If you are going to the Minnesota State Fair, here’s what you need to know about transit and parking options.

There are 31 free park-and-ride options offered through the Minnesota State Fair. Buses run from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. on Labor Day). Times vary based on traffic and crowds. Grandstand shows typically end between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. For more information go to mnstatefair.org/get-here/free-park-and-ride.

There’s also service from Express Bus provided by Metro Transit as well as Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and SouthWest Transit. For information on these options go to mnstatefair.org/get-here/metro-transit/

Metro Transit park-and-ride locations can be found in Blaine, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Cottage Grove and Maple Grove, with Maple Grove service only available on weekends and Labor Day.

There were an estimated 241,000 trips to and from the Fairgrounds on its Express Buses in 2023, according to Metro Transit spokesperson Drew Kerr. That was a 33% increase from 2022.

Metro Transit staff will be available at park-and-ride locations to provide help to riders, Kerr said. Fairgoers can also reach out to Metro Transit or check out its website for more information.

“Transit is a big part of the Fair. We’re looking forward to it, and we’re going to have a successful year,” Kerr said.

Bus fare through Metro Transit app

To make getting to the Fairgrounds easier, and to get a small discount, Kerr suggests buying bus fare within the Metro Transit app. A round trip ticket costs $5 through the app or their website and $6 at boarding locations.

Three different regular bus routes serve the Fairground areas, and

To find real-time information — such as available parking space — at Metro Transit park-and-ride locations, Kerr recommends checking on Metro Transit’s social media on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

Street parking

When it comes to street parking, the city of Falcon Heights has around 800 to 1,000 public parking spaces, but Falcon Heights City Administrator Jack Linehan suggests taking advantage of the State Fair’s park-and-ride system in order to leave city streets available for those who live in the area.

“We’re going to have our map online that residents and visitors can kind of look at and just determine if parking in Falcon Heights makes sense for them. We encourage people —  if they’re looking for parking — to really consider the park-and-rides and to not park in Falcon Heights,” Linehan said.

Falcon Heights’ parking restrictions during the State Fair will be similar to previous years, Linehan said. A 2023 Falcon Heights survey found that around 57% of 162 respondents found the parking enforcement measures that year were an improvement over previous years.

The city requires permit parking for some of the neighborhoods closest to the Fair and fines will be doubled Aug. 15 to Sept. 15 from $50 to $100 in areas where no parking is allowed. To check on parking restrictions in Falcon Heights during the Fair, visit falconheights.org/home/showpublisheddocument/5092.

“We know it’s something that we do every year and we enjoy the Fair, but we just ask people also to be respectful if they’re coming in and watch their trash and … watch their volume if they’re coming home late after a concert, and just being kind to neighbors is greatly appreciated,” Linehan said.

Related Articles

Your list of 63 (!) new beverages at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair

Avian influenza concerns mean new policies for lactating cattle at Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is looking for workers, will hold a job fair July 24

The 33 official Minnesota State Fair new foods announced for 2024

Minnesota State Fair opens auditions for the annual talent contest