Train Stations in Minneapolis Travel Guide 2026 - Beyond Borders

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Train Stations in Minneapolis Travel Guide 2026

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Remitly Editorial Staff
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Key Highlights

  • The main place for intercity travel is Union Depot in St. Paul. This is where Amtrak passengers get on and off their trains.

  • Metro Transit runs the light rail that links the Twin Cities to each other.

  • The METRO Blue Line lets you go from downtown Minneapolis straight to the Mall of America and the airport.

  • The METRO Green Line goes from downtown Minneapolis to the University of Minnesota and to Union Depot.

  • There are other ways to travel too, like the commuter rail Northstar line, giving people more options.

  • In Minneapolis, you will find the light rail and commuter rail services are connected, so it is easy for you to explore the city and reach places like the Mall of America and the University of Minnesota.

Introduction

Welcome to Minneapolis! It is not hard to get around the Twin Cities now. The city has a strong, connected network of passenger rail and rapid transit. Whether you come from out of town or want to see new places nearby, the trains give you a good and quick way to get where you want. This guide will tell you what you need to know about train stations in and near Minneapolis. Let it help you plan your trip with no stress.

Overview of Train Travel in Minneapolis

Getting around the Twin Cities by train is easy with Metro Transit. The Metropolitan Council runs this transportation system. The light rail is part of it. This train network links busy spots in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

If you need to go farther, you can use passenger rail at the Union Depot. These options—light rail and intercity trains—help both people visiting and people who live here get around the area well. The metro transit and passenger rail systems work together to make travel smooth in the Twin Cities.

Types of Train Stations Serving the City

Minneapolis and the area around it have a few types of train stations. Each station has its own use. The biggest difference between a light rail station and an Amtrak station is in the type of trips they support. A light rail station is meant for local and regional trips. Amtrak stations take you on longer journeys between cities and across the country.

The type of trip you take will help you choose the right station. If you want to go around the Twin Cities, use a light rail station on the METRO Blue Line or the Green Line. If you need to go on a long trip, you will use an Amtrak station. The main Amtrak station around here is Union Depot.

Here are the main station types:

  • Amtrak Stations: Union Depot is the main place for intercity passenger trains.

  • Light Rail Stations: These stops are along the METRO Blue Line and Green Line. They are for local travel.

  • Commuter Rail Stations: These stations, found on the Northstar line, connect the suburbs to downtown.

Key Transit Providers and Services

Metro Transit is the main way for people to get around on public transportation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. It runs the trains and buses in the region. This network helps you travel smoothly between the many metro lines and other services, like moving from light rail to bus rapid transit.

Besides the Blue and Green light rail lines that many people know, Metro Transit gives you more choices with other metro lines. These services often work closely with light rail, so it’s easy to switch from one to the other with little effort.

The key services that connect with the train network are:

  • METRO Orange Line: This is a bus rapid transit line. It links up with the Blue and Green lines at the Nicollet Mall station.

  • METRO A Line: This is another bus rapid transit service. It connects with the Green line at Snelling Avenue Station.

  • Metro Transit Buses: You can use these local bus routes to reach all the light rail stops and commuter train stations.

Metro Transit is great for getting where you need to go. It uses light rail and bus rapid transit to make travel fast, simple, and good for everyone.

Importance of Rail Networks in Minneapolis

The rail networks in Minneapolis are very important. They help connect people and places. They also help cut down on traffic and give everyone an easy way to get around. With light rail, commuter rail, and passenger rail service, there is a system that works for both daily trips and longer journeys. This setup helps the city grow and keeps it strong for the future.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation and local leaders are still working to grow and make the rapid transit system better. They want to connect more neighborhoods and the suburbs. This will make it simple for people to live, work, and enjoy life all over the Twin Cities, without needing a car.

In the end, trains do more than just move people from one spot to another. The train system is a big help for the local economy, the environment, and the lives of people in the Twin Cities.

