Current Blue Line Closure
Metro Transit's construction notice lists Blue Line replacement bus service between Mall of America and Target Field from June 29 through August 19, with rider alerts noting train replacement until August 20. That covers the July 29 through August 2 DQMO event week, so plan on replacement buses unless Metro Transit updates the alert.
Replacement buses stop at or near closed stations, but trips can take longer because of routing and traffic.
Use this page as a starting point, then check Metro Transit before each trip.
DQMO Transit Anchors
Airport, Mall of America, and MOA hotels
Use the Blue Line replacement bus between Mall of America, MSP Airport stations, and downtown Minneapolis. Metro Transit also lists the METRO D Line as another way between downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America.
Best for: airport arrivals, Mall of America hotels, Saturday tours, and downtown transfers.
Downtown Minneapolis and Loring Park
Hyatt Regency, Nicollet Diner, Loring Park, Walker Art Center, Saloon, and many downtown hotels are close together. Walk when practical, or use Metro Transit local bus options through the trip planner.
Best for: Wednesday registration/opening, Friday Loring Park, Saturday Walker Art Center, Sunday brunch, and Saloon hangouts.
St. Paul and Charles Thompson Memorial Hall
For Thursday at Charles Thompson Memorial Hall, plan a downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul trip in Metro Transit before leaving. Metro Transit lists Route 94 as a downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul option, and the Green Line is also part of the regular St. Paul transit network when not replaced by buses.
Best for: Thursday lunch, workshops, BID presentations, board games, and CTH dry hangout.
Nightlife and late returns
Saloon and Eagle MPLS are downtown Minneapolis. Black Hart and Camp Bar are in St. Paul. Check late-night return options before you leave the hotel or event site.
For groups, confirm whether everyone is going to the same dry hangout, wet hangout, hotel, or rideshare pickup point.
Useful Lines to Check
Blue Line replacement bus
Temporary bus service replacing Blue Line trains along the Mall of America, airport, south Minneapolis, and downtown corridor during event week.
METRO D Line
Metro Transit lists the D Line as another way to travel between downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America.
Routes 7, 9, and 22
Metro Transit lists these as additional alternatives for Blue Line customers during the closure. Check the planner for the stop closest to your hotel or event.
Route 94 and Green Line connections
Use these when planning downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul trips, especially for Charles Thompson Memorial Hall and St. Paul nightlife.
Trip Planning Apps
Metro Transit
Official trip planning, NexTrip arrivals, rider alerts, fares, and mobile tickets.
Transit
Third-party app for live transit options, route planning, nearby departures, and step-by-step trip guidance.
Moovit
Third-party app for live directions, real-time arrivals, stop guidance, and transit route options.
Planning Notes
- Check the route the day before and again before leaving, especially for late-night trips.
- Build in extra time for replacement buses, traffic, transfers, and walking between replacement bus stops and venues.
- If you use screen reader, braille, tactile signing, SSP, CN, PT, or close-vision navigation support, confirm the exact boarding stop before separating from your group.
- Save hotel, venue, and hangout addresses in your preferred app before event week.