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The 411 on getting to Sunday's Vikings game

The Vikings will try to beat the Green Bay Packers and clinch a playoff birth at 3:25 p.m. Sunday at the Metrodome. If you're of those going to the game, here are a few tips on getting to and from the game.

By Tim Harlow

December 31, 2012 at 11:53AM

(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Vikings will try to beat the Green Bay Packers and clinch a playoff spot at 3:25 p.m. Sunday at the Metrodome.

If you're of those going to the game, here are a few tips on getting to and from the game:

For those who drive, the City of Minneapolis will block off the following streets in the vicinity of the Metrodome beginning at 10 a.m. and keep them free from traffic until 2 hours after the game ends, roughly 7 p.m:

5th Street between Park Avenue and 11th Avenue.

Chicago Avenue/Kirby Puckett Place from 3rd Street to 6th Street.

4th Street between Park Avenue and I-35W

Norm McGrew Place between 3rd and 4th Streets.

Light Rail

The Hiawatha Light Rail has been a popular way for fans to get to the game. But as game time approaches, cars are packed, so the best advice is to catch an early train.

Free parking is available at the 28th Avenue, Fort Snelling and Lake Street/Midtown stations. Northbound trains run about every 13 to 18 minutes until 10 a.m., then the frequency of service increases to about every 10 minutes.

Metro Transit will agument train service with Route 55 buses, that will shuttle passengers to the Metrodome and back to their vehicles after the game. The buses go directly to Fort Snelling and 28th Avenue Park & Ride lots.

Regular rail fare of $1.75 applies, or buy a 6-hour rail pass and avoid having to buy a second ticket to get back home.

Bus

The following Metro Transit routes serve the Metrodome:

From the north or south, Routes 5, 7, 14, 19 and 22

From the west, Routes 7 and 9

From the east, Routes 3, 16 and 94.

Driving

It's always congested around the Metrodome, so the best advice is to park away from the stadium and walk or catch a Metro Transit bus or light rail for 50 cents from your favorite ramp or lot.

It's also cheaper as lots closest to the dome charge $20 or more. Here are links to downtown ramps, http://www.minneapolismn.gov/parking/ramps/index.htm

Here is a link to downtown Minneapolis parking meters and rates, http://www.mplsparking.com/CurrentMeterMap.pdf

Handicap parking

Parking for people with a handicap is available at the Hennepin County offices between 5th and 6th Streets on Park Avenue. Handicap street parking is also available between 3rd and 4th Streets on Chicago Avenue.

Biking

Outside bicycle parking is available cost free. The parking attendants at the loading dock entrance at 11th Avenue and 5th Street can direct you.

about the writer

Tim Harlow

Reporter

Tim Harlow covers traffic and transportation issues in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and likes to get out of the office, even during rush hour. He also covers the suburbs in northern Hennepin and all of Anoka counties, plus breaking news and weather.