Amtrak Service Around Minneapolis

If you are going to or leaving the Minneapolis area on a long train ride, you will pass through the beautiful Union Depot. There are no Amtrak stations right in Minneapolis, but this big travel spot is close by in the city of Saint Paul.

Union Depot is the main stop for Amtrak in this region. It is well-known for being on the Empire Builder route. This makes it the main place for people to catch intercity trains in the Twin Cities. Below, you will find out how to get to Union Depot and what will happen when you are there.

Location and Accessibility of Union Depot

Union Depot is a historic and beautifully restored multimodal transportation center located at 240 Kellogg Boulevard East in the Lowertown neighborhood of St. Paul. Owned by the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, this landmark serves as the region’s primary hub for intercity trains. Its location makes it easily accessible from downtown Minneapolis via public transportation.

The station is fully equipped to accommodate all travelers, with a strong focus on accessibility. From the moment you arrive, you will find features designed to make your experience smooth and comfortable. The building offers a barrier-free path from the entrance to the train platforms.

Below are some of the key accessibility features available at Union Depot:

Feature

Details

Accessible Platform

Provides a barrier-free path to the train.

Accessible Restrooms

Available for all passengers.

Accessible Waiting Room

Comfortable and spacious waiting areas.

Wheelchair Lift

Available to assist passengers with boarding.

Wheelchair Availability

Offered for moving around the station.

Amtrak Routes Connecting to Minneapolis

Right now, there is not an Amtrak station inside the city of Minneapolis. Amtrak connects the Twin Cities at the Union Depot in St. Paul. This layout keeps the long tradition of St. Paul being a key spot for trains, which started way back with the Great Northern railway.

The main train at Union Depot is the Empire Builder. This Amtrak ride links the big cities across the northern United States. It runs every day from Chicago and heads out to Seattle and Portland. The Empire Builder gives people a nice and easy way to see new places.

Even though most faraway trips are from St. Paul, the Twin Cities area still has a strong train story.

  • Empire Builder: This is the main Amtrak route stopping in the Twin Cities.

  • Historical Connections: The Twin Cities were once home to lines like the Great Northern.

  • Regional Rail: When people talk about Red Wing and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, they think about the area’s big train history.

How to Reach Union Depot from Downtown Minneapolis

Getting to Union Depot from downtown Minneapolis is easy when you use Metro Transit. The simplest and most used way is to take the METRO Green Line light rail. This ride takes you right between the two downtowns without having to change trains. The last stop for the Green Line is at Union Depot, so it is very close and simple for you.

You can get on a Green Line train heading east at any light rail station in downtown Minneapolis. It will bring you straight to St. Paul. Besides the light rail, there are some local bus routes and even bus rapid transit lines you can take to the station too. You can use the Metro Transit app to find out about your best way to get there.

Here are your best ways to travel from downtown Minneapolis to Union Depot:

  • Take the eastbound METRO Green Line.

  • Board at any downtown Minneapolis light rail station.

  • Ride the train to its last stop, Union Depot Station.

  • Or, look up local bus routes with the Metro Transit app to see other ways there.

METRO Light Rail System in Minneapolis

The main part of rapid transit in Minneapolis is the METRO light rail. It is run by Metro Transit. The system now has two key lines: the METRO Blue Line and the METRO Green Line. These give fast, steady rides and help people get to top spots all over the Twin Cities.

The Metropolitan Council manages the light rail system. It is built to be quick and easy. Trains come every 10-15 minutes during most of the day. The Blue Line and Green Line both cross in downtown Minneapolis. This makes it simple for people to switch lines. The next sections talk more about the metro blue line and the metro green line.

Metro Green Line – Key Features and Major Stops

The METRO Green Line is an important part of the Twin Cities transit system. It runs down the Central Corridor and links downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. It is used by a lot of students and workers at the University of Minnesota because the train line goes right through campus on Washington Avenue.

You can ride this line straight to Union Depot, which is the big Amtrak train station for the region. If you get on the Green Line in Minneapolis, you do not have to switch trains. You can stay in one seat all the way to St. Paul and catch your next train from there. The Green Line meets up with the Blue Line at several downtown Minneapolis stations. This makes switching from one line to the other very easy.

