Commuting From the North Metro: Getting Around From Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center and Crystal
Driving, transit and biking options from the north metro.
Location matters when you choose an apartment, and your daily commute is a big part of that. The good news: Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center and Crystal all offer convenient ways to get around the Twin Cities. Here is an overview of your options.
Driving
The north metro has excellent highway access:
- I-94 and I-694 run through Brooklyn Center and connect to downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul and the northwest suburbs.
- Highway 100 runs north-south through Brooklyn Center, Crystal and Robbinsdale toward the western suburbs.
- Highways 169, 610 and 252 serve Brooklyn Park and connect to Maple Grove, Plymouth and across the river.
Downtown Minneapolis is often a short drive from all three cities, though travel times depend on traffic and time of day.
Public transit
METRO C Line
The C Line is a bus rapid transit route between downtown Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center, running largely along Penn Avenue. It opened in 2019 and offers frequent service with stations designed for faster boarding.
Local and express buses
Metro Transit operates many bus routes across the north metro, including connections through the Brooklyn Center Transit Center. Use Metro Transit's trip planner to find the best route for your commute.
Coming soon: METRO Blue Line Extension
The planned Blue Line Extension light rail would extend the existing Blue Line from Target Field Station in downtown Minneapolis northwest to Brooklyn Park. As of 2026, the project was in its final design phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. Check the Metropolitan Council's project page for the latest updates.
Biking
If you like to ride, regional trails make biking a real option for recreation and some commutes:
- West Mississippi River Regional Trail runs along the river through Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center.
- Shingle Creek Trail connects Brooklyn Center's parks and continues south.
- Rush Creek Regional Trail heads west toward Elm Creek Park Reserve.
Winter commuting tips
Minnesota winters add a few extra steps to any commute. Keep a snow brush and ice scraper in your car, leave a few minutes early after a snowfall and check road conditions before heading out. If you ride transit, dress in layers and use real-time arrival information so you spend less time waiting outside. A garage or covered parking spot can save you from scraping windows on cold mornings.
Tips for choosing an apartment based on your commute
- Test the route. Drive or ride your commute at rush hour before signing a lease.
- Check parking. If you drive, ask about garages or off-street parking. In Minnesota winters, a garage is a big bonus.
- Look at nearby stops. If you use transit, check how far the closest bus stop is and how often buses run.
- Think about errands too. Grocery stores, pharmacies and gyms close to home save time every week.
Find an apartment that fits your commute
Lakeshore Management communities in Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center and Crystal give you quick access to highways, transit and trails. Browse available apartments or contact our team to find the right location for you.
