Metro Transit
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Mass transit options in the Twin Cities are limited to an extensive network of bus routes covering the metro area, and the Hiawatha Light Rail Line, which runs between downtown Minneapolis, the airport, and the Mall of America. Both are operated by Metro Transit.

Metro Transit's trip planner can be a real time-saver. It's easy to use and customize to individual needs and preferences, and can plot one-way and round-trip travel to landmarks and specific addresses. Interactive route maps for the entire metro area, and smaller ones for both downtowns, are also helpful.

The base fare for adults is $1.50/ride for buses and trains; higher rates apply during rush hours (Mon-Fri 6am-9am & 3pm-6:30pm), and for suburban express buses. All riders, however, pay only 50 cents for bus or train travel within the Downtown Zone, regardless of the hour. Fares are inserted into a farebox upon boarding; drivers do not make change.

Children ages five and under ride free, up to three per paying adult; ages 6 to 12 ride for just 50 cents, except during rush hours, when they must pay full fare, which can be as high as $2.75. Be sure to let the driver know you're paying a youth fare before inserting a stored-value card into the farebox, otherwise the adult fare will be deducted.

Buses and trains accept cash, tokens, and passes, but stored-value cards can only be used on buses. Most fares include transfer privileges for 2.5 hours in any direction. A transfer must be requested when paying a fare unless using a fare card (which automatically registers it). There's one exception: when using a stored-value card to pay bus fare before transferring to the train, riders must request a special "rail-only" transfer, good for 12 hours, and show that along with the stored-value card to board the train.

Several pass and discount options are available: A $6 day pass provides unlimited bus and train rides within 24 hours of its first use; a six-hour pass, at $3.50, allows unlimited travel during that time period. For families travelling together, a better bet might be the Supersaver passes, sold in increments of $10, $20, and $40, which provide, respectively, $11, $22, and $44 of transit value with no expiration date. They can be used for multiple travellers at once - but remember, they can't be used on the train! Monthly passes cost $50-$104/person, depending on hours and routes of travel.

The new Go-To Card is even more versatile than Supersaver passes, and offers more convenience for regular riders. The reloadable hard plastic passes are programmed to deduct the correct fare in effect at any given time (even for children and seniors), and the card just has to be touched against a reader, rather than inserted in the farebox. Riders get a $1 bonus for every $10 added to the card, which stores a maximum of two 31-day passes and up to $200; for a limited time, the card itself is free, but will eventually cost $5. Go-To Cards can be registered to protect their value if they are lost or stolen.

Bicycles can be transported on buses and trains, though that privilege may be curtailed during special events and rush hours. There's no additional charge, but to avoid mishaps, carefully follow the loading instructions for the front-mounted racks on buses. Bike racks in the trains are somewhat easier to use, and located inside each car.

Use Metro Transit buses and light rail service for inexpensive travel between the airport and surrounding metro area.

Metro Transit's Lost & Found is open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, and located at 570 Sixth Avenue North. Items found on buses and trains are turned in by 8:30am the following business day.

The Transit Information Center (612.373.3333) is open Mon-Fri 6:30am-9pm; Sat-Sun & Holidays 8am-5pm. Call 612.341.4287 for automated service 24/7.

Check the website for free fare offers tied to "green" events and arena sports matches - Metro Transit offers the passes to encourage attendees to leave their cars at home.