The Land of 10,000 Lakes – Minnesota – is famous for its serene beauty and more lakes than any other county in the US. It is also home to Mall of America – the largest shopping mall in the entire country. It is also where the world’s third-largest river, the Mississippi, begins. When it comes to tourist attractions, the state has so many things to offer. You can get on the water, explore gorgeous small towns, as well as hit the trails. What about toll roads? Are there any toll roads in Minnesota? Let’s find out!

Are there toll roads in Minnesota?

There are three toll facilities in Minnesota: one toll road and two toll bridges.

1. E-ZPass Express Lanes (formerly known as the MnPass)

MnPass is located on Interstate 94, Interstate 35W, and Interstate 394. It consists of express lanes in the Minneapolis metro region. In total, MnPass is around 27 miles (43 km) long: I-394 east segments consist of 11 miles and the I-35W segment consists of 16 miles. The express lanes operate at certain times of day – this is based on congestion on the highways. When the sign reads OPEN you can use the MnPass without being charged a fee, no matter if you have a transponder or not. The toll road is associated with the electronic toll collection system. The lanes are owned and maintained by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. They are 100% compatible with the multi-state E-ZPass network.

1. The Fort Frances – International Falls Bridge

The bridge spans the Rainy River and connects the towns of Fort Frances, Ontario, and International Falls, Minnesota. It was built in 1912 by Resolute Forest Products and now it is owned and maintained by Boise Cascade and Abitibi Consolidated. The bridge is still a cash-only toll facility. The toll is charged on northbound traffic. No tolls are collected on southbound traffic or for pedestrian traffic. This border crossing is currently the busiest one in Minnesota.

1. The Fargo-Moorhead Toll Bridge

The bridge spans the Red River between Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota. It connects 15th Avenue N in Moorhead with 12th Avenue N in Fargo. Until 2018, the Fargo-Moorhead Toll Bridge was privately operated. The bridge, like the Fort Frances 0 International Falls Bridge, only accepts cash.

How much are Minnesota tolls?

The amount you will pay while traveling on the Minnesota toll roads and bridges depends on the number of axles your vehicle has. The easiest way to calculate tolls in Minnesota is to use an online toll calculator.

For example: if you are driving a 2-axle truck, you will pay $16 on the International Toll Bridge. Each extra axle rises the toll by $4.

Keep in mind that both Minnesota toll bridges accept cash only. If you are a frequent traveler (for example, a commuter), you can sign up for a commuter card for cars. It is valid on the International Falls Bridge. The cost of the card is $21, and it is enough for twelve round trips.

How to pay tolls in Minnesota?

Paying tolls in Minnesota is easy. While traveling on express lanes, the best option is to use the E-ZPass transponder tag so that you don’t even have to stop at toll booths. If you are crossing one of Minnesota’s toll bridges, you must prepare cash as there isn’t a video tolling system. Card payment isn’t possible either. The toll on the International Falls Bridge is $7.00 round trip if you’re driving a 2-axle passenger car. Crossing the Fargo Moorhead Bridge costs $0.75.

What if you missed a toll in Minnesota?

If you are driving on the Minnesota express lanes, you can easily pay missed tolls online, thanks to the video tolling system. If you don’t have a transponder tag mounted on your windshield, you can pay later as the camera will take a photo of your license plates. The registered owner of the car will receive an invoice to pay. However, it is different when you cross the Minnesota toll bridges. As already mentioned, they are cash-only facilities. You must pay the toll to cross the bridge (if you don’t pay the toll, you will not enter the bridge) so toll violation is technically not possible. If you have about toll payments, you should reach out to one of the Minnesota tolling agencies – all toll bridges in the state are owned by Boise Inc. and Resolute Forest Products. To make sure you calculate the toll properly, use an online toll calculator – an easy-to-use online application that will help you calculate the total cost of your trip.

Toll roads in Minnesota – additional information

Driving rules in Minnesota don’t actually vary from rules in other states. Headlights are mandatory when driving between sunset and sunrise, in bad weather conditions, and at other times of low visibility. In the table below, you will find speed limits in Minnesota:

Breaking speed in Minnesota is punishable by fines. There is a fine of between $40 and $150 depending on your driving speed at the time. The fine may be doubled if you are in a school zone, more than 20 miles over the limit, or if you’re not slowing down for emergency services with active sirens.