Minneapolis Trains

Trains in the Minneapolis area. Including the Metro Transit Light Rail, Northstar Line and freight trains.

July 15, 2012 - December 18, 2025

Photography from Minneapolis trains captures the city's diverse rail infrastructure, from historic hubs like Union Depot in St. Paul to modern light rail stations and bridges facilitating commuter transit. Images depict freight activity at Northtown Yard, commuter lines such as the Northstar crossing the Mississippi River, and ongoing expansions like the Bryn Mawr Station on the Green Line Extension. The collection highlights how rail transit shapes connections within Minneapolis and the broader metropolitan region.

Northstar Train and North Loop Green — *December 18, 2025* — A Northstar Train below the North Loop Green buildings in Downtown Minneapolis.

Bryn Mawr Station Spring Sunset — *March 11, 2025* — Bryn Mawr Station in Minneapolis is shown at sunset, with its platforms and tracks under construction. This station is a key component of the Metro Transit Green Line Extension, also known as the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Upon its completion, Bryn Mawr Station will serve as a vital transit point, connecting residents to the broader regional light rail network.

Blue Line train at Cedar Riverside LRT March 2025 — *March 9, 2025* — A Metro Transit Blue Line light rail train is stopped at the Cedar Riverside Station in Minneapolis. Opened in 2004 as the Hiawatha Line, the Blue Line connects downtown Minneapolis with Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. The Cedar Riverside station provides essential transit access for a diverse urban neighborhood, including the University of Minnesota's West Bank campus and local businesses.

Commuters and outreach workers at train station — *March 10, 2024* — TRIP Outreach workers engage with riders at the Warehouse District/Hennepin Station, a key Light Rail Transit (LRT) stop in downtown Minneapolis. Opened in 2004 as part of Metro Transit's Blue Line, this station serves as a vital transportation hub connecting the Warehouse District to the wider metropolitan area. The TRIP Outreach program, which includes violence interrupters, operates within the Metro Transit system to foster a safer environment for passengers and address community concerns.

Passenger train goes over a major river — *March 4, 2024* — The Northstar Line commuter train crosses a railway bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, as observed in March 2024. This bridge is an integral part of the Northstar Commuter Rail line, which connects downtown Minneapolis with communities to the northwest, providing public transportation. The Northstar Line began service in 2009, utilizing existing freight rail corridors and new infrastructure to establish a vital link in the region's transit network.

BNSF Train in Northeast Minneapolis — *April 18, 2019* — A BNSF Railway locomotive passes the Harrison Street crossing in Northeast Minneapolis as the sun sets behind the city.

The Metro Transit light rail bridge over Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis, completed in 2018, serves as a key component of the Blue Line's expansion and the city's transit infrastructure. — *April 25, 2018* — The Metro Transit light rail bridge spans Hiawatha Avenue in South Minneapolis, a vital artery for the city's public transportation system. Completed in 2018, this structure is part of the Blue Line's expansion, facilitating efficient transit for thousands of commuters.

Northtown Yard freight trains in North Minneapolis, a major rail hub for regional and national goods movement. — *September 17, 2017* — Northtown Yard, a major rail freight hub in North Minneapolis, is seen here with numerous freight cars. This yard serves as a critical point for the movement of goods throughout the region and beyond. Its extensive network of tracks and classification facilities allows for the efficient sorting and assembly of trains.

Union Depot station sign in St. Paul, Minnesota, indicating service to downtown Minneapolis. — *July 15, 2012* — Union Depot station in St. Paul, Minnesota, serves as a multimodal transportation hub. Originally built in 1923, it was a major railway station for decades before falling into disuse. Following extensive renovations, it reopened in 2012 as a key component of the Twin Cities' public transit system. The station now accommodates light rail, bus services, and intercity rail, connecting St. Paul with downtown Minneapolis and other regional destinations.

Minneapolis Trains

Photographs showcasing change over time