Key stops and things to know about the Green Line:

  • Target Field Station: This is where the line starts in the west part of Minneapolis.

  • University of Minnesota: There are a few stops here that serve the campus.

  • Central Corridor: The line follows University Avenue for much of its route.

  • Union Depot: This is the last stop in the east and the spot where you can catch your Amtrak train.

Metro Blue Line – Destinations and Connections

The METRO Blue Line is the main light rail line that goes north and south through Minneapolis. People use it to get to two big spots in the area. These are the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and the Mall of America. The line starts at Target Field Station in the North Loop. Then, it goes south through downtown Minneapolis.

When you are in downtown Minneapolis, the Blue Line and the Green Line use some of the same stations. That means you can get on or off at stops like Nicollet Mall and Government Plaza. This way, you can switch from one light rail line to the other if you need to go to St. Paul or Bloomington. The blue line is a good choice if you come into town by plane and need to get to the city.

The Blue Line is the way to reach a lot of popular stops:

  • Target Field: A key spot for both sports and fun.

  • Downtown Minneapolis: Stops at Nicollet Mall put you near offices and places with art or music.

  • MSP Airport: You can get off at Terminals 1 or 2 since both have their own light rail stop.

  • Mall of America: It’s the last stop on the line, and you can shop or find things do to for everyone.

The metro blue line makes it simple to go to and from downtown Minneapolis, Target Field, the airport, and the Mall of America. You can move between the blue

Ticketing, Schedules, and Passenger Info

Buying your fare for the METRO light rail is easy. You need to have a valid ticket before you get on the train. Every station platform has ticket machines. At these, you can buy single-ride tickets or all-day passes. You can use cash or a credit card to pay. These tickets let you switch between trains or buses for up to 2.5 hours.

If you want an even quicker way, you can use the Metro Transit app. With the app, you can buy and start tickets on your phone. You can choose single rides, all-day passes, and more. Another good choice is the Go-To Card. This card is reusable and you can add money to it online or at kiosks at the metro light rail stations.

There are a few easy ways to get your tickets:

  • Ticket Machines: Located at every station. You can pay with cash or card.

  • Metro Transit App: Buy and use tickets right on your phone.

  • Go-To Cards: Fill and reuse these smart cards for a fast way to pay fares.

Major Train Stations in Minneapolis

While Union Depot in St. Paul helps people travel long distances, Minneapolis has important train stations for local Metro Transit rides. The most important one is Target Field Station. This station is the main place for the METRO Blue Line, Green Line, and the Northstar Commuter Rail.

These train stations help you get around Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area. People use these stops to reach sports games, concerts, stores, and colleges. The light rail stations help you find the best places in the city, and everything is easy to get to. The next parts will show some of the key stations, like Target Field, on the metro blue line, green line, and the commuter rail.

Downtown Minneapolis Light Rail Stations

The center of downtown Minneapolis is where the METRO Green Line and METRO Blue Line come together. This spot for the rail network is important to the city. There are several light rail stations here that let people reach the business center, places for fun, and homes. The main stop in this area is Target Field Station. It is in the lively North Loop part of town.

Target Field Station is not just a simple light rail stop. It is a key spot to switch trains or lines. At this place, you can change easily between the Blue Line, the Green Line, and the Northstar Commuter Rail. Because of this, it is a main stop for people coming in from the north suburbs or those going to the Mall of America or St. Paul.

You can also find important downtown stations along 5th Street. These locations are Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue, Nicollet Mall, and Government Plaza. They put you right in the middle of downtown Minneapolis with quick ways to get to work, theaters, places to eat, and shops.

University of Minnesota Station Connections

The METRO Green Line is a very important way for people at the University of Minnesota to get around. The line goes right through the university, making it easy for students with a Universal Pass to ride between the East Bank and West Bank. It is free to use for these students. This has helped make it much easier for everyone to move around the campus.

