The Minnesota State Fair begins this week, and for the first time since 2019, local fairgoers will have access to public transportation in the northwest part of the metropolis.

“Given the positive feedback we’ve already received, I think the public is really going to embrace it,” said Mike Opatz, Maple Grove’s transportation administrator. “And we’re just excited that all the resources and everything else are coming together so that we can actually offer this; because it’s a very popular option.”

The Maple Grove Transit Center offers express bus service to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on weekends and Labor Day.

The service starts at 8 a.m. and runs every 30 minutes. The last bus leaves the exhibition center at midnight.

Tickets for the State Fair Express Bus can be purchased at these kiosks in the Maple Grove Transit Center (12350 Main Street).

Due to a driver shortage, Maple Grove has been unable to provide bus service to the Minnesota State Fair for the past five years. However, Metro Transit has been able to increase its workforce enough to offer this route again.

Please note, however, that these buses do not run from Maple Grove during the week.

“We’ve already received some questions about why not on weekdays as well? But we have to explain that this facility is primarily designed for our weekday express bus service to Minneapolis,” Opatz said. “And, as I said, this will be used, not just the parking spaces here, but also the drivers and the buses.”

The State Fair Express bus ride costs just $5 when you purchase online or at one of the transit center kiosks.

The transport companies recommend that you arrive early, as the car park is expected to be full.

Each bus can hold 75 people and the transit center parking garage has space for 924 cars. Opatz therefore advises arriving early.

Related: After COVID slowdown, fewer State Fair bus options for Northwest Metro riders

Maple Grove