How To Get To Target Field (Transit Guide) | Minnesota Twins

Greetings Baseball Fans and Ballpark Nerds – below is your complete guide for how to get to Target Field in Minneapolis. That is, if you’re hoping to avoid driving and parking, which I will cover in another post.

I’m sharing everything you need to know about alternatives to driving to the Minnesota Twins ballpark, including public transit, rideshares, even bicycling and walking.

There’s a lot here, so I’ve broken it down into parts. You can skip to what you want, but it’s all worthwhile:

Metro Transit – Blue + Green Light Rail Lines
Northstar Line
Metro Transit Bus
Southwest Transit Twins Express
Amtrak
Greyhound / Flixbus
Bicycle + Bikeshare
Taxicab + Rideshare
Elsie’s Twins Shuttle
Pedicabs
Walking / Skyway

Okay, got your coffee? Let’s get rolling:

A train station built for the ballpark. Because baseball matters.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #1) Metro Transit Blue + Green Light Rail Lines.

The designers of Target Field couldn’t have made it easier to use public transportation, with a station built right at the ballpark. Metro Transit of Minneapolis features not one but two light rail lines that drop riders off at the entrance. They even built the station for this. Sweet.

The Blue Line runs from Bloomington, at the Mall of America (site of the Twins’ pre-Metrodome stadium). The Green Line extends to St. Paul, at the Union Depot Station. Tickets are cheap, and much cheaper if you board a train in downtown Minneapolis.

If you’re visiting and haven’t chosen your accommodations yet, you can save a bundle by finding a place somewhere along the routes. Here is the system map to help you with that.
 

The ampersand saves money on additional letters, which Metro then passes on to you.

There’s plenty of free parking at most of the stations, including at the Mall of America, 30th Avenue, 28th Avenue, and Fort Snelling. You should have no trouble finding a spot most days.

Taking a train from downtown is useful if you’re staying there, but in most cases I wouldn’t park downtown and take a train just to save a few bucks. Parking near the ballpark isn’t that costly.

Metro offers an All-Day Pass, which includes trains and buses and pays for itself with two rides, and discounted fares for seniors and children. It’s great for anyone looking to go cheap (save money for food at the game).

There probably should be more ticket machines, but that’s not a problem for smart fans like you.

The ride from the Mall of America or St. Paul takes about 45 minutes, so plan accordingly. You can also transfer from a Red Line bus at the Mall of America for free.

The ticket machines are easy enough to use, but the Metro Transit app is even easier. It’s a good idea to have it on your phone; you never know when machines won’t work. I also highly recommend buying an All-Day pass to avoid ticket machine lines after the game.

Just saying, all of these folks will likely be using the train after the game too.

Simplicity and affordability aside, there are a few things you should know about using Metro.

The first is that Metro trains will be very crowded after games. If you want a seat for the ride (and you will), you may have to let a couple of trains leave first. It’s still faster than leaving the parking garages can be, but requires some patience.

Some fans suggest parking cheaply near U.S. Bank Stadium or the University of Minnesota and using Metro from there, which avoids the post-game parking mess and saves some money. You might not mind standing on a packed train for that short of a time. (Use SpotHero for parking of course.)

Your friendly reminder to help keep Metro safe.

The other concern is safety. Downtown Minneapolis definitely wasn’t a pleasant place not long ago, and there are people who are still nervous about riding Metro. I had no problems with it in my visit, but I understand the trepidation folks might have.

On game days especially, there are enough fans riding, and something of a police presence where needed, that you shouldn’t have to worry. Use basic common sense, don’t display valuables, and you should be fine riding the train.

Looks safe, but snowball fights are always a thing.

I did have locals tell me to avoid parking at the Mall of America; there are still safety concerns there. Using 30th or 28th Avenue parking is easier anyway.

It isn’t 2020 anymore, and Metro by most accounts has gotten much better, including with added security. Thousands of folks ride it every day without incident. My only advice would be to avoid Mall of America parking, and ride when the rest of the fans do if you’re concerned.