The Green Line goes along the Central Corridor and stops at three main stations on campus: East Bank, Stadium Village, and West Bank. The East Bank station sits in the middle of campus on Washington Avenue. It’s only a short walk to Coffman Memorial Union and other main buildings on campus. With these stations, you don’t need to worry about campus shuttles or long walks to get to class.

The Green Line works for more than just students living on or near campus. If you are a teacher or staff member going to work from somewhere else in the Twin Cities, or a guest coming to see a Gophers game, you can use this train too. It does not just connect the university to downtown Minneapolis, but you can also ride to downtown St. Paul. This lets more people find homes, things to do, and places to eat and shop throughout both cities. The METRO Green Line really keeps the University of Minnesota linked to the Twin Cities, letting people get where they need to go on and off campus every day.

Airport and Mall of America Station Facilities

The METRO Blue Line gives people a fast and easy way to get to two big spots in the area: the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and the Mall of America. If you are flying in or flying out, this light rail is a good pick instead of a taxi or rideshare.

This Blue Line has a light rail station at both Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey) in the airport. You can find these stations inside the airport, so you can get to the check-in counters and baggage claim without any hassle. This makes it easy to travel from the airport to your hotel in downtown Minneapolis or to other stops on the line.

On the south end of the line is the Mall of America station. This is at the biggest shopping and entertainment spot in the United States, and the station drops you right at the main door. The whole place is inside, so you will always get a comfy, covered spot when you arrive, no matter the weather.

Historical Context of Minneapolis Train Stations

Minneapolis is known for its strong railroad past. This had a big part in how the city grew into what it is now. Back when trains were the main way to travel, the city was busy and full of life. Great Northern Railway and Northern Pacific were two big companies in the area. The great northern and northern railway helped Minneapolis connect with other places in the country. The trains moved goods and people and made the city’s economy better.

Many old train depots are not in use anymore. But you can still feel their impact in the city. It is clear in the way streets and buildings look today. The next parts will talk more about some of these old stations and how they are used now.

Iconic Historical Train Stations Still in Use

The best-known old train station still in use today is the Saint Paul Union Depot. It was first built in the 1920s. This building looks amazing now after a big update. Today, it is a busy spot where many types of travel meet. It is the main place for Amtrak in the Twin Cities. This keeps its long history of bringing people together.

While the Great Northern Depot in Minneapolis is not there anymore, the Union Depot is still working and strong. It helps keep the region’s big railroad story alive. The renovation brought back how good the station looked before and added the comfort of modern times. Because of this, it has become a great place to visit in Saint Paul.

Here are a few points about old stations:

  • Union Depot: This is a fully fixed-up and busy station in St. Paul.

  • Architectural Landmark: It is a great show of neoclassical style.

  • Modern Hub: It works as a spot for Amtrak, light rail, and bus rides.

  • Historical Legacy: The railroad history in the area is also kept at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

The Legacy of Great Northern Station

Minneapolis used to have the big Great Northern Station, which people also called the Great Northern Depot. For many years, this place was a busy spot for passenger rail. It was the main office for the strong Great Northern Railway in Minneapolis. The depot showed how important the city was to railroads across the country.

But, when fewer people started to use passenger rail in the middle part of the 1900s, things changed. The station was not used as much. In 1978, people took it down to build new things. Many missed the old building and felt sad to lose such a great piece of history. Today, the land is now where the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is found.

In the early 2000s, some people in the Minnesota Legislature talked about bringing back passenger rail. They even thought about building a new station. Still, people remember the Great Northern Depot and think about the good times of travel that once took place there.

Restoration and Modernization Efforts

The successful work to bring Union Depot back to life shows what can happen when people care about history and also think about what people need now. With this big project that took a few years and cost millions, Ramsey County turned a quiet, empty building into a busy transit hub that really works. Now, this updated space is the heart of St. Paul’s Lowertown area.

Ramsey County is not stopping there. They keep putting money into rail transit through new projects. The biggest one is the Southwest LRT, also called the Green Line Extension. This is set to stretch the Green Line from downtown Minneapolis out to southwestern towns, reaching Eden Prairie. This work is a big move for better trains and travel in the Twin Cities.

