Minnesota Toll Roads Complete Guide: E-ZPass Express Lanes and Bridges 2026
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Minnesota Toll Roads & Express Lanes Complete Guide
System: E-ZPass Minnesota express lanes (formerly MnPASS) + 2 cash-only border toll bridges; no traditional toll highways
Coverage: Minneapolis-St. Paul metro express lanes (I-394, I-35W, I-35E); International Falls Bridge (to Ontario), Fargo-Moorhead Bridge (to North Dakota)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass Minnesota switchable Flex transponders (HOV dial), dynamic pricing updated every 3 minutes; legacy MnPASS tags still work
Operator: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Minnesota? 2026 Update
No. Minnesota's express lanes are completely optional — free general purpose lanes always run alongside the tolled express lanes. If you travel with 2 or more people (HOV 2+), drive a bus or motorcycle, or travel outside peak hours, you pay nothing in the express lanes. Solo drivers pay $0.25–$8.00 only during peak hours (6–10 AM and 3–7 PM weekdays) when they choose to use the express lanes.
Key Reality: Minnesota has NO traditional toll roads. All Minnesota interstates, highways, and bridges within the state are toll-free except for optional express lanes in the Twin Cities metro and two small cash-only international border bridges. Express lanes are free approximately 90% of the time — only during weekday peak hours do solo drivers pay a toll.
2026 Update: MnPASS was rebranded E-ZPass Minnesota in August 2021 and is now interoperable with the full 19-state E-ZPass network. The I-394 reversible express lane bridge repair project (34 bridges between Highway 100 and I-94) that closed those lanes July–November 2025 has completed; monitor 511mn.org for current lane status heading into 2026. The I-494 express lane construction project (Highway 100 to I-35W) is in its 2023–2026 multi-phase construction; expect lane reductions in that corridor. Children and infants count toward the HOV 2+ requirement — one driver plus one child qualifies as HOV.
Minnesota Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)
Express lane tolls are dynamic — rates change every 3 minutes based on real-time traffic to maintain a free-flow speed of at least 45 mph. Rates are displayed on overhead LED signs before each entry point and refresh continuously. There is no fixed price schedule; rates shown here are typical ranges.
Express Lane Rate Ranges — Solo Drivers During Tolled Hours
| Facility | Length | Toll Range (Solo, Peak) | Free Periods / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-394 Express Lanes (Minneapolis west suburbs) | ~16 miles | $0.25–$8.00 | Reversible section east of Hwy 100: always tolled for solo; concurrent flow west of Hwy 100: free off-peak |
| I-35W Express Lanes (Minneapolis south suburbs) | ~8 miles (north segments; more with extensions) | $0.25–$8.00 | North shoulder lane: always tolled when open; southern segments: free off-peak |
| I-35E Express Lanes (St. Paul east) | ~8 miles | $0.25–$8.00 | Free off-peak; peak: 6–10 AM and 3–7 PM weekdays |
| HOV 2+ / Buses / Motorcycles (all express lanes) | All lengths | FREE | All hours; E-ZPass Flex transponder set to HOV mode required; children count toward HOV |
| Average solo driver trip cost | — | ~$1.06 per trip | Average across all trips including free off-peak periods |
I-394 Schedule — When Lanes Are Tolled
| Segment | Direction | Tolled Hours |
|---|---|---|
| West of Hwy 100 (concurrent flow) | Eastbound | Weekdays 6–10 AM only |
| West of Hwy 100 (concurrent flow) | Westbound | Weekdays 2–7 PM only |
| East of Hwy 100 to downtown (reversible) | Eastbound (in operation 6 AM–1 PM) | Always tolled for solo when open (min $0.25) |
| East of Hwy 100 to downtown (reversible) | Westbound (in operation 2 PM–5 AM) | Always tolled for solo when open (min $0.25) |
To calculate toll costs for Minnesota express lanes and border bridges, use the TollGuru Minnesota toll calculator:
How to Pay Minnesota Tolls
