Minneapolis Express Lanes Complete Guide: E-ZPass, Rates & Payment 2025
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Minneapolis Express Lanes Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass Minnesota (High Occupancy Toll lanes)
Coverage: I-394 (reversible & concurrent), I-35W (northbound & southbound segments)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders, Dynamic pricing, Traffic monitoring
Operator: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Minneapolis Express Lanes? 2025 Update
You only need E-ZPass if you're driving solo during peak hours on specific route segments. Minneapolis operates the most complex express lane system in Minnesota, with different rules for I-394's reversible lanes versus I-35W's concurrent flow lanes.
Key Reality: The I-394 reversible lanes between Highway 100 and downtown Minneapolis always charge a minimum $0.25 toll, even during off-peak hours. However, most other express lanes are free about 90% of the time.
2025 Critical Update: I-394 reversible E-ZPass lanes closed July 14-November 2025 for major bridge repairs. In 2026, these lanes will operate as regular lanes (no toll) during construction season.
Minneapolis Express Lanes Toll Costs: Current Rates
Minneapolis express lanes use dynamic pricing that adjusts every 3 minutes based on traffic conditions, with over 1.3 million tolled trips annually on I-394 alone.
Current Toll Rates by Route (2025)
| Route Segment | Solo Driver Rate | HOV 2+ Rate | Example Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 Reversible Lanes | $0.25 - $8.00 (always tolled) | FREE | $1.25 - $2.50 |
| I-394 Concurrent Flow | $0.25 - $8.00 (peak only) | FREE | $0.50 - $1.50 |
| I-35W Northbound | $0.25 - $8.00 (peak only) | FREE | $1.25 - $2.50 |
| I-35W Southbound | $0.25 - $8.00 (peak only) | FREE | $1.25 - $2.50 |
| I-35W Shoulder Lane | $0.25 - $8.00 (always tolled) | FREE | $0.75 - $1.25 |
Minneapolis Express Lanes Operating Hours (2025)
| Route | Direction | Tolled Hours | 2025 Construction Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 Reversible | Eastbound/Westbound | Always tolled (minimum $0.25) | CLOSED Jul 14-Nov 2025 |
| I-394 Concurrent | Eastbound | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (Weekdays) | Normal operation |
| I-394 Concurrent | Westbound | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Weekdays) | Normal operation |
| I-35W | Northbound | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Limited by Burnsville construction |
| I-35W | Southbound | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Limited by Burnsville construction |
How to Pay Minneapolis Express Lanes Tolls
You can use the following payment methods for Minneapolis express lanes:
1. E-ZPass Minnesota System:
- Switchable E-ZPass Flex tag (essential for HOV mode when carpooling)
- $25 minimum account balance required
- Automatic replenishment available
- Works nationwide across 19 E-ZPass states
2. Out-of-State E-ZPass Tags:
- I-PASS (Illinois), SunPass (Florida), any E-ZPass compatible tag
- Important: Cannot switch to HOV mode - always charged as solo driver
- Must remove tag when carpooling to avoid duplicate charges
3. Free Usage (No Payment Required):
- HOV 2+ vehicles (including children and infants)
- Buses and motorcycles
- All vehicles during off-peak hours (lanes marked "OPEN")
- Exception: I-394 reversible lanes always require E-ZPass for solo drivers
To calculate toll costs for Minneapolis express lanes and all Minnesota toll facilities, use TollGuru Minnesota toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Construction Impacts:
- I-394 reversible E-ZPass lanes closed July 14 - November 2025
- 34 bridges and ramps being repaired between Highway 100 and downtown Minneapolis
- In 2026, reversible lanes will operate as regular lanes (no toll) during construction
- I-35W construction in Burnsville limits E-ZPass operations April - November 2025
System Improvements:
- Continued E-ZPass interoperability across 19 states since 2021
- Enhanced dynamic pricing algorithms maintaining 50-55 mph speeds
- I-35W extension from Roseville to Blaine opened in 2021
- Orange Line BRT continues to utilize I-35W express lanes
Performance Metrics:
- Over 1.3 million tolled trips annually on I-394 (2017 data)
- Almost 950,000 tolled trips annually on I-35W (2017 data)
- 98% of trips maintain speeds above 45 mph during peak hours
- 80% of express lane users are carpooling or riding buses
Minneapolis Express Lanes Network
I-394 Express Lanes - America's First Urban HOT Lanes:
- Opened May 2005 as first express lanes in Minnesota
- Reversible lanes: Highway 100 to downtown Minneapolis (currently closed for construction)
- Concurrent flow lanes: County Road 15 in Wayzata to I-494 overpass
