Route 85 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map
The 85 bus schedule is not the same in every city. Route 85 operates in several transit systems, including CTA Chicago, MBTA Boston, Houston METRO and NJ TRANSIT. Each has different stops, fares, operating hours and service patterns.
Find the correct Route 85, read actual timetable examples, compare weekday and weekend service, check ticket prices, view route diagrams, understand important 2026 changes and use official live bus trackers before leaving.
Which Route 85 Bus Are You Looking For?
There is no single nationwide Route 85 timetable. The correct bus schedule depends on the city, agency, direction, exact stop and travel date.
Find Your Route 85 Bus by City
Use the search box to filter the route cards by city, state or transit agency. Open the official route page for the correct bus instead of relying on another city’s timetable.
CTA Route 85 Central — Chicago, Illinois
CTA Route 85 runs between Central/Harrison and Bryn Mawr/Elston, passing Central Avenue, Central Green Line Station and Jefferson Park Blue Line Station.
It operates on weekdays, Saturday and Sunday, with very early and late service. The current CTA PDF timetable is effective June 7, 2026.
Rider tip: the August 2026 CTA Frequent Network improvements included more service on Route 85. The official PDF and Bus Tracker remain the best sources for stop-specific departures.
MBTA Route 85 — Boston and Somerville
The redesigned MBTA Route 85 links Assembly and Ruggles via Sullivan Square, Union Square, Kendall/MIT and the Fenway area.
Effective April 5, 2026, the MBTA combined former CT2 and Route 85 into one service. The CT2 name was retired.
Rider tip: current Route 85 serves more stops than the former limited-stop CT2. Do not use an old Spring Hill–Kendall/MIT timetable.
Houston METRO Route 85 Antoine / Washington — Texas
Houston METRO Route 85 is a major local bus serving Greenspoint, Antoine Drive, Northwest Transit Center, Washington Avenue and Downtown Houston.
It operates seven days a week, with frequent weekday service and less frequent weekend departures.
Rider tip: METRO provides stop-by-stop departure times, live tracking and a text-message arrival service using the stop ID and route number.
NJ TRANSIT Route 85 — Hoboken to American Dream
NJ TRANSIT Route 85 connects Hoboken Terminal, Jersey City, Union City, Secaucus Harmon Meadow/Mill Creek and American Dream.
The official timetable was issued July 1, 2026 and includes weekday, Saturday and Sunday schedules with separate destination patterns.
Rider tip: an 85 bus signed for Secaucus Harmon Meadow/Mill Creek may not continue to American Dream. Check the destination sign.
Route 85 Updates That Can Affect Your Trip
CTA Route 85 Central: First and Last Bus Times
The CTA schedule shows the following departures from the route terminals. Times for intermediate stops occur later than the terminal departure.
| Direction | Monday–Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central/Harrison → Bryn Mawr/Elston | 4:00 AM–12:40 AM next day | 4:20 AM–12:40 AM next day | 4:20 AM–12:40 AM next day |
| Bryn Mawr/Elston → Central/Harrison | 3:20 AM–11:50 PM | 3:40 AM–11:50 PM | 3:40 AM–11:55 PM |
CTA 85 Weekday Northbound — Central/Harrison to Bryn Mawr/Elston
The selected trips below are from the official CTA timetable effective June 7, 2026. They show the same bus moving across six published timepoints.
| Central / Harrison | Central Green Line | Central / North | Central / Belmont | Jefferson Park Blue Line | Bryn Mawr / Elston |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:03 AM | 4:09 AM | 4:16 AM | 4:27 AM | 4:40 AM | 4:45 AM |
| 5:06 AM | 5:12 AM | 5:20 AM | 5:30 AM | 5:44 AM | 5:49 AM |
| 6:04 AM | 6:11 AM | 6:19 AM | 6:31 AM | 6:48 AM | 6:53 AM |
| 7:07 AM | 7:15 AM | 7:24 AM | 7:36 AM | 7:54 AM | 7:59 AM |
| 9:08 AM | 9:16 AM | 9:24 AM | 9:35 AM | 9:49 AM | 9:54 AM |
CTA 85 Weekday Southbound — Bryn Mawr/Elston to Central/Harrison
| Bryn Mawr / Elston | Jefferson Park Blue Line | Central / Belmont | Central / North | Central Green Line | Central / Harrison |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:20 AM | 3:26 AM | 3:37 AM | 3:46 AM | 3:53 AM | 3:57 AM |
| 6:01 AM | 6:08 AM | 6:19 AM | 6:30 AM | 6:39 AM | 6:44 AM |
| 7:30 AM | 7:39 AM | 7:53 AM | 8:04 AM | 8:14 AM | 8:20 AM |
| 8:08 AM | 8:16 AM | 8:31 AM | 8:44 AM | 8:54 AM | 8:59 AM |
| 9:44 AM | 9:52 AM | 10:07 AM | 10:19 AM | 10:29 AM | 10:35 AM |
These are selected trips, not the complete timetable. The full CTA PDF contains many additional departures, frequency notes and some school-day or short-turn variations.
