Metro Transit Replaces Blue Line Trains With Buses Between Airport Terminal 2 and Mall of America This Weekend

Maintenance work is interrupting light-rail service on the southern end of the Blue Line, with regular train operations expected to resume Monday, October 19.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. | October 17, 2026

Metro Transit has temporarily replaced Blue Line light-rail service with buses between Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport's Terminal 2 station and Mall of America in Bloomington, affecting travelers who use the route to reach the airport, shopping destinations and connections elsewhere in the Twin Cities.

The replacement bus service began at 3 a.m. Saturday, October 17, following the introduction of single-track operations along the same segment at 8 p.m. Friday.

Metro Transit said the interruption is necessary to complete maintenance work. Train service is expected to resume Monday, October 19.

Passengers traveling through the affected section are being advised to allow additional time because replacement bus schedules and travel times may differ from normal light-rail operations.

Which part of the Blue Line is affected

The service interruption is limited to the segment between Airport Terminal 2 and Mall of America.

That distinction is important for passengers who use the Blue Line for other trips, including travel between downtown Minneapolis and the airport.

Metro Transit's announcement does not describe a shutdown of the entire Blue Line. Instead, trains are being replaced by buses on the southern section identified in the advisory.

Passengers traveling to Mall of America from stations farther north may need to transfer between rail and bus service to complete their journeys.

Those traveling in the opposite direction should also account for the temporary change when planning their return trips.

Metro Transit has published replacement bus location information and maps to help riders identify where to board.

Because temporary bus stops may differ from regular train platforms, passengers should consult those maps rather than assume that the replacement bus will stop at the same location as the train.

Airport passengers should allow extra time

The interruption is particularly relevant to travelers using the Blue Line to reach or leave Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

Airport trips often involve fixed departure times, luggage and connections with other transportation services. Even a relatively short service disruption can become significant when a passenger must make an additional transfer.

Travelers who ordinarily use the Blue Line between Mall of America and Terminal 2 should plan for the replacement bus.

Those beginning their journeys at other Blue Line stations should confirm whether the temporary arrangement affects their route before leaving.

Metro Transit has warned that replacement bus timing can vary and that trips may take longer than usual.

The agency has not provided a universal additional travel-time estimate applicable to every trip. The amount of extra time required will depend on the passenger's starting point, destination and the service operating when they travel.

Why the service changes began Friday evening

Metro Transit introduced single-track operations between Terminal 2 and Mall of America at 8 p.m. Friday, several hours before the replacement buses began operating.

Single-track service allows trains to use one track through an affected section while work or operational restrictions prevent normal use of both tracks.

The agency then moved to full bus replacement on the identified segment early Saturday morning to accommodate the maintenance activity.

The published advisory identifies the work as needed maintenance but does not provide a detailed technical description of the repairs or inspections being performed.

It would therefore be premature to attribute the interruption to a particular track defect, equipment failure or infrastructure problem without additional confirmation from Metro Transit.

Effects on weekend travel

The Blue Line serves a transportation corridor used by commuters, airport travelers, visitors and residents traveling to retail and entertainment destinations.

Mall of America is a major destination for both local and out-of-town passengers. The airport connection also makes the line important for travelers who prefer public transportation to driving or arranging a ride.

During the maintenance period, passengers may encounter longer journeys because of bus boarding procedures, road traffic or transfer arrangements.

People with mobility needs should consult Metro Transit's temporary service information to identify appropriate boarding locations and confirm accessibility arrangements for their specific trips.

The agency's general announcement does not provide detailed accessibility instructions for each replacement stop.

Passengers should also check for service updates before traveling because construction and maintenance schedules can change.

When regular service is expected to return

Metro Transit expects Blue Line train service between Terminal 2 and Mall of America to resume Monday, October 19.

The advisory does not specify an exact hour for restoration.

Passengers planning early Monday journeys should therefore confirm the operating status of the line before relying on normal service.

For the remainder of the weekend, the central guidance is to expect replacement buses on the affected segment, identify the correct boarding location and allow more time than a routine Blue Line journey would ordinarily require.

Replacement bus maps and service updates are available through Metro Transit's official website.

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