1. E-ZPass Minnesota / E-ZPass Flex Transponder (Express Lanes):
- Switchable E-ZPass Flex transponder with an occupancy dial (1, 2, 3+) — set to HOV mode before entering the lane to ride free when carpooling
- Out-of-state E-ZPass transponders also work in Minnesota at standard rates — however, they cannot switch to HOV mode and will always charge as solo drivers even when carpooling; remove the tag when carpooling to avoid charges
- Legacy MnPASS tags from before the 2021 rebranding continue to work in Minnesota only
- Free transponders available for HOV-only travelers on I-25 (wrong state — for MN: check MnDOT for current free transponder offers)
- Open account at MnDOT E-ZPass Minnesota or call 1-866-397-2774
- Video tolling (without transponder): cameras photograph plate, bill mailed to registered owner at a higher rate
2. Cash (Border Bridges only):
- International Falls Bridge (Rainy River crossing to Fort Frances, Ontario): cash toll booth; no E-ZPass accepted
- Fargo-Moorhead Bridge (Red River crossing to North Dakota): cash toll booth
- Both border bridges are small, local crossings with simple cash payment
Construction Impacts (2026)
I-394 Bridge Repair: The major bridge project repairing/replacing 34 bridges between Highway 100 and I-94 closed the I-394 reversible express lanes July–November 2025. Those lanes are expected to be back in full operation in 2026. Confirm current status at 511mn.org.
I-494 Express Lane Construction (2023–2026): New express lanes under construction between Highway 100 and I-35W in the southwest metro. Current phase involves lane reductions, ramp closures, and bridge replacements. Expect slower travel through this corridor during construction periods; check 511mn.org for current conditions.
I-35W Burnsville Construction: The April–November 2025 construction that temporarily converted express lanes to regular lanes at Cliff Road south has concluded. The I-35W south shoulder lane and express lane network continues to serve Minneapolis commuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to use Minnesota express lanes?
Only if you are a solo driver during peak hours (6–10 AM or 3–7 PM weekdays). HOV 2+, buses, and motorcycles are always free in express lanes. Outside peak hours, all express lanes are open and free for everyone, including solo drivers.
Does E-ZPass from another state work in Minnesota?
Yes, since the 2021 rebranding to E-ZPass Minnesota. However, out-of-state E-ZPass transponders always operate in solo-pay mode — they cannot switch to HOV mode. If you're carpooling, remove the out-of-state tag before entering the express lane to avoid being charged.
Does Minnesota have any toll roads outside Minneapolis-St. Paul?
No. Express lanes are only in the Twin Cities metro area. All other Minnesota highways, including I-35, I-90, I-94, US-10, and all state routes, are completely toll-free. The two international border bridges (International Falls and Fargo-Moorhead) have small cash tolls but are not highway toll roads.
Minnesota vs. Neighboring States (2026)
| State | System | Tag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Express lanes only + 2 border bridges | E-ZPass Flex (HOV-switchable) | No traditional toll roads; HOV 2+ free; $0.25–$8 dynamic |
| Illinois | 294-mile all-electronic tollway | I-PASS / E-ZPass | No cash; passenger rate increase pending June 2026 |
| Wisconsin | No toll roads | N/A | Entirely toll-free; shares I-94 corridor with Minnesota |
| Iowa | No toll roads | N/A | Entirely toll-free; shares I-90/I-35 corridors |
Useful Links & Resources
- US Toll Guide - All 37 toll states overview
- Minnesota Toll Calculator - Calculate express lane tolls for Twin Cities routes
- E-ZPass Minnesota / MnDOT - Open account, manage transponder; phone: 1-866-397-2774
- 511 Minnesota - Real-time traffic, construction updates, express lane status
- Minneapolis Express Lane Guide - Detailed I-394, I-35W, I-35E access and rate guide
- I-394 Express Lanes - Complete I-394 schedule and pricing guide
- I-35W Express Lanes - Complete I-35W routes and pricing guide