- Converted from original HOV lanes built in 1980s-1990s
- Serves major commuter corridor from western suburbs to downtown
I-35W Express Lanes - Multi-Segment Network:
- Opened in stages 2009-2011 south of downtown Minneapolis
- Northbound: County Road 42 to 26th Street (continuous operation)
- Southbound: 26th Street to Cliff Road
- Shoulder lane: 42nd Street to downtown (always tolled when open)
- Orange Line BRT utilizes express lanes for faster transit service
- Extended 2021: County Road C in Roseville to Lexington Avenue in Blaine
Related Minnesota Express Lanes:
- I-35E Express Lanes - East metro network serving St. Paul corridor
- Minnesota Toll Roads & Bridges - Complete state toll information
- I-494 Express Lanes - Future construction 2023-2026
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily commuter costs: $2-8 for typical cross-town trips
- Monthly frequent users: $40-120 depending on routes and frequency
- I-394 reversible lanes: Always tolled with higher rates due to dedicated infrastructure
- Free usage available 90% of the time on most segments
Construction Considerations (2025):
- I-394 reversible lanes: Expect significant delays, use alternative routes
- I-35W Burnsville area: Limited E-ZPass access during construction
- Consider off-peak travel times to avoid construction impacts
- Monitor 511mn.org for real-time construction updates
Best Practices:
- Use E-ZPass Flex switchable tag for maximum flexibility
- Check overhead signs for current toll rates and lane availability
- Carpool whenever possible to use lanes free during all hours
- Consider public transit on Orange Line BRT for I-35W corridor
Alternative Routes:
- I-394/I-35W general purpose lanes (free but slower during peak hours)
- Highway 100 for north-south travel parallel to I-35W
- I-494/I-694 loop for cross-metro travel
- Surface streets like Hennepin Avenue, Lyndale Avenue for local trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are I-394 reversible lanes always tolled?
The I-394 reversible lanes are dedicated infrastructure that requires active traffic management and direction changes. The minimum $0.25 toll helps cover operational costs and ensures only committed users access the lanes during transitions.
Can I use express lanes during the 2025 construction?
I-394 reversible lanes are completely closed July-November 2025. I-35W express lanes have limited access in Burnsville area during construction. Check 511mn.org for current lane availability and alternative routes.
How do I avoid duplicate charges with multiple E-ZPass tags?
Remove out-of-state E-ZPass tags when using E-ZPass Minnesota tags, or when carpooling. Out-of-state tags are always in "fee-paying mode" and cannot switch to HOV mode, resulting in duplicate charges.
What is the Orange Line BRT connection?
Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit uses I-35W express lanes to provide faster, more reliable service between Burnsville and downtown Minneapolis. The express lanes help buses maintain schedule reliability during peak hours.
How does dynamic pricing work on these lanes?
Electronic sensors monitor traffic density and adjust tolls every 3 minutes. Higher traffic volumes = higher tolls (up to $8), lower traffic = lower tolls (minimum $0.25). This maintains 50-55 mph speeds in the express lanes.
Minneapolis vs. Regional Cities
| City/Region | Express Lane System | Typical Cost | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | HOT Express Lanes | $0.25-$8.00 | Reversible lanes, first US urban HOT |
| Milwaukee | No express lanes | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
| Des Moines | No express lanes | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
| Fargo | No express lanes | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
| Sioux Falls | No express lanes | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Minnesota Toll Roads & Bridges - Complete state toll information
- I-35E Express Lanes - East metro express lane network
- I-394 Express Lanes - Detailed I-394 segment information
- I-35W Express Lanes - Detailed I-35W segment information
- E-ZPass Minnesota - Account setup and management
Construction Updates:
- MnDOT Construction Updates: www.dot.state.mn.us/construction
- 511mn.org - Real-time traffic and construction information
- I-394/I-94 Minneapolis Project: Current construction status
- I-35W Burnsville Project: Southern metro construction updates
Official Resources:
- MnDOT E-ZPass Customer Service: 1-866-397-2774
- E-ZPass Minnesota Website: www.dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn
- Metro Transit Orange Line: Information on BRT service using express lanes
- Account Management: Online portal for balance and trip history
