MN State Fair and RenFest
Good News, Fairgoers!
You asked, we listened. Based on your feedback from last year’s rider survey, SouthWest Transit will be running service on Labor Day! That means all-day, every-day shuttles to both the Minnesota State Fair and the Renaissance Festival.
Even better? The BOGO ride ticket deal returns:
Ride to both fairs for the price of one.
Renaissance Festival Shuttle Service
Dates of Service:
- Saturdays & Sundays: August 16 – September 28
- Plus Labor Day (Monday, September 1) & Festival Friday (September 26)
Minnesota State Fair Shuttle Service
Dates of Service:
- August 21 – Labor Day (September 1)
Fare Options (Round-Trip)
|
Fare Option |
Price |
|
MN State Fair Ticket Only |
$6 |
|
RenFest Ticket Only |
$6 |
|
BOGO Deal – Ride to Both Fairs |
$6 |
|
Children 5 and under |
Free |
|
Disabled Veterans with proper ID |
Free |
About the BOGO Deal:
The BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) ride ticket is valid for one round-trip ride to the MN State Fair and one round-trip ride to the MN Renaissance Festival. It cannot be used for two trips to the same event.
Discount Days*:
|
Fare Option |
Price |
|
MN State Fair Senior (65+) Day August 25 & 28 |
$3 |
|
MN State Fair Military Day August 26 |
$3 |
|
RenFest Military Day September 13 |
$3 |
*Discount Day fares are available at the stations when paying with cash or with credit card. Senior Day and Military Day discounts cannot be combined with the Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deal or any other SouthWest Transit discount offers.
How to Buy Your Ride Ticket(s):
Option 1: Buy in Advance (recommended)
- Download the Token Transit App for iOS or Android
- Follow the instructions and activate your pass only when ready to board the shuttle (bus)
- Show your digital pass to the driver when boarding
Option 2: On-Site During the Fair Service
- Cash (exact change) or credit card
- Exchange 2025 BOGO Paper Tickets for Stamp (Note: These are the ones you would get on-site at the ticket windows once the service starts!)
Please note:
- Ride tickets are valid on any service day to the fairs – they are not date or time-specific
- Because of this flexibility, prepaid fares are non-refundable if the fairs are closed for any reason
- Go-To Cards are not accepted for special event shuttle fares
Where to Catch Your Shuttle
Our Park & Ride locations are in:
- Eden Prairie (SouthWest Station)
- Chanhassen (SouthWest Village)
- Chaska (East Creek Station)
- Carver (Carver Station)
Click HERE for station details!
Coming Soon: Overflow Parking!
Last year we had ample parking for everyone on all days and times, but to ensure we can get you parked and on your way as quickly as possible, we're adding overflow parking at Eden Prairie (SouthWest Station) and Chanhassen (SouthWest Village).
Shuttle Schedules (Departure and Return Times):
-
MN Renaissance Festival
- Shuttle Schedule for 8/16/25, 8/17/25, 9/6/25 - 9/28/25
- Eden Prairie (SouthWest Station) and Chanhassen (SouthWest Village)
- Carver (Carver Station) and Chaska (East Creek Station)
- Shuttle Schedule for 8/23/25 - 8/31/25:
- Shuttle Schedule for 9/01/25 (Labor Day) and 9/26/25 (Festival Friday): Coming Soon!
-
MN State Fair
- Shuttle Schedule for 8/21/25-8/31/25
- Shuttle Schedule for 9/01/25 (Labor Day): Coming Soon!
Check Your Schedule Before You Go
Shuttle schedules are subject to change without notice. If you download or print a schedule in advance, please check this page again before your ride to ensure you have the latest version. This page will always have the most up-to-date times.
SouthWest's Tips of the Trade
State Fair Days with a Little More Elbow Room
For those of us who are avid State Fair goers, we know that Fridays and Saturdays are especially busy at the fair, especially when the weather is nice! Well, it’s just the same for us! We are working hard to get you to those Sweet Martha’s with as little a wait as possible, but there is possibility of longer wait times during those busy times. Looking to avoid the crowd? Going to the fair on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday is your best bet!
Skip the Ticket Window
Buy your ride tickets ahead of time on Token Transit and head straight to boarding when you arrive. No extra lines, and more time for the fair(e). See How to Buy Your Ride Tickets for details!
Pin It!
When you hop off the shuttle, drop a pin on your phone’s map. That’s your pick-up spot at the end of the day — easy to find and extra handy after a full day of fair(e) fun.
Important Notes
Event dates and times are subject to change without notice. Please check back for the most up-to-date information. If either event is canceled for any reason, SouthWest Transit service to that event will also be canceled.
Please note: Fares cover transportation only and do not include admission to the events.
Event Guidelines
SouthWest Transit adheres to all Renaissance Festival policies regarding pets and weapons. For details, please visit their official website HERE!