Paying for your ride
There are no fareboxes on METRO line buses or trains. You must pay for your ride before boarding. Police officers will randomly ask to see proof of fare payment on trains and stations. Have your proof of payment ready. There is a $180 fine for riding trains or buses without paying.
Note that rail station platforms are paid fare zones, reserved for those who are purchasing tickets or for ticketed customers who are waiting for or getting off trains.
Use cash or a credit card to buy a ticket from the ticket machine on the station platform, validate your Go-To Card or pass at the card reader on the platform or use the Metro Transit mobile app.
> Learn how to use a Go-To Card or pass
METRO lines
Fares for METRO lines are the same as local bus fares ($2.50 during rush hours, $2.00 at all other times). No express charges apply. Seniors, youth, Medicare card holders and people with disabilities qualify for reduced fares during non-rush hours.
Rush-hour fares apply Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 3 to 6:30 p.m.
Northstar Commuter Rail
Northstar fares are determined by the day of the week and distance traveled; there are no rush-hour fares on Northstar trains.
A Metropass, U-Pass, College Pass or Student Pass is valid for $3.25 toward your Northstar fare. Any remaining fare can be paid using stored value from your pass. Add value to your pass here.
Taking the train to a game or event?