Here's the part of a Target Center game night nobody warns you about: I-394, the main westbound approach from Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and the western suburbs, is running as few as two lanes through late fall 2026 while MnDOT repairs 34 bridges and ramps across that corridor. Ramp A and Ramp B — the two garages physically connected to the arena by covered skyway — charge $28–$30 per event and fill up fast for the good matchups. Then the final buzzer sounds, 19,000 fans push out onto 1st Avenue North simultaneously, and rideshare pricing on that block climbs before most people have even reached the curb.
Rent one bus, and all three of those problems disappear at once: your group drops directly at the Life Time Lobby entrance on 1st Avenue, nobody splits off to find a different ramp, and the bus is already staged nearby when you walk out after the fourth quarter.
This guide covers exactly how group transportation works at Target Center (600 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55403) — where the bus drops off and stages, how the city's mandatory bus parking permit works, which approach roads are actually clear on event nights in 2026, and what catches first-timers off guard on a Timberwolves or Lynx game night. Everything below is sourced from Target Center's own published policies, Minneapolis Municipal Parking, and current MnDOT road advisories — real logistics, not a directions-page rehash. For the broader picture of Minneapolis sporting event group transportation, the Minneapolis sporting event transportation page has you covered.
Why Rent a Bus to Target Center for a Timberwolves or Lynx Game
One bus removes six separate problems from your game-night plan. Parking in downtown Minneapolis during a Timberwolves game means competing for 25,000 spots spread across 38 lots and ramps — and the closest ones, Ramps A and B, run $28–$30 per event and sell out for the high-demand matchups. Further-out lots mean more walking, and all of them feed into the same slow one-way exit flow when the game ends.
Split a group across multiple cars and you are coordinating pickup spots in a crowd of 19,000, paying multiple ramp fees, and designating at least one person in each vehicle who cannot relax pregame.
A Minneapolis charter bus or party bus rental puts everyone in one vehicle. The group drops curbside on 1st Avenue North directly in front of Target Center, nobody splits off to hunt for a different ramp, and the bus is staged nearby when you walk out after the final buzzer — instead of refreshing a surge estimate or tracking an Uber through the Warehouse District. That is the core argument for renting a bus to Target Center.
Call 612-778-8940 or use the online quote form any time for a price check in under a minute — no account required.
Charter Bus & Party Bus Drop-Off at Target Center
The primary drop-off for buses at Target Center runs along 1st Avenue North, directly in front of the arena. This is also the location of the Life Time Lobby entrance — the main street-level entry — which puts your group at the doors rather than at the end of a skyway walk from a distant ramp. Per the official Target Center parking page, the ADA drop-off and pick-up is located at the corner of 1st Ave N and 6th St N, by entering the Life Time Lobby — which is the same drop zone a private bus uses for general group entry.
Floor-ticket holders also enter through this lobby, which means the bus drop puts your group at exactly the right door.
Rideshare vehicles use the same 1st Avenue North and 6th Street North corridor, which means post-game pickup congestion on those blocks is real and predictable. The difference with a private bus: your group has an agreed-upon staging location and pickup time before anyone walks into the arena, so there is no refreshing an app in a crowd of 19,000 or waiting on a surge estimate. The bus is on 1st Avenue where you planned — not wherever demand happened to send a rideshare.
Bus Parking at Target Center: The Permit You Buy Before You Leave Home
This is the step that catches most first-time bus groups in Minneapolis off guard. The city of Minneapolis requires a pre-purchased permit for any charter bus or motor coach parking downtown during an event — not just for Target Center, but for Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium, and the major theaters as well. Walk-up bus parking does not exist downtown on event nights.
Per the Minneapolis Municipal Parking charter bus page, permits must be purchased in advance through the online permitting system at minneapolis.myparkinginfo.com/cws/. The Target Center parking page lists the standard event bus permit at $30, with overnight permits available at $40, staged in Zone 6 at 950 Hawthorne Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Buses display the printed permit in the front window and park within designated zone traffic signs; city enforcement verifies permits at every downtown event.
To reserve, visit mplsparking.com or reach the permit desk on 612-343-7275 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM). Questions go to BusParking@mplsparking.com. Lock this in before your event — once the permit is confirmed, the parking leg of your trip is fully solved.
One $30 permit covers your entire group instead of eight or ten individual ramp fees, and the permit process is handled well before event night rather than discovered at a closed bus zone.
