MnPASS Express Lanes Complete Guide: E-ZPass Minnesota, Rates & HOV 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
MnPASS Express Lanes Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass Minnesota (formerly MnPASS) - High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes
Coverage: I-394, I-35W, I-35E in Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area
Technology: Switchable E-ZPass Flex tags, Dynamic pricing, Traffic monitoring
Operator: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Interoperability: Compatible with 19 E-ZPass states since August 2021
Do I Need E-ZPass for MnPASS Express Lanes? 2025 Update
You only need E-ZPass if you're driving solo during peak hours. MnPASS Express Lanes (now E-ZPass Minnesota) operate differently from other states - they're free for everyone about 90% of the time, including nights, weekends, and off-peak hours.
Key Reality: HOV 2+ vehicles (including children and infants), buses, and motorcycles always use the lanes for free. Solo drivers only pay during peak hours: 6-10 AM and 3-7 PM on weekdays.
2025 Critical Update: Major construction impacts on I-394 (July-November 2025) and I-35W (April-November 2025). MnPASS rebranded to E-ZPass Minnesota in 2021, providing nationwide interoperability across 19 states.
MnPASS Express Lanes Toll Costs: Current Rates
MnPASS Express Lanes use dynamic pricing that adjusts every 3 minutes based on traffic conditions to maintain speeds of 50-55 mph. The system processes over 2 million trips annually across all corridors.
Current Toll Rates by Corridor (2025)
| Corridor | Solo Driver Rate | HOV 2+ Rate | Annual Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 (All Segments) | $0.25 - $8.00 | FREE | 1.3+ million trips |
| I-35W (All Segments) | $0.25 - $8.00 | FREE | 950,000+ trips |
| I-35E (All Segments) | $0.25 - $8.00 | FREE | 440,000+ trips |
| I-35W North (Roseville-Blaine) | $0.25 - $8.00 | FREE | Opened 2021 |
MnPASS Operating Hours by Route (2025)
| Route Segment | Direction | Peak Hours (Tolled) | 2025 Construction Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 Reversible (Hwy 100-Downtown) | East/West | Always tolled (min $0.25) | CLOSED July-Nov 2025 |
| I-394 Concurrent (Wayzata-Hwy 100) | Eastbound | 6:00-10:00 AM | Normal operation |
| I-394 Concurrent (Wayzata-Hwy 100) | Westbound | 3:00-7:00 PM | Normal operation |
| I-35W South (CR42-26th St) | Northbound | 6:00-10:00 AM, 3:00-7:00 PM | Burnsville construction limits |
| I-35W South (26th St-Cliff Rd) | Southbound | 6:00-10:00 AM, 3:00-7:00 PM | Burnsville construction limits |
| I-35E (Multiple segments) | North/South | 6:00-10:00 AM, 3:00-7:00 PM | Normal operation |
How to Pay MnPASS Express Lanes Tolls
You can use the following payment methods for MnPASS Express Lanes:
E-ZPass Minnesota System
Switchable E-ZPass Flex Tag (Recommended):
- Toggle between HOV mode (free) and Solo mode (paid)
- Works nationwide across 19 E-ZPass states
- $25 minimum account balance required
- Automatic replenishment available
Legacy MnPASS Tags:
- Existing MnPASS tags continue to work in Minnesota
- Cannot be used outside Minnesota
- Sticker tags are always active (no HOV/Solo switch)
- Free tag replacement available for out-of-state travel
Out-of-State E-ZPass Compatibility
Compatible Tags:
- I-PASS (Illinois), SunPass (Florida), FasTrak (California)
- Any E-ZPass tag from 19 participating states
- Works for solo drivers but cannot switch to HOV mode
⚠️ Important Warning:
- Remove out-of-state tags when carpooling to avoid duplicate charges
- Out-of-state tags are always in "fee-paying mode"
- Cannot switch between HOV and Solo modes
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 payment for solo drivers
To calculate toll costs for MnPASS Express Lanes and all Minnesota toll facilities, use TollGuru Minnesota toll calculator
Recent Changes and Construction (2025)
Critical Construction Impacts:
I-394 Bridge Repairs (2025-2026)
- Reversible E-ZPass lanes closed July-November 2025
- 34 bridges being repaired between Highway 100 and downtown Minneapolis
- 2026: Reversible lanes operate as regular lanes (no toll)
- Significant delays expected - consider alternative routes
I-35W Burnsville Construction (2025)
- April-November 2025: No E-ZPass lanes between Cliff Road and I-35 split
- All traffic diverted to northbound lanes
- E-ZPass lanes operate as regular lanes (no toll)
- Bridge replacement, drainage improvements, resurfacing
System Enhancements:
- E-ZPass interoperability operational since August 2, 2021
- Fourth express lane route: I-35W Roseville to Blaine (opened 2021)
- Enhanced traffic monitoring and dynamic pricing algorithms
- Orange Line BRT continues to utilize I-35W express lanes
Electric Vehicle Incentive Program:
- E-ZPass Minnesota credits for electric vehicle purchases/leases
- Program runs through October 31, 2025
- One incentive per person, requires active E-ZPass account
- Promotes electric vehicle adoption in Minnesota
MnPASS Express Lanes Network Overview
I-394 Express Lanes - America's First Urban HOT Lanes:
- Opened May 2005 as the first MnPASS lanes in Minnesota
- Converted from original HOV lanes built in 1980s-1990s
- Reversible lanes: Highway 100 to downtown Minneapolis
- Concurrent flow lanes: County Road 15 (Wayzata) to I-494
- Over 1.3 million tolled trips annually
I-35W Express Lanes - Multi-Segment Network:
- Opened in stages 2009-2011 south of downtown Minneapolis
