Over its 12 day run, the Minnesota State Fair draws in around two million people for food served on-a-stick, animals giving birth, more than 900 concerts and plenty of Midway rides. However, getting there is half the battle.

In 2026, it costs $25 to park a car on the Fairgrounds. That’s $5 more than one adult admission ticket at the gate. The city of Falcon Heights charges $25 to park on the street at 1,000 spots around the Fairgrounds. If you want to park in a yard of a homeowner (which you can do), you might pay $30 or more.

You’ll also battle traffic if you park at or near the Fairgrounds. On the first day of the 2025 Fair, I chatted with a fairgoer who sat in traffic on Snelling Avenue for two hours (no joke) just to get into a parking lot.

There are better ways to get to the Great Minnesota Get Together. I was on KSTP-TV’s Twin Cities Live with my suggestions.

7 ways to save money or time getting to the Minnesota State Fair

1. The best way to get to the Fair is by taking a free park and ride.

There are 33 park and ride stations near the Fairgrounds. They leave for the Fair starting at 8 a.m. and run continuously throughout the day until the last bus leaves at 11:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. on Labor Day). Some park and ride stations are daily, some are weekdays only and some are weekends only. You’ll want to check this list and find a couple that work well for you. I highly recommend having a couple park and ride options as these lots fill up and close until space opens up.

My two favorite park and ride lots:

1. The University of Minnesota Minneapolis Campus. They have plenty of surface lots near Huntington Bank Stadium (and street parking) and those buses will take the U of M transitway to get to the Fairgrounds, a road not open to cars. It’s a short ride and the U of M is easily accessible from 35W and 94.
2. Oscar Johnson Arena. This park and ride is reserved only for those with disability license plates and their guests. All buses are accessible.

From my experience in the past and Reddit comments I’ve received, most buses are larger ‘accordion’ style and can easily accommodate strollers.

2. If you have a motorcycle, take it.

I do not recommend parking at the Fairgrounds. My only exception is if you take a motorcycle. The Fair has a special motorcycle lot that is on the south side of Como Avenue and motorcycle parking is a more reasonable $15. However, you’ll be charged the regular $25 if you park your motorcycle in any other lot. Learn more.

3. Try an Express bus.

Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and SouthWest Transit offer rides from the suburbs directly to the Fairgrounds for $6 roundtrip. You are able to pay for your trip when you get to the lot or buy on your phone in advance. On social media, I’ve seen long lines for these buses, and they cram them full, so just know that you’ll be on a bus with a bunch of people for a long ride home from the fair. It’s not my favorite option, but if you don’t want to bother driving into the city, this is your way to go.

4. Take Metro Transit’s A Line.

Metro Transit’s rapid transit bus service continues to expand, with their Red Line (also called the A Line) running up and down Snelling Avenue. Service starts at Rosedale Center in Roseville and goes to the 46th Street Blue Line Light Rail Station in Minneapolis. There are a couple other regular Metro Transit routes that go right to the fairgrounds. Learn more here.

5. Park on the street. But only in Saint Paul.

Parking on the street in Falcon Heights might set you back $25, but parking on the street in Saint Paul will not. If you want to save money, have some patience, and don’t mind walking, try searching for a spot in Saint Paul east of Snelling Avenue. If you know your Saint Paul backroads well, this option could really pay off. This option was suggested on Reddit, but know that you’re going to battle a lot of traffic around the Fairgrounds. Don’t try to park around Como Park Zoo.

6. You can lock your bike at the fairgrounds for free.

On my Facebook page, Kara mentioned that she loves to bike to fair. They offer free bike parking in a secured area so you don’t have to worry about theft. If you live further away, consider driving to a reasonable distance and then bike the rest.

7. Take a hotel shuttle. Seriously.

During my 20+ years working at the State Fair, I have seen many of hotel shuttles drop people off at the Fairgrounds. This solution won’t save you money after you get a hotel room, but it could save you time and it would make for a fun weekend. Book a hotel in Roseville and get their shuttle to do the driving. Shuttles drop off next to the Miracle of Birth Center and you can easily walk right onto the Fairgrounds.

If you’re looking for more suggestions on navigating the Minnesota State Fair, check out Give Me The Mike’s entire Minnesota State Fair guide here.

While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.