Basically, it’s typical big city public transit. Not always pleasant, but nearly always safe, cheap and convenient.

Don’t let baseball stop you from traveling like commuters do.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #2) The Northstar Line.

What a service the designers of Target Field did for fans. In addition to serving the Metro Light Rail, the Target Field Station also brings in trains from the aptly named Northstar Line, from the upper suburbs of Minneapolis towards Big Lake.

Northstar is generally commuter-oriented, but they run service to most Twins games. They’ll have a schedule to show you when it’s available. Most all of the stations have free parking, and some even allow you to park overnight.

Bodies of water are a thing in Minnesota.

Northstar trains are larger and much more comfortable than your typical Metro trains, so they’re easier and more pleasant to ride on. They also feature free Wi-Fi and restrooms, a nice plus for pre-game partying types. Travel time from Big Lake is about 51 minutes.

The fares are higher than light rail (and based on zones), but it’s worth it. You can use the Metro Transit app to buy your pass. Northstar even offers family round trip passes for a great discount, and kids five and under ride for free.

No sense in driving through the snow for a Twins game!

Your only concern is a delayed game, which cancels the service, so have a backup plan for rainy days. Well, that and infrequency of trains, so I would check the schedule so you’re not waiting too long for one. You can sign up for text alerts for the latest info.

Again, something to consider for your choice of accommodations if you’re visiting. I would certainly use the Northstar for a nice ride to the game if I were in, say, Fridley.

“Rapid” is a subjective term when it comes to city buses, but the D bus is faster than walking.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #3) Metro Bus.

Yeah, I said it, you can take a bus to a Twins game.

Normally I’m not a bus to the game type (Wrigley Field being a possible exception), except when other transit options are rare like in Atlanta. But Minneapolis is very transit-oriented, and if you don’t mind the bus, there’s some good options here.

Metro Transit lists the buses that stop at or near Target Field here. Those METRO C and D bus routes, incidentally, are built to offer what Metro calls “train-like amenities”, including modern vehicles, fewer stops, and more frequent service.

Now you already know some of the bus routes that stop at the ballpark. (And how many career home runs Hank Aaron hit.)

So if you’re not sure about riding the bus instead of a train, have a look at the C or D buses and see if they’re convenient for you. They’re included on the light rail map, so the Metro people seem to think they’re in that vein. You should be able to find a park and ride station easily.

You may have also noticed that Metro’s Orange Line bus has a stop at the Nicollet Mall area. This is not too long of a walk from Target Field, or you can hop on a light rail the rest of the way. There’s also the aforementioned Red Line bus to Mall of America.

You get the idea. If you’re not near a light rail station, there could be a train-like bus for you to use, especially in the downtown area. Metro’s All-Day pass offers a bunch of opportunities.

It doesn’t get more convenient than this. (photo courtesy of Southwest Transit)

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #4) Southwest Transit Bus.

I told you this post was going to cover it all. (And I’m still just warming up.)

The friendly Southwest Transit folks run buses from – wait for it – the southwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. If you’re coming from Eden Prairie, Chaska, or Chanhassen, the Southwest Transit Twins Express could be a great money- and driving headache-saving option for you.

They don’t run to every Twins game, but they’ll say on their website when they do, and what times the buses will leave from each destination. Buses leave the ballpark 30 minutes after the last out (or 30 minutes after post-game fireworks), so you have time but don’t dawdle.

And they’re eco-friendly, too. (photo courtesy of Southwest Transit)

Fares are very cheap, and free to children under five and disabled veterans. You can buy your fare tickets in advance with the Token Transit app. Southwest Transit has their own app too, where you can view alerts and schedules.

Southwest Transit gets pretty good marks for their service, and you can’t beat the price for a comfortable ride over gas and parking. Well worth a look if you’re in the areas it serves.

With a train station this size, you’re certain to have a train you can use.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #5) Amtrak.

