Raleigh is home to nearly 40 bus routes through GoRaleigh, not to mention even more connections through other GoTriangle transit and local university bussing systems. Learn how to ride the bus in Raleigh like a pro with this simple guide — save this for the next time you want a night out in downtown without the Uber, a cheaper + greener option, or just a break from the driver’s seat.
Service routes
Most of the 40+ routes originate from downtown’s GoRaleigh Station, located near Moore Square at 214 S. Blount St. From there, routes include Capital Boulevard to Triangle Town Center, Falls of Neuse to Strickland Road, South Saunders into Garner + more. Plus, take a bus to other transit hubs, including Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill.
The R-Line has returned to downtown Raleigh running every 15 minutes. The route starts at Raleigh Union Station and ends at the Raleigh Convention Center. Unlike previous iterations of the R-Line, riders will pay for the downtown circulator starting July 1.
GoRaleigh’s bus tracker allows you to see your vehicle in real time to help you plan your route accordingly. Mobile app Umo also allows for easy travel, a system-wide view of buses, and trip planning with a variety of options. Plus, track your bus’s live location online.
As of January 2024, all routes are back to full service with many routes circulating every 30 minutes, which means your route is never too far away.
Hours
GoRaleigh buses run from 4:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, from 5:30 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays, and from around 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays, but individual routes may vary.
Fares
GoRaleigh will resume fare collection Sunday, Sept. 1 after four years of free bus transit. Standard single day fare is $1.25, and you can purchase a seven-day or week-long pass for a better bang for your buck.
For a cash- and card-free ride, commuters are encouraged to use the new Umo app to pay their fares, and those ages 13-18 and 65 or older will ride free through Umo. You can also purchase passes at the GoRaleigh Station, and day passes can be purchased as you board your bus.
Transit pro tips
For the commuters: If you have a bike, you can bring it at no extra charge. Read up on how to fasten your bike to the bus in less than 20 seconds. Additionally, take advantage of Park and Ride lots, where you can drive and board a bus to your location if you don’t live near a stop.
Buses are additionally equipped with wheelchair lifts + accommodations for riders with disabilities.
Coming soon
Two upcoming projects, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility (RUS Bus) are in progress in the 919.
BRT will provide speedy transportation throughout the city via high-capacity bussing and dedicated lanes starting in 2025. RUS Bus will join Raleigh Union Station and create another transit hub for Raleighites in the Warehouse District in 2026.