MBTA Route 85 Schedule: Assembly to Ruggles
The MBTA redesigned Route 85 on April 5, 2026, merging the former CT2 and Route 85 into a continuous service between Assembly and Ruggles.
The new route serves Fenway, Kendall/MIT, Union Square and Sullivan Square, replacing the former limited-stop CT2 designation.
MBTA 85 Selected Weekday Departures Toward Ruggles
These selected weekday timetable examples illustrate the redesigned route. Check the current MBTA schedule for your particular date and stop.
| Assembly Area | Union Square | Fenway Area | Ruggles Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:25 AM | 5:34 AM | 5:53 AM | 6:15 AM |
| 5:55 AM | 6:04 AM | 6:23 AM | 6:45 AM |
| 6:20 AM | 6:29 AM | 6:48 AM | 7:10 AM |
| 6:45 AM | 6:54 AM | 7:13 AM | 7:36 AM |
| 7:10 AM | 7:19 AM | 7:44 AM | 8:08 AM |
Assembly-area examples use the Grand Union Boulevard/Artisan Way starting timepoint. The Union Square example uses Somerville Avenue, and the Fenway-area example uses Mountfort Street/Lenox Street. These are selected published schedule examples, not a complete list of all stops.
Selected Weekday Departures From Ruggles Toward Assembly
Houston METRO 85 Antoine / Washington: Hours and Frequency
Houston METRO Route 85 connects the Greenspoint area with major destinations along Antoine Drive, Northwest Transit Center, Washington Avenue and Downtown Houston.
The route runs every day and provides frequent local service for workers, students, shoppers and riders connecting with other METRO bus or rail lines.
Houston Route 85 Service Hours
| Service day | First service begins | Last service ends | Typical frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | Before 5:00 AM | After midnight | Every ~15 minutes |
| Saturday | Before 5:00 AM | After midnight | Every ~30 minutes |
| Sunday | Before 5:00 AM | After midnight | Every ~30 minutes |
The published operating hours are route-wide approximate spans. The exact first and last bus at your individual stop may be different. Use Houston METRO’s stop-by-stop schedule or RideMETRO tracker for your actual departure.
Major Destinations on Houston Route 85
Major bus transfer hub near Greens Road and the Greenspoint commercial area.
Connections to multiple Houston METRO routes along the Northwest Transit Center corridor.
Connections near the central business district, transit center and METRORail.
Local stops serving neighborhoods, schools and businesses along Antoine.
Stops near local businesses, public facilities and important connecting streets.
Connections near St. Joseph Medical Center, City Hall and downtown government offices.
NJ TRANSIT Route 85: Hoboken to American Dream
NJ TRANSIT Route 85 serves Hoboken Terminal, Jersey City, Union City, Secaucus Harmon Meadow/Mill Creek and American Dream in East Rutherford.
The published Route 85 PDF issued July 1, 2026 provides separate weekday, Saturday and Sunday tables. Some trips terminate at Mill Creek rather than American Dream.