- Northbound: County Road 42 to 26th Street (continuous)
- Southbound: 26th Street to Cliff Road
- Dynamic shoulder lane: 42nd Street to downtown
- Almost 950,000 tolled trips annually
- Orange Line BRT utilizes lanes for improved transit service
I-35E Express Lanes - East Metro Network:
- First express lanes in eastern Twin Cities metro area
- Opened December 2015: Cayuga Street to Little Canada Road
- Extended December 2016: Additional northbound and southbound segments
- Approximately 440,000 tolled trips annually
- Serves St. Paul to northern suburbs corridor
I-35W North Extension - Newest Addition:
- Opened 2021: Roseville to Blaine (County Road C to Lexington Avenue)
- Fourth express lane route in the Twin Cities system
- Serves northern metro commuter corridor
- Integrated with existing I-35W network
How MnPASS Dynamic Pricing Works
Pricing Algorithm:
- Tolls adjust every 3 minutes based on real-time traffic density
- Higher traffic volume = higher tolls (up to $8.00)
- Lower traffic volume = lower tolls (minimum $0.25)
- Goal: Maintain 50-55 mph speeds in express lanes
Pricing Display:
- Overhead signs show two pricing segments
- Example: $1.25 to Highway 62, $2.50 to I-94
- Price shown when entering = price you pay
- No additional charges for full trip length
Performance Metrics:
- 98% of trips maintain speeds above 45 mph during peak hours
- Single express lane moves twice as many people as regular lane
- 80% of express lane users are carpooling or riding buses
- Federal requirement: 90% of time above 45 mph (Minnesota exceeds this)
Planning Your MnPASS Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily commuter costs: $2-15 for typical cross-metro trips
- Monthly frequent users: $30-100 depending on routes and usage
- Average trip cost: $1.06 (2023 data)
- Free usage available 90% of the time
Best Practices:
- Use switchable E-ZPass Flex tag for maximum flexibility
- Check overhead signs for current toll rates before entering
- Carpool whenever possible to use lanes free during all hours
- Consider off-peak travel to avoid tolls entirely
2025 Construction Considerations:
- I-394 reversible lanes: Use alternative routes during closure
- I-35W Burnsville: Expect delays, allow extra time
- Monitor 511mn.org for real-time construction updates
- Consider public transit alternatives during major construction
Alternative Routes:
- I-394/I-35W/I-35E general purpose lanes (free but slower)
- Highway 100 for north-south travel
- I-494/I-694 loop for cross-metro travel
- Surface streets for local trips
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to MnPASS? Is it still available?
MnPASS was rebranded to E-ZPass Minnesota in August 2021. The system operates exactly the same way, but now provides interoperability with 19 other E-ZPass states. Existing MnPASS tags continue to work in Minnesota.
Can I use my Illinois I-PASS on MnPASS lanes?
Yes, since 2021, I-PASS and other E-ZPass compatible tags work on Minnesota express lanes. However, they cannot switch to HOV mode, so you'll be charged as a solo driver even when carpooling. Remove the tag when carpooling to avoid charges.
Do children count for the HOV 2+ requirement?
Yes, children and infants count toward the HOV 2+ requirement. A driver with one child can use the express lanes for free during all hours of operation.
Why are I-394 reversible lanes always tolled?
The I-394 reversible lanes require active traffic management and direction changes throughout the day. The minimum $0.25 toll helps cover operational costs and ensures only committed users access the lanes during transition periods.
How do I know if my tag is in HOV or Solo mode?
The switchable E-ZPass Flex tag has a physical switch. When carpooling, set it to "HOV ON" to use lanes for free. When driving solo, set it to "HOV OFF" to pay tolls. Always check your tag setting before entering express lanes.
MnPASS vs. Regional Systems
| System | Type | Operation | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MnPASS (Minnesota) | HOT Express Lanes | Peak hours only | Free 90% of time, reversible lanes |
| I-PASS (Illinois) | Traditional Tolls | Always tolled | Open Road Tolling, distance-based |
| Wisconsin | No tolls | Free highways | Tax-funded interstate system |
| Iowa | No tolls | Free highways | Tax-funded interstate system |
Useful Links & Resources
MnPASS System Information:
- I-394 Express Lanes - Detailed I-394 corridor information
- I-35W Express Lanes - I-35W corridor and Orange Line BRT
- I-35E Express Lanes - East metro corridor details
- Minneapolis Express Lanes - Complete city system overview
- Minnesota Toll Roads & Bridges - State toll information
E-ZPass Minnesota Services:
- E-ZPass Minnesota - Account setup and management
- MnPASS Switchable Tag - HOV/Solo mode instructions
- E-ZPass Flex Tag - Nationwide compatibility guide
Construction and Traffic Updates:
- MnDOT 511mn.org - Real-time traffic and construction information
- I-394/I-94 Minneapolis Project - Construction updates and detours
- I-35W Burnsville Project - Southern metro construction status
- E-ZPass Minnesota News - System updates and alerts
Customer Support:
- E-ZPass Minnesota Customer Service: 1-866-397-2774
- Online Account Management: www.dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn
- MnDOT General Information: 511 (phone) or 511mn.org
- Construction Updates: Project-specific email alerts available