Charter bus parking at Target Center requires a pre-purchased city permit — the published standard rate is $30 per bus — through Minneapolis Municipal Parking. Walk-up bus parking does not exist at downtown Minneapolis events. This is a hard rule enforced on every event night, and it must be sorted in advance, not at the gate.
Getting to Target Center: Routes, Traffic & the I-394 Factor in 2026
Target Center sits at the northwest edge of downtown Minneapolis, accessible from all four directions — but the approach routes are not equally clear right now. The official Target Center getting here page lists the standard approaches, and here is what each one looks like on a 2026 event night:
From the west (Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Chanhassen): Take I-394 East and exit directly into Ramp A or Ramp B. That connection is convenient in normal conditions — but it is not normal conditions in 2026. MnDOT's ongoing bridge and ramp repair project reduced I-394 to as few as two lanes between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 starting February 22, 2026, with construction running through late fall 2026. Ramp closures and lane reductions along the corridor are active, the I-94 entrance ramp to westbound I-394 is closed through mid-summer, and the Penn Avenue bridge over I-394 is closed through fall 2026, per the MnDOT I-394 project page.
Before any event night on this approach, check 511mn.org for current lane status. A charter bus moving 30 or 40 people through that construction zone on a Timberwolves game night is a dramatically different experience than coordinating eight separate cars through it.
From the north (St. Cloud, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park): Take I-35W South to the Washington Avenue exit and follow signs to Ramp C, B, or A. The I-35W approach from the north is the most straightforward on event nights — no construction impacts comparable to I-394 as of current advisories.
From the south (Bloomington, MSP Airport, Mall of America): Take I-35W North to the downtown exits and follow the 5th Avenue exit, then navigate to your designated ramp. Groups flying into MSP and heading straight to a game use this approach — about 10–12 miles from the airport to Target Center, roughly 20–30 minutes off-peak, longer on game nights when the I-35W merge into downtown backs up. The Minneapolis airport transportation page covers that pickup for groups flying in.
From the east (Saint Paul, the East Metro): Take I-94 West to the 11th Street exit, follow 11th Street to Hennepin Avenue, and navigate to 2nd Avenue North for Ramp C or B. The I-94 westbound approach picks up extra traffic on game nights as it funnels through the Lowry Hill Tunnel toward downtown. Budget extra time on this approach for any major event.
Target Center Transportation: Every Option Compared
A private bus is not automatically the right call for every group — but it is for most groups heading to Target Center from across the metro. Here's an honest side-by-side of how the options stack up for a Timberwolves or Lynx game night.
| Option | Cost shape | Arrive together? | Drop-off point | Post-game pickup | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private charter bus or party bus | One flat rate, split by group | Yes — one vehicle, one door | Curbside on 1st Ave N, steps from Life Time Lobby | Bus stages nearby; right there when you exit | Groups of 15–56 |
| Self-drive + Ramp A or B | $28–$30 per car, each way | Only if you caravan | Skyway connection, several blocks from arena entrance | Post-game ramp gridlock; slow single-file exit | 1–2 cars, very small groups |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Per car, each way + post-game surge | No — multiple ETAs, multiple vehicles | 1st Ave N / 6th St N curb zone | Surge pricing; long queue after final buzzer | 1–4 people |
| Metro Transit Blue/Green Line | ~$2 per person each way | Only if everyone catches the same train | Warehouse District/Hennepin Ave Station, ~1-block walk | Post-game crowding on platform | Solo travelers, locals near a station |
| SouthWest Transit event shuttle | $6 round trip per person | Only if group boards same departure | One departure per event from Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska | Shuttle departs ~30 min after event ends | Southwest-metro residents; select concerts only |
For one or two people already near a Metro Transit station, the Blue or Green Line to Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station is a cheap, legitimate call — the station is about one block from the arena. The SouthWest Transit event shuttle at $6 round trip is a solid individual option for select concerts from the southwest metro. But both require you to get to the transit stop first, sync a group departure, and share the post-game crowded platform.
Once your group grows past a few cars' worth of people, the coordination cost of separate vehicles — different ramp fees, staggered arrival times, multiple rideshare ETAs — tips decisively toward one bus. That's who the rest of this guide is written for.
What Size Bus Fits Your Group at Target Center?
