686 & Airport Parking
686 Route: Your Connection Along the 494 Corridor
Starting March 31, 2025 SouthWest Transit is launching the 686, a reliable and convenient transportation option connecting the Southwest suburbs to MSP Airport, with key stops along the 494 corridor. Whether you're commuting to work, traveling for leisure, or catching a flight, the 686 has you covered.
One Route, Two Service Patterns
The 686 route offers two distinct service patterns: Local and Express. Both ensure frequent service tailored to different travel needs.
Local Service (686L)
The Local service (686L) stops at all 16 designated locations along the route, including major employment hubs along the I-494 corridor and MSP.
- Service Days: Monday – Friday
- Service Hours: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Express Service (686X)
The Express service (686X) offers a faster, more direct route between four major stops: SouthWest Station, Mall of America, MSP Terminal 1, and MSP Terminal 2.
- Service Days: Monday – Sunday
- Service Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
686 Fares
Local (686L): All Hours
- $2.00 for Ages 13-64
- $1.00 for Youth 6-12 & Seniors 65+ (all times)
- Free for Youth 5 & Under (w/ paid fare – limit 3)
- $1 for Persons with Disabilities
Express (686X)
- Peak*: $3.25 (for all ages except Youth 5 & Under)
- Non-Peak: $2.50 for Ages 13-64
- Non-Peak: $1.00 for Youth 6-12 & Seniors 65+
- Free for Youth 5 & Under (w/ paid fare – limit 3)
- $1 for Persons with Disabilities
*Peak is Monday – Friday, 6:00-9:00 AM and 3:00-6:30 PM
Free Transfers
- Riders transferring from an SW Prime trip to the 686 route or any connecting bus trip throughout the regional transit system.
Stops and Maps
Click HERE for a complete list of all 686 Stops and Route Maps. Please note that stops may change prior to launch.
Schedule
Click HERE to view the 686 Schedule PDF. Please note that stops and schedule may change prior to launch.
Bus Wrap Design Contest Winners: Local Art on the 686 Route
As part of the 686 route launch, SouthWest Transit hosted a Community Design Contest for local youth. The two winning designs, created by Ben Lenius (15-18 age group) and Brandon Peña-Stack (11-14 age group), will soon be featured on buses traveling along the 686!
Learn more about the inspiration behind the winning designs in our recent press release.
Also, join us for the ribbon cutting ceremony on March 31st to meet the young artists and see the wrapped buses in person. We hope to see you there!
When: March 31st at 4pm
Where: SouthWest Station
13500 Technology Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Airport Parking for the New 686 Route – Starting March 31
We've upgraded our airport parking system at SouthWest Station to enhance your travel experience! With the new 686 route, you'll find a new first-come-first-served airport parking zone and convenient day-of payment for when you're on the go.
Where:
- SouthWest Station (11350 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344)
- Level 4, along the south-side wall. Look for signage indicating airport parking.
Pricing:
- $5/ night for up to 21 nights
Day-Of On-Site Payments:
- Arrive at SouthWest Station
- Drive to SouthWest Station (11350 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344).
- Park Your Vehicle: First-Come-First Served*
- Park in any available stall in the airport parking zone on Level 4.
- Payment
- Follow Payment Sign Instructions:
- Use the QR code or Token Transit App to access the payment system.
- Enter your name, email, license plate, and choose parking duration.
- Click-to-buy via Credit/Debit Card
- OR Pay in SWS Lobby During Operating Hours (Below)
- Please Note: Outside of Customer Service hours, Token Transit is the only available payment option.
- Head to the Lobby/Loading Zone
- Located on the first floor. Additional way finding instructions can be found in a pdf HERE.
*We're excited to be working on a pre-reservation system! In the meantime, if parking is full when you arrive, simply park near the airport parking zone and continue the process as usual. Rest assured, your vehicle will not be ticketed or towed during this transition period.
Security at SWS
- A covered lot for protection from the elements
- Daily physical sweeps
- 24/7 surveillance cameras
Connect With Us
Customer Service
- Monday - Friday
- 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- 952-949-2BUS(2287)
Additional Information
SW Prime Airport Service Sunset: The SW Prime Airport service will end on April 26. Starting March 31, the 686 will provide enhanced service to MSP Airport with more frequent trips and extended hours.