These plans show where things are headed for rail in the Twin Cities. By mixing old stations like Union Depot with new routes like the Green Line and the Southwest LRT, this region is building a strong and green transit system. This will help all of us for many years into the future.

Amenities and Services at Train Stations

Modern train travel is about more than just riding the train. The whole experience matters. Major train stations in the Minneapolis area, like Union Depot, give travelers many features and services. This is to help make your trip easy and nice. There is a fun waiting room, plus spots to eat and shop.

If you need parking, help getting around, or a quiet place to sit before your journey, these stations can help you. The next parts will tell you more about what traveler essentials these stations, like Union Depot, have for you.

Waiting Areas and Accessibility Features

Comfort and accessibility are very important at the main train stations in the area. At Union Depot, there is a big and clean waiting room where you can sit and relax before your train leaves. The station always has staff on hand, so it is safe for people who travel. When you ride local transit, the Metro Transit light rail platforms are outdoors but have shelters with roofs and heaters for the cold.

Both Union Depot and the Metro Transit system are made to be easy to use for everyone. At Union Depot, you will find elevators, restrooms you can use with a wheelchair, and lifts. The staff can also help you if you need anything, like help with your bags. In the same way, light rail trains and all the platforms are built so you can get on and off easily.

Key things you can find include:

  • Spacious Waiting Room: At Union Depot, you will have a big inside area to wait for your train.

  • Full Accessibility: You will see things like elevators, ramps, and restrooms you can use with a wheelchair.

  • Passenger Assistance: Staff are always there at Union Depot if you need help with things like wheelchairs or your bags.

Parking, Taxi, and Rideshare Availability

Getting a ride to or from the train station is simple. Union Depot has several parking lots. You can park for the day or even stay overnight for a fee, but spots are not promised ahead of time. If you do not drive, you will find special spots for taxis and rideshare pickups. This makes the trip easy.

A lot of Metro Transit stations outside the downtown area have park-and-ride lots. You can leave your car for free at these lots, then get on the light rail or train to reach the city. Big places like Target Field Station have parking ramps for a fee nearby. These are great for people going to an event or for commuters.

Your choices for getting around on the ground are:

  • On-site Parking: Union Depot has paid parking for the day and overnight.

  • Park and Ride: Many light rail and Metro Transit stations outside the city center have free parking lots.

  • Taxi and Rideshare: At busy stations, there are special spots where taxis and rideshare drivers can pick you up or drop you off.

Dining, Shopping, and Traveler Essentials

You do not need to go far to find food or things you need at the last minute. Union Depot has a lot of places for you to eat and shop. You can get a quick coffee or sit down for a meal right inside the station while you wait for your train. There are both cafes and regular sit-down spots to pick from.

If you ride the METRO Blue Line, you can use the Mall of America station to get to a huge group of places to eat and shop. There are so many stores and restaurants here, you could spend hours before or after your train just looking around. Many other light rail stops are in busy areas too, so you get more choices near your station.

Amenities at or near stations include:

  • Dining at Union Depot: There are different places to eat and have coffee at the station.

  • Shopping at Mall of America: You can take the Blue Line right to lots of shops.

  • Vending Machines: Union Depot has snack and drink machines as well.

Planning Your Visit to Minneapolis by Train

Planning your train trip in Minneapolis can be easy once you know where to get info. You can find what you need for train travel in the Twin Cities online. This helps when you need tickets to go across the country, or if you just want to know about local fares. When you know how to look up train times and handle transfers, your travel will be simple.

This part will give you the help and tips you need to travel with confidence in the Twin Cities. It will talk about booking tickets and the ways you can pay. You will be ready for a good trip in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Finding Schedules and Booking Tickets

To travel around the city, it is best to use light rail and buses from Metro Transit. The Metro Transit website and the Metro Transit app are great resources. You can use them to look up schedules, view route maps, and see any service updates. The trip planner tool in the Metro Transit app will help you pick the fastest way to get where you want to go.

