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State Fair

Ride with MVTA to the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

August 21 – September 1

MVTA Park & Ride Locations for the Minnesota State Fair:

All MVTA State Fair bus fares are $6 round-trip.

How to Purchase Your Bus Fare:

  • RideMVTA App (Recommended)
    • Download the free RideMVTA App
    • Follow the instructions and activate your pass only when ready to board the bus.
    • Show your digital pass to the driver when boarding the bus
  • Cash
    • Insert $6 exact cash in the bus farebox. Drivers are unable to make change.
  • Credit or Debit Card
    • Locate an MVTA staff member on-site.
    • Pay using your credit or debit card to receive a ticket.

Free Riders:

  • Children (0-5)
  • Veterans
    • Must show valid military ID

When you are ready to come home, head to the exact location where you were dropped off at the fairgrounds. The last bus departs the fairgrounds at 11:30 pm from August 21 to August 31 and at 9:30 pm on Labor Day. 

Please Note: There is no State Fair Service from Marschall Road Transit Station in Shakopee. 

Q: How do I purchase tickets on the RideMVTA app? 

A: MVTA riders can purchase $6 tickets by downloading the free RideMVTA App. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.  

Sign into your RideMVTA account, or create a new account by registering in the app. This will require a phone number and an email address that you have access to.  

On the home page of the app, scroll down and select State Fair Ticket under Upcoming Events. Select the number of tickets for purchase and click add to cart. Choose payment method and slide to buy. 

Do not activate tickets until shortly before boarding the bus. 

Show your active ticket to a staff member on site or to the bus driver. 

One $6 ticket is good for a round-trip ride both to and from the fair. You will not be required to show your ticket for the return bus ride.  

Please Note: Go-To Cards, College Passes and MetroPasses and other ticket types are not accepted for the State Fair Express service. 

Q: Can I buy a ticket on the app for another person or group of people?
A: Yes, only if that person is traveling with you. Passes cannot be sent electronically to another person’s phone. Be sure to activate all tickets for all people in your group before boarding the bus. 

Q: Can we take a bike? 

A: Bikes are permitted to be transported on the front of the bus on a first-come, first served basis. 

Q: Can we bring wagons? 

A: Only collapsible wagons are allowed on buses for transport. 

Q: Can I bring a stroller on the bus? 

A: Yes, but it must be collapsible. 

Q: Will you make change if I don’t have exactly $6 in cash? 

A: No. Riders will need $6 cash per person in the group. One person is $6, but you can pay $12 for two people, $18 for three people, $24 for 4 people, $30 for five people, etc. 

Q: Can I purchase a ticket in person with a debit or credit card? 

A: MVTA staff will be available at the stations to assist customers who don’t have app tickets or cash but do have a credit card. 

Q: Do Veterans ride free? 

A: Disabled veterans ride free by showing a “Service Connected” ID. Others who ride free include State Fair employees with ID and law enforcement officers with ID. 

Q: Does an MVTA ticket get you into the State Fair? 

A: No. State Fair entry tickets are available at mnstatefair.org. 

For more information about riding with MVTA to the Minnesota State Fair, email mvta@mvta.com or call MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500. 

August 21 – August 31

Park & RideTo the FairFrom the FairFrequency
Burnsville Transit Station7 am – 7 pmNoon – 11:30 pmEvery 15-20 Minutes
Eagan Transit Station7 am – 7 pmNoon – 11:30 pmEvery 15-20 Minutes
Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride7 am – 7 pmNoon – 11:30 pmEvery 15-20 Minutes

Times may vary due to traffic.

Labor Day

Monday, September 1

Park & RideTo the FairFrom the FairFrequency
Burnsville Transit Station7 am – 5 pmNoon – 9:30 pmEvery 15-20 Minutes
Eagan Transit Station7 am – 5 pmNoon – 9:30 pmEvery 15-20 Minutes
Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride7 am – 5 pmNoon – 9:30 pmEvery 15-20 Minutes

Times may vary due to traffic.