So, are you coming from Chicago or Milwaukee by train to see a Twins game? If you’re using Amtrak, it’s easy enough to get to Target Field. Amtrak stops at the Union Depot Station in St. Paul, and from there you can hop on a Green Line train directly to the ballpark.

The St. Paul station is a stop on the Empire Builder line, which runs from Chicago to Seattle. According to what I’ve read, it’s about an eight hour trip to Chicago, so it would be slightly less from Milwaukee.

Amtrak is what it is, known for delays. If you’re planning a game the same day, I would choose the earliest departure you can and plan to stay the night.

And the train is right here waiting to take you to the game.

Incidentally, since I’m all about the money-saving ballpark tips, here’s a bonus tip for you. You can bring your own food in a 16*16*8 bag to Target Field. (See more about that here.)

So since you’re stopping at the Union Depot, you can fill up your goody bag with pastries from the coffee station, a wrap from the Farmer’s Fridge, or even a sandwich from the Lost Fox a block from the station. Bonus tip for ya.

You can catch a bus right here at the Twins parking ramp.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #6) Intercity Bus Service.

Sure, going from city to city on Amtrak might be fun, but there are several bus services that can do the job equally well and often more cheaply. Greyhound and Flixbus in particular have you easily covered for Twins games.

Greyhound has a station at 516 2nd Avenue North, which is literally right at the ballpark. Well at Parking Ramp B anyway. On a cooler day, you don’t even need to be outside much to get there.

“Someone say they need a bus?”

Similarly, Flixbus has a stop almost as close, at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 4th Street, just a five minute walk to the center field gate.

Neither of the services are cheap, but coach buses are generally comfortable, with bathrooms and Wi-Fi. I’m including both services here just for the convenience factor. If you’re coming from Madison or Duluth or another town some distance away, it can be a convenient alternative.

Make sure you don’t grab someone else’s bike. Just saying.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #7) Bicycle + Bikeshare.

Sure, stay healthy and ride your bicycle to the ballgame. Everyone’s doing it, right?

I kid. I’m all for people staying in shape and reducing their energy consumption, all of that. And the Twins are too. There are plenty of places to lock your bike around the ballpark. There’s also plenty of places downtown too, and Parking Ramp B has a fenced in bicycle storage area.

The Twins also have a designated space outside where you can check in your bicycle and they’ll watch it for you. It’s on the west side of the ballpark near Gate 6, not far from the train station. A cool thing.

Sorry, I didn’t bring extra chalk to finish the drawing.

Minneapolis features bicycle paths throughout downtown, including along 2nd/Glenwood Avenues and 7th Avenue close to the ballpark. Here is a city bicycle map if you need it.

You can also easily pedal to the ballpark via Cedar Lake Trail, which is a popular local bicycling destination. The area is built for cyclists, and can get you to Target Field from other trails in the area. A great way to cycle off your Kramarczuk’s cheese brat after the game.

It’s fine so long as the driver doesn’t decide to rear end someone.

You can also bicycle to a Metro light rail or bus station, and either put your bike on the front of the bus or on the rack inside the light rail car. Northstar has spaces for bicycles on their trains. Or you can lock your bicycle at a station if you’re comfortable with that.

All of the convenience aside, be mindful of a couple things if you lock your bike here. Use a very solid lock, and keep your bicycle in a well-lit and populated area. There are stories of stolen bicycles and snipped cables around the interwebs.

Limes, scooters, I mean it’s obvious when you think about it.

Like most cities these days, Minneapolis has a couple of bicycle sharing services. As I write this it’s Lime and Veo, although that could change as these things do. The best part is that both services offer e-bike and scooter rentals, for an easier trip to the game.

With both Lime and Veo, you can end your trip anywhere, including at Target Field. This may limit your availability, but I did see several Lime vehicles around the area in my visit.

Depending on where you’re coming from, you have plenty of other ways to get where you’re going if there’s no Lime or Veo vehicles available (as I think I’ve shown here).

Because that’s what Minnesotans do.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #8) Taxicab + Rideshare.

