Route 54

When traveling to downtown Saint Paul, take Metro Transit. It’s fast, reliable and affordable.

Metro Transit’s bus and METRO (light rail and bus rapid transit lines) network is ideal for visitors because it connects you to many of the major Twin Cities destinations: downtown Saint Paul, the airport, University of Minnesota, downtown Minneapolis, Mall of America, and more. The network operates every day in all weather and traffic conditions — so you won’t miss your flight.

The Fastest Way to Downtown Saint Paul from the airport is Route 54

Route 54 service is available at the transit station, located on the east side of the Blue and Red parking ramps. To reach the station, follow the Ground Transportation signs to the lower level, then take the tram. Travel time to downtown is roughly 20 minutes.

There is no bus service from Terminal 2. Take the Blue Line (there’s no charge to ride between terminals) to Terminal 1 and follow the directions above.

METRO Blue Line service to downtown Saint Paul:

Take the escalator down one level from the tram and buy a ticket at the rail ticket machine. Continue down another level to the rail platform. Trains operate roughly every 15 minutes during most of the day. Hop aboard the METRO Blue Line to Minneapolis and get off at U.S. Bank Stadium Station. From there, get on an eastbound METRO Green Line directly to downtown Saint Paul. Travel time is about an hour

Cost effective ways to travel between the airport and Saint Paul

The fare is $2 any time of day, (with Express bus fares ranging from $2.50-3.25 depending on rush hour) and $0.50 in Downtown Zones if you are already in the area and need to travel a few blocks.

On buses like Route 54, place dollar bills or coins in the farebox. Sorry, change is not available. To transfer to another bus or train, ask for a transfer, which is valid for bus and METRO line rides for 2½ hours.

On METRO lines, buy a ticket from machines at stations. Tickets are valid for bus and METRO line rides for 2½ hours. Credit cards are accepted and change is available. Keep your ticket as proof of fare payment for police officers who patrol trains.

Or, download the free Metro Transit app to buy tickets right from your phone! The app is available from the Apple and Google app stores.

Fare Options

These fares help you explore more for less! All fares subject to change.

All Day Pass – $4 (Adults) & $2 (Reduced Fare and Mobility)

Get unlimited rides on buses and METRO lines from the time of purchase through 2 a.m. the next day.

Mobility Fare – $1

This applies to regular and express buses.

Downtown Zone – Only 50¢ at any time

Ride within the Saint Paul Downtown Zone. Cash only, not available on the Metro Transit app. (Transfers are not available.)

Reduced Fare (Youth ages 6-12 and Seniors 65+) – $1

During Rush hour on Express Buses, the fare increases to $3.25

Rush Hour is Monday-Friday from 6-9 a.m. and 3-6:30 p.m.

Things to see along Route 54

West 7th Street Guide

Saint Paul RiverCentre

Roy Wilkins Auditorium

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Minnesota Children’s Museum

Center for Lost Objects

Keg + Case Market

Grand Oak Opry

Bad Weather Brewing

Waldmann Brewery + Wurstery

Scout Handsome Apparel + Gifts

Café Astoria

Need more information?

Online

Visit metrotransit.org and click on How to Ride for answers to all your questions about riding the train or bus. Use the online Trip Planner and you’ll have a personalized itinerary in seconds.

By phone

Our transit experts provide everything you need to complete your trip. Give them a call at 612-373-3333. Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In person

Visit our service center in downtown Saint Paul (skyway level of US Bank Center, 101 E. 5th Street) for answers to questions about routes, schedules, or fares. Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 3:30 p.m.