Arriving at U.S. Bank Stadium
U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings, sits in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Designed for convenience, it is one of the most accessible venues in the NFL, with direct light rail links, nearby bus routes, and walkable connections from most central hotels.
Light Rail: The Fastest Way In
The Metro Transit light rail is the easiest and most reliable way to reach the stadium. The U.S. Bank Stadium Station sits right next to the venue, making it ideal for game days or major events.
METRO Blue Line
- Runs between Mall of America and Target Field.
- Stops include Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport (MSP), Downtown East, and U.S. Bank Stadium.
- Trains run every 10–15 minutes on weekdays, with extended service during major events.
METRO Green Line
- Runs between Union Depot in St. Paul and Target Field.
- Connects with the Blue Line at several downtown stops, including the stadium station.
- Ideal for visitors coming from St. Paul or the University of Minnesota.
Bus Routes: Flexible and Affordable
Metro Transit operates dozens of bus routes serving downtown Minneapolis, many of which stop within a few blocks of the stadium.
Popular Bus Stops Nearby:
- 4th Street & Chicago Avenue
- 6th Street & Park Avenue
- 7th Street Transit Center
During Vikings games and large concerts, extra services are usually added to help manage the crowds. Bus fares are lower than light rail tickets, but journey times can be longer depending on traffic.
Walking and Cycling Options
If you are staying downtown, walking might be the most pleasant option. The stadium is just a 10–15 minute walk from most hotels, bars, and restaurants in the city centre.
Cyclists can make use of the Nice Ride bike-share system or the dedicated bike lanes that run along 11th Avenue South and 4th Street. There are several bike racks located near the stadium entrances.
Park and Ride
For those driving in from the suburbs, Metro Transit’s Park and Ride facilities are a practical choice. You can park for free or at low cost and take the Blue or Green Line straight to the stadium.
Recommended Park and Ride locations:
- Fort Snelling Station (Blue Line)
- 28th Avenue Station (Blue Line)
- Maplewood Mall Transit Center (Green Line connection)
Accessibility and Connections
Both the Blue and Green Lines are fully accessible, with low-floor boarding, ramps, and priority seating. The Downtown East Station has elevators and escalators that connect directly to the stadium plaza, ensuring a smooth entry for wheelchair users and fans with mobility needs.
If you are transferring from Amtrak’s Union Depot in St. Paul, simply take the Green Line westbound. The journey to the stadium takes about 40 minutes.
Event Day Tips
- Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before kickoff or showtime, as stations can get crowded.
- Purchase your Metro Transit ticket in advance through the app to skip queues.
- Trains and buses often continue running 30–45 minutes after events to accommodate departing fans.
- For concerts ending late, check the final departure times on the Metro Transit website.
TFC Takeaway
Getting to U.S. Bank Stadium without a car is surprisingly easy, thanks to Minneapolis’s integrated public transport network. Whether you ride the light rail from the airport, hop on a bus from the suburbs, or stroll over from your downtown hotel, the journey is as modern and well-planned as the stadium itself.