Not every Target Center group needs the same vehicle — a Lynx game group of 15 looks nothing like a corporate suite night for 50. A large network of bus companies serving Minneapolis connects you to options across the full size range, from Sprinter limos for small VIP groups to 56-passenger charter buses for company outings and out-of-town fan parties. Here is how the full vehicle lineup breaks down for a Target Center run.
| Vehicle | Capacity | Storage | Best for | Key amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter van / 14-passenger Sprinter limo | Up to ~14 | Limited — bags and light gear | Suite holders, VIP courtside groups, executive transfers | Premium leather, USB charging, tinted privacy windows |
| Party bus (15–50 passengers) | 15–50 | Onboard, lighter items | Fan groups wanting energy from the first pickup | Color-changing LED lighting, premium sound system, flat-panel TVs, perimeter seating |
| 15–35 passenger minibus | 15–35 | Overhead racks + some underfloor | Mid-size groups, corporate shuttles, greater downtown maneuverability | Powerful A/C, plush reclining seats |
| 40–56 passenger charter bus | Up to 56 | Deep undercarriage bays | Large fan groups, company outings, out-of-town groups flying in | Reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restrooms, overhead storage, undercarriage bays |
For most Timberwolves fan groups in the 15–30 person range, a 25-passenger party bus or 28-passenger party bus covers the headcount without paying for seats your group does not need. For corporate groups moving clients or staff to a suite event, a minibus gives you climate control, reclining seats, and the maneuverability to thread through the Warehouse District on a busy game night. For out-of-town groups flying into MSP and heading straight to the arena, a full-size charter bus with undercarriage bays handles the luggage and keeps everyone together from baggage claim to the 1st Avenue curbside.
ADA-accessible vehicles are available through the network — just note it when you request your quote.
Target Center Party Bus Rental & Charter Bus Prices
Minneapolis party bus and charter bus rental prices for a Target Center run depend on your group size and vehicle type, the total hours the bus is dedicated to your group (including any pregame time and post-game staging), whether it's a weekday or weekend game, and your pickup location across the metro. To give you an idea: a 30-person group heading to a weeknight Timberwolves game books a 30-passenger party bus. Pickup at 5:00 PM from the Uptown neighborhood, at Target Center's 1st Avenue curbside by 5:45 PM — over an hour before tip-off — and post-game pickup at roughly 9:30 PM.
That's about 4.5 hours total. At current weekday rates in the network for that vehicle size (running roughly $300–$375 per hour), the full run might come to around $1,350–$1,700. Split across 30 people, that's somewhere in the $45–$57 range per person — which covers the drop-off, the bus staging during the game, and the post-game pickup, plus one flat $30 city parking permit instead of multiple individual ramp fees.
The actual rate moves with the date, the specific vehicle, and your itinerary, so the numbers above are planning ranges, not a quote.
The fastest way to get an actual price for your game night is to call 612-778-8940 any time — pricing in under a minute — or use the online quote form for instant vehicle and rate comparisons. Check out the Minneapolis party bus prices page for a broader look at what shapes the rate.
One 56-seat charter bus replaces about 14 cars. That's roughly 14 separate ramp fees at $28–$30 each, 14 separate I-394 construction zones to navigate, and at least 14 people who cannot settle in for the pregame — versus one flat bus rate split across the whole group and one $30 city parking permit. Once you're past a few cars' worth of people, the bus is almost always both simpler and cheaper per head.
Target Center Bus Pickup After the Game or Concert
Post-game pickup is where a charter bus earns its keep most clearly at Target Center. The moment a Timberwolves or Lynx game ends and 19,000 people push out onto 1st Avenue North and 6th Street simultaneously, rideshare demand in the Warehouse District spikes. The designated rideshare pickup zone — the same 1st Avenue and 6th Street curb your bus dropped you at a few hours earlier — backs up fast.
Fans who know the area walk two blocks northwest to Washington Avenue in the North Loop, where it's easier to pin a car and exit the downtown grid. Fans who do not know the area stand on 1st Avenue and wait through surge pricing.
With a private bus, none of that applies. Before your group walks into the arena, you set a clear pickup time and curbside location. The bus is staged nearby with the city permit already in place, and it is right there on 1st Avenue when you walk out — no refreshing a fare estimate, no tracking a car through a crowd.
Because the rental covers a block of hours rather than a point-to-point drop, the bus can hold a post-game window of 30 to 60 minutes and be right there the moment your group exits. That is the whole reason game-night runs typically cover four to six hours rather than a one-way drop.
SouthWest Transit Event Shuttle: The Southwest Metro Alternative
For individuals and small groups coming from Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, or Chaska specifically, SouthWest Transit's SW Shuttle runs event-night service to select Target Center concerts at $6 round trip per person (children 5 and under ride free). The shuttle originates at East Creek Station in Chaska, stops at SouthWest Village Station in Chanhassen, and then SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie before heading downtown — parking is free at all three station lots. Post-event, buses depart approximately 30 minutes after the show ends.
