You want to hit the casino floor without worrying about parking, winter driving conditions, or the cost of gas. It’s a common scenario for players in the Twin Cities area. Luckily, if you're located in or around St. Paul, there are several reliable options to catch a free casino bus ride. These charter services aren't just about transportation; they are essentially discount vouchers on wheels. You trade a few hours of your time for a ride that gets you there and back safely, usually with some bonus play or food credit in your pocket.
How Casino Bus Charters Work in Minnesota
The concept is simple but effective. Third-party motor coach companies operate shuttle runs between local pick-up points—often park-and-ride lots or community centers—and the casinos. While these are technically paid services, the casinos subsidize them to keep their gaming floors busy. When you arrive, the driver hands you a voucher package. This almost always includes a certain amount of free play (usually $10 to $20) and sometimes a food voucher. If you play your cards right, the value of the free play often exceeds what you would have paid for a ticket, effectively making the ride free. In many cases, the bus fare is nominal (like $15-$20), but you get $20 in free play, netting you a profit before you even sit down at a slot machine.
Top Destinations for Casino Bus Tours
Most buses departing from the St. Paul area head toward the major gaming properties located on Native American reservations within driving distance. You generally won't find buses running to charitable gaming pull-tab halls in the city; they head for the full-scale resorts with hotels, buffets, and concert venues.
Running to Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Treasure Island, located in Welch, MN, is one of the most popular stops for bus groups. It’s roughly a 45-minute drive south of St. Paul. Because it is relatively close, many tour operators run day trips here. The casino floor is massive, featuring thousands of slot machines and a poker room that draws heavy traffic. For bus riders, Treasure Island is known for offering solid promo packages. You can expect coupons for the buffet or the food court alongside your free slot play. It’s a favorite destination because the drive isn’t exhausting, leaving you with plenty of energy to play.
Heading North to Grand Casino Hinckley
Grand Casino Hinckley is about 90 minutes north of St. Paul. This is a destination where the bus ride really adds value. Driving that distance yourself means two hours of round-trip driving, gas, and mileage on your vehicle. Hinckley offers a large gaming floor and a famous buffet. Bus packages here typically include a $10 or $20 free play voucher and a buffet discount or meal credit. Because the drive is longer, these trips often feel more like an event—a chance to nap on the way home after a long session at the tables or slots.
Mystic Lake and Little Six Casino Shuttles
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake is much closer to the metro area compared to Hinckley or Welch. It is the largest casino in the state. While Mystic Lake runs its own promotions, many independent charter buses fill up here because of the proximity. Being closer to St. Paul means more frequent departure times. If you’re looking for a quick trip that doesn’t consume your whole day, a bus run to Mystic Lake is often the most time-efficient choice. The gaming floor has high-limit rooms and a massive selection of denominations, from penny slots to high-stakes blackjack.
Finding Pickup Locations and Schedules
You won’t find these schedules on the casino’s main website very often. Instead, you need to look for local tour operators. Many companies operate buses specifically for casino runs in the Twin Cities region. Common pickup spots include the Maplewood Mall transit center, park-and-ride lots along I-35E, and community centers in suburban St. Paul neighborhoods. Schedules usually revolve around day trips (departing morning, returning early evening) or overnight excursions. It is crucial to check the specific departure times; the bus won't wait for you, and if you miss the return trip, you are stuck finding your own way home.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
Most operators prefer you book a seat in advance, though some allow walk-ups if the bus isn't full. Payment is almost always cash or check directly to the driver or tour guide upon boarding. Be aware of the cancellation policy—if a bus is cancelled due to lack of riders (common on weekdays), you usually get a refund or a credit for a future trip, but it's annoying to plan a day around it only to have it scrubbed.
Player Club Benefits for Bus Riders
Don't make the mistake of thinking the bus perks are only for new players. If you already have a players club card, bring it. Sometimes the casino allows you to combine the bus voucher free play with your existing card points or tier status benefits. However, be sure to read the fine print on the bus voucher. Occasionally, the free play offered to bus groups is strictly for new members or first-time visitors to that specific property, though this is becoming rarer. More often, the casino uses the bus trip to track your play. If you gamble heavily during the visit, the casino might comp your bus fare for the next trip, essentially giving you a VIP seat on the next charter.
Comparison of Popular Casino Bus Runs
| Destination | Approx. Travel Time | Typical Free Play Value | Common Bus Fare (If Not Free) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treasure Island (Welch) | 45-50 mins | $10 - $20 | $15 - $20 (offset by free play) |
| Grand Casino Hinckley | 1 hr 30 mins | $15 - $25 + Food Credit | $20 - $25 (offset by free play) |
| Mystic Lake (Prior Lake) | 30-40 mins | $10 - $15 | $10 - $15 (offset by free play) |
| Grand Casino Mille Lacs | 1 hr 45 mins | $20 + Buffet Voucher | $25 - $30 (offset by free play) |
FAQ
Do you need a players card to get the free play on the bus?
No, usually you do not need an existing card. The vouchers handed out on the bus are typically valid for anyone on the trip. However, you will need to go to the player's club desk inside the casino to activate the voucher, which involves signing up for a card if you don't have one. It's a fast process and gets you the free play instantly.
Can you drink alcohol on the casino bus?
This depends entirely on the specific tour operator and the bus company. Some charters explicitly forbid alcohol, while others allow you to bring your own beverages as long as you are respectful and of legal age. Check the specific rules of the tour group before you pack a cooler. Minnesota has strict open container laws that apply to vehicles, but some licensed charter services have exemptions similar to limousines.
What happens if you miss the return bus home?
You are on your own. The bus leaves at a scheduled time, and the driver cannot wait for missing passengers. If you get lucky at the tables and lose track of time, you will need to arrange a ride-share or taxi to get back to St. Paul, which can be expensive for distant casinos like Hinckley. Always set an alarm on your phone for 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Are tips included in the bus fare?
Tips for the driver are generally not included in the ticket price. It is standard etiquette to tip the driver a few dollars—usually $1 to $5—especially if they help with luggage or if the ride is smooth and safe. Think of it like any other shuttle service; the drivers rely on those tips to supplement their income.
Do these buses run in the winter?
Yes, they run year-round, and that is arguably the best time to use them. Driving to Welch or Hinckley in a Minnesota snowstorm is stressful and dangerous. Taking a professional motor coach removes the risk of driving on icy highways. However, severe weather can lead to cancellations, so check the tour operator's hotline or website before heading to the pickup point during a blizzard.