If you want to get tickets for Amtrak, go to the Amtrak website. You will find schedules for the Empire Builder, check ticket prices, and can buy your ticket there. It is smart to buy your ticket early, especially when a lot of people will be traveling. That way, you can get a better price.

Here is where you can find what you need:

  • Metro Transit App/Website: This is good for getting all local light rail and bus schedules.

  • Amtrak Website: Use this for buying tickets and checking schedules for the Empire Builder train.

  • Minnesota Department of Transportation: Get general information about transit projects in the state.

Tips for Smooth Transfers Between Trains

Changing between train lines and other ways to get around in downtown Minneapolis is made to be easy. The most important thing is to know where you can switch lines. In downtown Minneapolis, the METRO Blue Line and Green Line both use the same track for some blocks. This makes it simple to go from one line to another at the shared stations.

If you ride the Northstar Commuter Rail, you will get off at Target Field Station. From there, go up to the light rail platform. This is where you can get on a Blue Line or Green Line train. When you buy a local transit ticket, it is usually good for 2.5 hours. That means you can switch between buses and trains in that time with one ticket.

Here are a few things to help you with easy transfers:

  • Know Your Station: Find out where main transfer points like Target Field Station or Nicollet Mall Station are.

  • Allow Extra Time: Try to have a few extra minutes to move between platforms.

  • Check the Signs: Each station has lots of signs telling you where trains go.

  • Use a Trip Planner: The Metro Transit app is helpful and shows you the best way to plan your transfers.

Getting around downtown Minneapolis with light rail and commuter rail is simple when you support your trip using the metro transit app and by planning transfers at locations such as Target Field or Nicollet Mall.

Navigating Fares and Payment Options

Understanding how fare works for Metro Transit is easy. On the light rail, you need to buy your ticket before you get on. The basic adult fare lets you take as many rides and transfers as you want on the bus and the light rail for 2.5 hours. Seniors, youth, and people with disabilities can get a lower fare.

There are a few ways to pay. Every station has ticket machines that take cash or credit and debit cards. You can also use the Metro Transit app to buy and keep tickets on your phone. If you often ride, you can get a Go-To Card. It’s a smart card you tap at the station for a quick way to pay.

Here’s how to pay your fare:

  • Ticket Machines: You can find these on every light rail platform.

  • Metro Transit App: Buy and turn on tickets with your smartphone.

  • Go-To Card: Reload the card and just tap to go.

  • All-Day Pass: Ride as much as you want all day.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting around the train stations in Minneapolis can really make your trip better. You will find the old and beautiful Union Depot, and you can also use the fast and smooth METRO Light Rail. Every station has something special for you, like handy services and things you might need. When you know about the main train operators, the different kinds of rail lines, and simple tips for planning, your travel in this city gets a lot easier. It does not matter if you are in town for work or just to have fun, taking the light rail lets you see and do more. Are you thinking about checking out Minneapolis by train? Go ahead and book your ticket. It’s time to have a trip you will never forget!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which train stations serve intercity travelers in Minneapolis?

For intercity passenger rail trips in the Twin Cities, you will go through Union Depot in St. Paul. This place is the main spot for Amtrak stations in this area. It serves the Empire Builder route. If you are taking a long train ride to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Union Depot is the only station you will use.

Is there a direct Amtrak station in downtown Minneapolis?

There is no Amtrak station right in downtown Minneapolis. If you want to use Amtrak, you have to go to Union Depot. This station is in the city of Saint Paul. But it is easy to get there from downtown Minneapolis. You can take the METRO Green Line light rail straight to Union Depot.

What amenities are offered at Union Depot for travelers?

Union Depot gives you many useful things when you travel. There is a waiting room that is comfortable and easy to use for all. The station is set up with special features that make it easy for people with different needs. You will find places to eat and shop right at the station. Parking is there for those who need it. You can use the restrooms, buy tickets, and get help from staff. Union Depot wants to make sure your trip is easy and good.