The service covers specific concerts, not all Target Center events, so check the SW Shuttle concert page for the current lineup before you assume your date is included. At $6 round trip for an individual, it is the best transit deal from the southwest metro; for a group of 15 or more, a Minneapolis concert party bus rental is typically simpler and comparably priced per head once you factor in coordinating everyone's departure time and connection to the station.
Know Before You Go: Target Center Entry Rules
A few things that consistently catch first-time Target Center visitors off guard:
- The bag policy is strict — and there is no bag check on site. Per the official know before you go page, only small clutches and wallets no larger than 5″ × 9″ are permitted. No backpacks, no large purses, no camera bags. Diaper bags and medical bags are allowed and inspected at the gate. There is no on-site bag check — anything that fails the size rule has to go back to the bus or vehicle before you enter.
- The venue is completely cashless. All concession stands, merchandise windows, and ticketing at Target Center are cashless. Plan accordingly before anyone in your group hits the concourse.
- Re-entry is not permitted. Once your group exits the arena, there is no coming back in. Set a clear meeting point before anyone splits up at intermission.
- Refresh mobile tickets before arriving. The venue recommends refreshing your ticketing app before you reach the gates — in-arena cell service can be spotty when 19,000 people are all on the same network.
- Floor ticket holders enter through the Life Time Lobby. That is the 1st Avenue entrance — the same spot your bus drops the group. Everyone in floor seats goes through that door, which means your group is already at the right entrance when you step off the bus.
- I-394 is reduced through late fall 2026. Western-suburb groups have fewer lanes and active ramp closures on the main approach to downtown. Build extra travel time and check 511mn.org before any event night — with your whole group in one vehicle, that congestion is a single delay rather than a caravan of eight cars trying to stay together through a one-lane merge.
Events at Target Center That Drive the Biggest Group Transportation Demand
Target Center is home to the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and the Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) and hosts touring concerts and live events throughout the year. The dates where demand for Minneapolis charter bus and party bus rentals peaks:
- Minnesota Timberwolves 2026–27 season. The NBA home slate opens October 25, 2026, against the Toronto Raptors (6:00 PM tip-off). Timberwolves games draw close to capacity on most nights — the arena seats 18,798 for basketball — and the combination of downtown parking pressure and I-394 construction makes group transportation particularly valuable for out-of-town fan groups and large company outings. Marquee home matchups against the Warriors (October 28), Bucks (November 2), and Mavericks (November 12) book out early.
- Minnesota Lynx play through late September 2026, including home games against the New York Liberty (September 18, 6:30 PM) and Indiana Fever (September 24, 7:00 PM). Lynx games are a growing group outing for corporate and celebration groups — the arena is the same, but the crowd energy on WNBA nights is its own experience.
- Doja Cat, October 4, 2026 (7:30 PM). A sold-out concert night where post-show rideshare surge on 1st Avenue is predictable. Groups that want to avoid the queue already have a bus staged.
- Kacey Musgraves, September 22, 2026 (7:30 PM). SouthWest Transit runs its event shuttle to this specific show — if your group is coming from the southwest metro as individuals, that shuttle is the right call. For groups of 15 or more making the trip together, a Minneapolis party bus rental covers the pickup-to-drop-off in one move.
- Zac Brown Band with Brothers Osborne, October 23, 2026 (7:00 PM). Another SouthWest Transit shuttle date. For groups, a 25- to 40-passenger party bus is the cleaner answer — everyone boards at one pickup location and arrives at the 1st Avenue curbside together.
- Tame Impala with Dominic Fike, August 28, 2026 (7:00 PM). A high-demand Thursday summer show where parking ramps adjacent to Target Center will be challenged. Book well ahead for any late-August event night.
For the Timberwolves home opener, playoff-level matchups, and major concert nights, the right-size vehicles go fast. Most Timberwolves games and regular concert nights work fine with two to four weeks of lead time — but marquee dates fill earlier. Call 612-778-8940 to check availability for your specific date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Target Center Bus Rentals
Where exactly does a charter bus or party bus drop off at Target Center?
The bus drops curbside on 1st Avenue North, directly in front of the arena. The official ADA and general drop-off point is the corner of 1st Ave N and 6th St N at the Life Time Lobby entrance — the same entrance floor-ticket holders use, and the same block where rideshare vehicles pick up and drop off. That puts your group at the front door rather than at the end of a parking ramp skyway, which is the whole point.
Does the bus need a parking permit at Target Center?
