-free
- Transit: Comparable time with parking/cost benefits
Money-Saving Tips:
- Carpool: Express lanes free with 2+ people
- Off-peak travel: Express lanes free 90% of the time
- Electric vehicles: One-time credits ($250 BEV, $125 PHEV)
- Transit: Metro Transit often faster and cheaper than tolls + parking
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay tolls to drive in Minneapolis or St. Paul?
No, you can drive throughout the Twin Cities metro area without paying any tolls. Express lanes are optional faster routes that charge solo drivers during peak hours, but regular lanes on the same highways are always free.
How do I know if I'll be charged for using an express lane?
Overhead signs display current toll rates or "OPEN" when lanes are free. If you have 2+ people, you're never charged. If you're alone and see prices displayed, you'll be charged that amount. When signs show "OPEN," everyone can use the lanes for free.
Can I use express lanes without an E-ZPass transponder?
Yes, if you have 2+ people or during off-peak hours when lanes are "OPEN." Solo drivers without E-ZPass during peak hours will be billed via license plate recognition (video tolling) with no additional penalty for first-time users.
Are there tolls on bridges or other roads in the Twin Cities?
No, all bridges, tunnels, and roads within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area are toll-free except for the optional express lanes on I-394, I-35W, and I-35E. This includes all Mississippi River bridges and downtown connectors.
How will construction in 2025 affect toll travel?
Major impacts include I-394 reversible lanes closed July-November and I-35W express lanes affected by Burnsville construction. I-35E express lanes remain fully operational. Plan extra time and consider alternative routes during construction periods.
Twin Cities vs. Other Metro Areas
| Metro Area | System Type | Free Usage | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul | HOT lanes | 90% of time | Reversible lanes, off-peak free |
| Seattle | HOT lanes + bridge tolls | HOV only | Bridge tolls, higher rates |
| Denver | HOT lanes + toll roads | HOV only | Extensive toll road network |
| Washington DC | HOT lanes | HOV only | Separate roadways, higher rates |
| Atlanta | HOT lanes | HOV only | I-85 express lanes, dynamic pricing |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Minnesota Toll - Statewide toll information including bridges
- Minnesota Express Lanes - Complete express lane guide
- 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
- E-ZPass Minnesota Website: ezpassmn.dot.state.mn.us
- Minnesota 511 Travel Information: 511mn.org
- Construction Updates: dot.state.mn.us/construction/2025/metro.html
Real-Time Information:
- Current toll rates: Displayed on overhead signs
- Express lane status: Check for "OPEN" vs. priced operation
- Construction alerts: MnDOT 511 mobile app
- Transit alternatives: Metro Transit real-time arrivals
Transit Information:
- Metro Transit: metrotransit.org
- Light Rail: Green Line (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Blue Line (Airport)
- Bus Rapid Transit: Orange Line, A Line, C Line
- Trip Planning: Use Metro Transit app for real-time information
