What Amtrak Station is Closest to Mall of America?

If you are planning a trip to the famous Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, and wondering, “What Amtrak station is closest to Mall of America?”, this helpful guide is for you. While the mall itself does not have an Amtrak station directly nearby, the primary rail gateway for travelers in the Twin Cities is the Union Depot in St. Paul. Located at 240 Kellogg Boulevard East, St. Paul, MN 55101, this station is about 10 to 12 miles from the mall, making it the most convenient Amtrak stop for train travelers heading to Bloomington. From St. Paul-Minneapolis Union Depot, you can easily reach the mall using local transit options, with the journey taking approximately 40 minutes by bus or about an hour and twenty minutes if you opt for light rail transfers.

Transit Options from Union Depot to the  Mall of America

Once you arrive at Union Depot, the next step is to get to the Mall of America in Bloomington. The Twin Cities area offers an efficient public transit network operated by Metro Transit, which makes this journey straightforward. There are two main options: taking a bus or utilizing the light rail system with a transfer.

Bus Route 54

The simplest and most direct option is to hop on the Route 54 bus, which runs directly from Union Depot to the Mall of America Transit Station. The bus departs approximately every 15 to 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice without long waits. The trip typically takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day.

To catch this bus, travelers just need to head to the bus stop at Union Depot, which is well-marked and accessible. Once on the bus, sit back and enjoy a comfortable ride through the Twin Cities’ suburbs before arriving at the Mall of America, where you’ll find the transit station conveniently located at the mall’s entrance.

Light Rail Transfer via Metro Transit

For a more scenic or flexible route, you can utilize Minneapolis’s light rail system, the METRO Green Line and Blue Line. This option involves a transfer but offers a chance to experience the Twin Cities’ transit infrastructure.

Here’s how it works:

• Board the METRO Green Line at Union Depot, heading toward downtown Minneapolis.
• Exit at the U.S. Bank Stadium Station.
• Transfer to the METRO Blue Line heading southbound.
• Ride the Blue Line directly to the Mall of America Station.

While this route takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes overall, it allows travelers to enjoy scenic views of Minneapolis and experience local transit. It’s ideal for those who want to combine their train journey with a bit of sightseeing or are already familiar with the city’s transit system.

While the Union Depot in St. Paul is the closest Amtrak station serving the Twin Cities, reaching the Mall of America from there involves a short transit journey. Whether you prefer a quick bus ride or a scenic light rail transfer, public transportation in Minneapolis offers reliable options to get you from the train to shopping in comfort. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey, making your trip to Minnesota’s premier shopping destination even more memorable.