Yes — and this is non-negotiable. Minneapolis requires a pre-purchased city permit for any charter bus or motor coach parking downtown during an event. The published standard event permit runs $30 per bus, with overnight permits at $40 in Zone 6.
Permits are purchased through Minneapolis Municipal Parking at mplsparking.com, or on 612-343-7275 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM). Buses display the printed permit in the front window. Walk-up bus parking at downtown Minneapolis events does not exist.
Email BusParking@mplsparking.com for permit questions.
How much does it cost to rent a bus to Target Center from Minneapolis?
Minneapolis party bus and charter bus rental prices vary based on vehicle size, total hours, date, and pickup location. Planning ranges in the network: minibuses run roughly $200–$275/hour on weekdays, party buses run $250–$500/hour depending on size and day of week, and 40–56 passenger charter buses run $200–$350/hour. A typical game-night rental of 4–5 hours for a mid-size group of 25–30 people might come to $1,000–$1,750 at those rates.
Call 612-778-8940 any time or use the online quote form — pricing for your specific date and route in under a minute, no account required.
Can the bus wait for us during the game?
Yes. The rental is booked as a block of hours. The bus drops your group at the arena, stages nearby with the city permit in place, and returns to the agreed curbside location at the time you set before tip-off.
That post-game staging window is built into your quote from the start — it is why game-night runs cover four to six hours rather than a simple point-to-point drop.
What is the bag policy at Target Center?
Only small clutches and wallets no larger than 5″ × 9″ are permitted. No backpacks, no large purses, no camera bags. Diaper bags and medical bags are allowed with inspection.
There is no on-site bag check — anything that fails the size rule goes back to the bus before entry. This is a stricter policy than most arenas, so brief your group before the bus pulls away from the pickup point.
Is there a light rail option to Target Center?
Yes. Metro Transit's Blue Line and Green Line both stop at Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station, approximately one block from Target Center. It is a legitimate option for individuals and small groups traveling from downtown, the University of Minnesota, the airport, or Saint Paul.
For a full group needing to sync one departure time, share the post-game crowded platform, and coordinate getting from the station to the bus stop — a private charter bus rental in Minneapolis is usually the simpler answer for most event nights.
How early should we arrive before a Timberwolves game?
For a standard 7:00 PM tip-off, arriving by 6:00 PM gives your group time to clear entry, find seats, and visit concessions without rushing. For high-demand games — a Warriors, Lakers, or Celtics matchup typically draws close to the 18,798-seat capacity — arriving 75 minutes early is better. Groups approaching from the west via I-394 in 2026 should budget extra time for the construction-related lane reductions; checking 511mn.org for real-time traffic before departure is worth a quick look.
What roads get most congested going to Target Center on game nights?
From the west: I-394 between Highway 100 and downtown is the most congested approach in 2026, running as few as two lanes through active construction through late fall. The eastbound I-94 ramp to I-394 is closed through mid-summer. From the east: I-94 westbound backs up near the Lowry Hill Tunnel on game nights.
From the north and south, I-35W is the least disrupted approach right now, though downtown merge points add time on busy event nights. Check the MnDOT I-394 project page for current closure details before any event night on the western approach.
Is there any group transit option from the southwest suburbs to Target Center?
Yes — SouthWest Transit's SW Shuttle runs event-night service to select Target Center concerts at $6 round trip from stations in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and Chaska. It is the best transit deal from the southwest metro for individuals. For a full group of 15 or more making the trip together, a Minneapolis party bus rental to Target Center typically comes out comparable in total cost and significantly simpler in logistics — one pickup, one drop-off, no coordinating station arrivals.
Get Your Target Center Charter Bus & Party Bus Rental Quote Today
Whether it is a Timberwolves home opener, a sold-out concert night, a Lynx playoff run, or a corporate suite outing at Target Center, Partybusinminneapolis.net makes it easy to compare party buses, charter buses, minibuses, and Sprinter vans from a large network of bus companies serving Minneapolis — all in one place, in about 30 seconds. Your group drops curbside on 1st Avenue North at the Life Time Lobby entrance, the city parking permit is sorted before you leave, and the bus is right there when you walk out — while everyone else is navigating surge pricing on 6th Street. Fill out the quick online form or call 612-778-8940 any time for a free price quote with no obligation and no account required.
Also planning a Vikings game on the same trip? The US Bank Stadium bus rental guide covers that drop-off in the same detail — including the specific approach roads, commercial vehicle zones, and parking permit requirements for a game at U.S. Bank.
