Mall of America sells itself on being close to everything, including downtown Minneapolis -Saint Paul. I put that to the test on my last trip, riding public transit to and from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to MOA and to and from MOA to the Minnesota State Capitol instead of booking a rideshare. Here’s exactly what it cost, how long it took, and whether it’s worth doing.

Why I Tested Public Transit at Mall of America

MOA markets its light rail connection to MSP Airport as a major perk. I wanted to see if that convenience held up beyond the airport run, so in addition to using it as airport transport, I used it to reach the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul too.

Mall of America to the Minnesota State Capitol by Bus and Light Rail

The Route: Bus First, Then the Green Line

I stayed at the AC Hotel directly across the street from Mall of America and caught the bus right outside the hotel, one stop from MOA on the route. The Blue Line was down for repairs during my visit as part of Metro Transit’s “Renew the Blue” project, a 52-day closure running from June 29 through August 19, 2026, between Target Field Station and Mall of America Station. Replacement buses covered the route in the meantime, so my trip looked like this:

• Bus from Mall of America to a Green Line station
• Green Line light rail into downtown Saint Paul
• Short walk to the Minnesota State Capitol

If the Blue Line is running when you go, your route may be more direct. Either way, budget close to an hour door to door.

Cost and Time Breakdown

• All-day Metro Transit pass: $4 per person, covering both the trip to the Capitol and the trip back
• Total travel time: just under 1 hour each way
• Comparable Uber ride: about $40 flat, one way only, and 35 minutes

For one traveler doing a round trip, that’s $4 total on transit versus $80 for two one-way Uber rides, a $76 savings. Even for a family of four, an all-day pass for each rider still runs $16 total for unlimited rides, far less than paying for two Uber trips.

Visiting the Minnesota State Capitol and the Cathedral of Saint Paul

How Close the Capitol Is to the Metro Stop

The Minnesota State Capitol sits right off the Green Line stop, close enough that you can see it as you step off the train. When you get off the tram, you’re facing the back of the building. Walk around to the front and enter from under the stairs.

You have to go through a quick security check and then make your way upstairs. I recommend jumping in on a free tour to learn the most. After the tour, you are free to walk around the building to see what you missed.

Walking from the Capitol to the Cathedral of Saint Paul

The Cathedral of Saint Paul should be an easy walk from the Capitol, but a bridge along the direct path was under construction during my visit, which meant a detour to get there. Worth checking current conditions before you go, since a closed bridge can add real time to what should be a short walk.

Catching the Bus Back Near the Cathedral

The bus stop was just across the street from the Cathedral of Saint Paul, so getting back to transit after visiting was simple. The bus stop was right there. From that point, I had to change buses in downtown Minneapolis to complete the trip back toward Mall of America, so build a little buffer into your return trip if your route includes a transfer.

Mall of America to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) by Bus

If you only ride transit once on your trip, make it this leg to and from them airport. It costs $2 per person, takes 10 minutes, and there are not transfers. I determined that is indeed very easy to get from the MSP airport to and from the Mall of America on the Minneapolis Tram system.

Cost and Time Breakdown

• One-way bus ticket: $2 per person
• Total travel time: about 10 minutes
• Comparable Uber ride: about $20 flat

That is an $18 savings for a solo traveler, for a route that takes about as long as waiting for a rideshare to arrive. Even a family of four rides for $8 total, well under the flat Uber rate.

Should You Skip the Uber and Take Transit at Mall of America?

Transit makes sense if you:

• Are traveling without a rental car
• Want to stretch a layover or a few extra hours before a flight
• Are traveling on a budget
• Do not mind one transfer between a bus and the light rail

Uber or a rental car makes more sense if you:

• Have a tight flight connection with little buffer time
• Are traveling with heavy luggage or mobility limitations
• Are traveling late at night when transit runs less frequently

What Riding Public Transit in the Twin Cities Is Actually Like

Transit through any major metro area comes with a mix of riders, and it’s worth knowing what to expect before you go.

• One passenger who appeared to be under the influence boarded with two 12-packs of beer and cigarettes in her pockets, talked to herself, and moved seats several times during the ride while leaving her beer in its own seat.
• While waiting at a stop for the tram after getting off the bus, one person asked for money and another asked me to lunch
• I never felt unsafe at any point during either trip
• Standard big-city awareness applies: keep your belongings close, stay aware of your surroundings, and know that you may share the ride with people experiencing homelessness or visible distress

None of this should discourage you from riding, it is simply part of public transit in any city this size.

Practical Tips for Riding Twin Cities Transit from Mall of America

• Use Apple Maps for real-time routes and arrival times for buses and light rail, it made the whole trip easy to navigate [add your screenshots here]
• Download the Metro Transit app before you go for schedules, alerts, and trip planning
• Bring exact change if you plan to buy tickets from the bus driver, since drivers do not give change
• Buy an all-day pass if you are making more than one trip, it pays for itself fast
• Check Metro Transit’s site for line status before you go, since routes can shift for repairs like the current Blue Line closure
• Build in extra buffer time before a flight if you are taking transit to the airport
• Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk from the Green Line to the Capitol
• Check bridge and sidewalk closures near downtown Saint Paul before walking between the Capitol and the Cathedral

FAQ: Public Transit from Mall of America to the Minnesota State Capitol

If you’re planning a Twin Cities trip, here are more posts

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• Free Things to Do in the Twin Cities
• 7 Best Family Friendly Indoor Activities in the Twin Cities
• 30 Free Things to Do at the Minnesota State Fair