Commuting in the Minnesota Metro Area

The Twin Cities metropolitan area totals approximately 3.2 million people. The suburbs surrounding the cities offer every kind of suburban living you can think of, from identical subdivisions, older suburbs with character, cute downtown districts, as well as upscale areas and batches of more affordable choices. The commute into either area is average for large cities, coming in at 25.2 minutes on average and predictably, it can get very congested on the major freeways: I-35W, I-94 and I-394 which bring commuters like you into the city for work.

Longer office hours and pricey inner-city real estate means people spend more time commuting than ever before. According to the 2015 census, Americans spend just over 25 minutes commuting every day. According to the same census, 86 percent of all workers drive to work, while only 5 percent take public transit, and just over 3 percent walk or bike.

Most commuters in the metro area drive alone to work, so there are lots of cars on the road during peak traffic hours as people head away from the city and back towards their homes.

The Minnesota Metropolitan area is comprised of several counties. Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington to the north, Carver and Scott county to the west, and Dakota to the south. Whether you’re in Champlin, Maple Grove, Rogers, Otsego, St. Michael, Bloomington, Blain, Eagan, or any of the other thriving suburban neighborhoods, here is what to expect on a commute into or away from the city.

Peak Traffic Times

When it comes to visiting the Minneapolis and St. Paul Twin Cities metro area, tourists and residents alike can expect a relatively easy and quick commute, even in the busiest and most populated areas, especially when compared to places in the United States where the traffic is truly terrible like Los Angeles or New York City.

Peak rush hour lasts from 7:30 to 8:30 am and the evening rush hour isn’t nearly as congested but hits earlier than most, between 4 and 5:30 pm. For the most part, standstill traffic is a rare occurrence outside of those times, with exception for big events and road construction.

Interstate 94 runs between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. You’ll run into traffic when it exists throughout most of I-394, I-35W leading into downtown Minneapolis, and I-35 around downtown St. Paul. If you have the option, the best way to avoid local traffic during heavily congested times on these major roadways is to take the city streets instead of the freeways and highways, unless you’re downtown. The downtown sections of both Minneapolis and St. Paul can get just as congested as the major roadways during the peak of the morning and evening rush hours.

Expect Winter Delays

Winters in the Twin Cities are no joke. Minneapolis/St. Paul is the coldest metropolitan area in the continental United States, with average winter temperatures resting at a frigid 10 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend having the heat in your vehicle in tip top shape if it’s to be used during your commute. In the winter, people who bike or ride the bus in the summer are back in their cars, and the weather often makes traffic worse. If you are a newcomer to frosty climates, the region has serious snowstorms and icy roads following snowfalls. Additionally, there are many more accidents caused by winter conditions. Don’t worry – there’s no need to go out and buy a new vehicle. But if you do, consider a vehicle that is all wheel drive or front wheel drive. It’s a good idea to slow down and allow plenty of time for your journey in the winter.

Though summers are actually mild and breezy, MNDoT takes the rare sunny opportunity to perform a year’s worth of road maintenance in six months. They’re also tasked with controlling the potholes that are created each spring by the freeze-thaw cycle throughout the city, which makes avoiding the sight of traffic cones nearly impossible, and road closures will inadvertently add time to your commute.

Avoiding the Roads? Try Public Transit

The area’s Metro Transit system offers an extensive bus system throughout the downtown areas and suburbs, and they don’t skimp on amenities. The bus from Apple Valley offers reclining individual seats, a reading light and fan, overhead storage, and plenty of legroom.

The growing METRO light rail system connects downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul with the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America in Bloomington. Meanwhile, the Northstar Commuter Rail provides transportation to the northern suburbs. There’s also the Union Depot in St. Paul, with Amtrak and light rail access. Buses are almost always cheaper than parking downtown as well. $6 round trip for bus fare will save you approximately $25 a week comparing to parking (not to mention wear and tear and maintenance on your car). Your employer likely has a transit pass or pre-tax deduction for transit. Plus, you get 10% off the total bus fare when you renew in increments of $10.

Article Written by Haley Kieser