I don’t often recommend taxis or rideshares to get to a ballpark, unless you don’t want to drive or ride a train, and you don’t care about the cost. After the game especially, if you hail a ride close to the ballpark, you could be sitting in postgame traffic with the meter running. No bueno.

That said, Target Field does have a taxi stand, and it’s between Gates 14 and 29 on 7th Street, west of the Ramp A garage. Before and after games, you’ll likely see a small price surge.

In defense of taxi drivers.

If you do go this route, you may want to try either waiting for crowds to thin out after the game, or take a short walk away from the ballpark before calling for your ride. Could save you a few bucks. As far as arriving, you can do that earlier and avoid traffic and surge pricing.

The billboard you see in the picture is for RideSure, an organization that is sticking up for taxicab drivers and companies against their rideshare counterparts. They make some fair points. If you want to try the taxi option, they have an app you can use to order one.

It’s even kinda painted in the Twins’ colors.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #9) The Elsie’s Shuttle.

There needs to be more of this in baseball. Tavern and restaurant shuttles make Milwaukee and Detroit baseball great.

The nice folks at Elsie’s Restaurant, Bar & Bowling Center offer great times along with your Twins baseball. For a small fee, you can use their Twins shuttle to the game, and afterwards you get a free drink at the bar.

Elsie’s features breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and obviously bowling if you have the energy for it after cheering on an exciting Twins win. Their food is affordable and gets high marks. If you’re looking for a great meal and free parking with your Twins baseball, here you go.

With the alert orange socks, you can’t miss him.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #10) Pedicabs.

I stumbled on this one in my Target Field visit, and I knew my readers needed to know this kind of obscure stuff ahead of time. You get this kind of info here, at no extra charge.

After a Twins game, if you’re one of the folks captivated by the bucket drummers (and they are awesome here), you may also see some of the Twin Town Pedicabs. These are cyclist-powered rickshaws that will take you to another downtown destination if you don’t want to walk it.

It’s not the cheapest experience, but if you see one and don’t feel like walking back to the garage or your hotel, maybe give the friendly pedicab driver a try. You can also call Twin Town and have one sent out to you.

Because tunnels rock. Especially on cold days.

How To Get To Target Field, Tip #11) Walking (and the Skyway).

What’s that you say? Scooters move too fast and you want to walk? Well, in many cases, you can easily amble to a Twins game.

Target Field is uniquely situated just on the edge of a downtown area, and the city took pains to enable pedestrian access to it, such as on the 5th and 7th Street bridges over I-394. Downtown is compact and walkable, and it’s a fairly easy walk from several nice spots.

If you’re staying downtown and want to hoof it, give yourself some extra time for waiting at crosswalks. Like most cities, I wouldn’t recommend walking back at night, unless you can stay with a crowd and you’re not going far.

And you don’t have to wait at crosswalks.

Minneapolis climate being what it is, you may want to be indoors as much as possible. The city beautifully accommodates this through its impressive skyway network, with indoor walkways that connect most of the buildings, including the parking garages (ramps) at Target Field.

Incidentally, it’s great on hot days too, which indeed there are a few of here.

See? Piece of cake.

The city offers this helpful guide and this map for using the skyway system, but it can still be confusing to navigate. (I speak from experience.) It might be a good idea to know step by step where you’re going next. You will see signs as you get close to the ballpark pointing the way.

The skyway doesn’t stay open too late, so you should have an alternate plan for getting back. But getting there, the Skyway is definitely fun and useful, with food and drink destinations on the way.

You’re here? Great. Looks like my work here is done.

There you are my friends, a complete suite of tips for getting to Target Field without driving and parking. I promise I’ll cover parking too, soon. If I missed anything or you have questions, feel free to drop me a line.

If you need more Target Field help, try this guide for finding deals on tickets, my detailed and amazingly helpful Target Field seating guide, and this primer on some great food items at the home of the Twins. And be sure to Follow me on Facebook for new stuff.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the Yard!