Getting to Apple Valley
Just a scenic 20-minute drive from the Twin Cities
Drive, Fly, or Ride: Arrival Made Easy
Welcome to Apple Valley, Minnesota – where the convenience of urban living harmonizes with the tranquility of natural landscapes. Just 25 minutes south of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, Apple Valley offers the perfect blend of accessibility and escape. Our vibrant community welcomes you with open arms and promises an authentic Minnesota experience that’s both refreshing and memorable.
The Road to Relaxation
Reaching Apple Valley by car couldn’t be simpler. Our strategic location near Interstate 35E and Cedar Avenue (County Road 77) makes for a stress-free drive. From Minneapolis, you’ll arrive in just 22 minutes – close enough for convenience, yet far enough to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. When you arrive, rest easy knowing ample parking awaits, with over 750 spaces at the Apple Valley Transit Station alone.
Touch Down and Unwind
Flying in? The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is a mere 15-minute drive from our doorstep. This proximity means you can go from runway to relaxation in record time. With rental cars, taxis, and public transportation options all readily available at MSP, your journey’s final leg will be as smooth as your flight.
Minutes from MSP International Airport
All Aboard for Apple Valley: The Empire Builder Experience
Enhance your journey to Apple Valley with one of America’s most scenic train adventures. While not directly in Apple Valley, Amtrak’s legendary Empire Builder route stops at the nearby St. Paul-Minneapolis Union Depot, just 25 minutes from our community.
This iconic rail journey connects Chicago with the Pacific Northwest, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River as it passes through Minnesota. Arriving at Union Depot, you’re just a short transfer away from Apple Valley’s welcoming embrace.
From the station, reaching us is effortless:
- Take the METRO Red Line from Mall of America after a quick connection from Union Depot
- Grab a 20-minute taxi or ride-share directly to your Apple Valley accommodation
- Rent a car for ultimate flexibility during your stay
With daily Empire Builder service in both directions, planning your rail journey to Apple Valley offers both convenience and unforgettable scenery.
Minnesota valley transit authority
Public Transit: Connected and Convenient
Leave the driving to us! Apple Valley boasts an impressive public transportation network that connects you to everything the Twin Cities has to offer. Our state-of-the-art Apple Valley Transit Station serves as your hub to adventure:
- Express to Excitement: Route 477 whisks you directly to downtown Minneapolis in just 26 minutes.
- Academic Adventures: Route 475 provides seamless access to the University of Minnesota via Cedar Grove Transit Station.
- Capital Connections: Route 480 delivers you straight to the heart of downtown St. Paul.
- Shopping Sensations: The METRO Red Line offers express service between Apple Valley and the world-famous Mall of America.
With frequent service throughout the day operated by Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) and Metro Transit, you’ll never be left waiting for your next adventure.
Personal Touch Transportation
Prefer personalized service? Taxis and ride-sharing services are abundantly available throughout Apple Valley and the Twin Cities region. A comfortable ride from Minneapolis takes about 22 minutes – just enough time to plan your Apple Valley itinerary.
Your Journey Ends, Your Experience Begins
However you choose to arrive, Apple Valley welcomes you with the perfect blend of accessibility and charm. Our strategic location offers the ideal base for exploring the Twin Cities region while enjoying a community that’s rich in Minnesota hospitality.
The journey to Apple Valley isn’t just about transportation – it’s the beginning of an experience that combines urban sophistication with natural beauty, all wrapped in the warmth of Minnesota nice.
Plan your visit today and discover why Apple Valley isn’t just easy to reach – it’s impossible to forget.
Looking for something more?
Plan your stay today
When you stay in Apple Valley, you’ll find yourself in your home town away from home! Whether you’re on a solo adventure or you’ve brought the whole family (and the dog!), we’ve got you covered. You’ll find yourself close to all of the amenities you want like world-class shopping, one-of-a-kind destination attractions like the Minnesota Zoo, and award-winning restaurants.
When you stay in Apple Valley, you’re home.
Lebanon Hills Camp Ground
Discover the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural serenity at Lebanon Hills Campground in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Just minutes from the bustling Twin Cities, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by 2,000 acres of pristine woodlands and sparkling lakes.
What you can expect
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Walking distance to restaurants, shopping and more
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Premium amenities
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Friendly, professional service
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Transit options including bus rapid transit and lightrail connections