Weekday Trips Toward American Dream
These selected trips are from the official NJ TRANSIT Route 85 timetable.
| Hoboken Terminal | Congress / Palisade | 32nd / Bergenline | Harmon Meadow | Mill Creek | American Dream |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | 5:06 AM | 5:24 AM | 5:32 AM | 5:36 AM | Not served |
| 6:00 AM | 6:07 AM | 6:29 AM | 6:39 AM | 6:43 AM | Not served |
| 7:30 AM | 7:37 AM | 7:59 AM | 8:09 AM | 8:13 AM | 8:17 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 8:07 AM | 8:29 AM | 8:39 AM | 8:43 AM | 8:47 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 9:07 AM | 9:30 AM | 9:40 AM | 9:44 AM | 9:48 AM |
NJ TRANSIT 85 Weekend Departure Examples
| Service day | Hoboken Terminal | Congress / Palisade | 32nd / Bergenline | American Dream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 5:55 AM | 6:02 AM | 6:20 AM | 6:37 AM |
| Saturday | 7:55 AM | 8:02 AM | 8:20 AM | 8:37 AM |
| Sunday | 5:55 AM | 6:02 AM | 6:20 AM | 6:35 AM |
| Sunday | 7:55 AM | 8:02 AM | 8:20 AM | 8:35 AM |
Selected official timetable rows only. Use the full PDF for later departures, Hoboken-bound trips, specific stop exceptions, holiday instructions and all schedule footnotes.
Does Route 85 Run on Saturdays and Sundays?
Weekend availability is one of the most important differences between Route 85 services.
| Operator | Weekdays | Saturday | Sunday | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Chicago | Yes | Yes | Yes | Early morning and late evening daily service. |
| MBTA Boston | Yes | No | No | Redesigned Assembly–Ruggles service remains weekday-only. |
| Houston METRO | Yes | Yes | Yes | About 15-minute weekday and 30-minute weekend service. |
| NJ TRANSIT | Yes | Yes | Yes | Separate departure tables and selected short-turn patterns. |
Route 85 Bus Stops and Maps by Agency
These diagrams are simplified corridor illustrations. They show the main locations used to distinguish one Route 85 service from another. They are not geographic street maps or complete stop sequences.
CTA 85 Central — Chicago
Major timepoints include Central/Harrison, Central Green Line Station, Central/North, Central/Belmont, Jefferson Park Blue Line Station and Bryn Mawr/Elston.
MBTA 85 — Assembly to Ruggles
The redesigned Route 85 combines many former CT2 and Route 85 stops. It offers connections to several MBTA subway and bus lines.
Houston METRO 85 Antoine / Washington
Houston Route 85 links major local communities, shopping areas, transit centers and Downtown Houston.
NJ TRANSIT 85 — Hoboken to American Dream
NJ Route 85 serves Hoboken Terminal, neighborhoods in Jersey City and Union City, Harmon Meadow, Mill Creek and selected trips to American Dream.
Major Transfer Locations
How Long Does the Route 85 Bus Take?
Travel duration depends on the route, time of day, direction, traffic and the stops used. The comparisons below are selected published schedule examples, not live journey predictions.
Route 85 Bus Fare: How Much Does a Ticket Cost?
There is no national Route 85 fare. Prices and payment rules depend on the operating transit agency, transfer type and fare eligibility.
Standard Ventra/contactless bus fare. Cash fare: $2.50 without transfers.
CTA fare chartRegular local bus fare with supported payment. Eligible reduced fare: $0.85.
MBTA fare chartRegular local fare. Eligible discounted fare is $0.60 with an approved RideMETRO credential.
Houston faresRoute 85 fares depend on the number of zones crossed and the ticket category.
NJ fare informationNJ TRANSIT Route 85 Cash Fare Examples
The July 1, 2026 Route 85 timetable publishes the following adult cash fares:
| Number of zones | Adult one-way cash fare | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 zone | $1.90 | Travel remains within one fare zone. |
| 2 zones | $3.00 | Travel crosses one zone boundary. |
| 3 zones | $3.80 | Travel crosses two zone boundaries. |
Base-Fare Comparison
These bars compare regular local one-way fares. NJ TRANSIT is excluded because its price depends on fare zones.
How to Pay Before Boarding
Check the city and operator of your Route 85 bus.
Regular, reduced, student, senior, pass or zone fare.
Use accepted transit card, contactless, mobile ticket or cash.
Eligible transfer rules differ by agency and method.
Have your fare or activated ticket available at the stop.
How to Choose the Correct Route 85 Direction
The number 85 alone does not tell you where the bus is going. Check the destination sign on the front of the bus and match it to your travel plan.
Northbound toward Bryn Mawr/Elston or southbound toward Central/Harrison.
Choose Assembly or Ruggles. Former CT2 and Route 85 signage may be outdated.
Choose the correct Greenspoint or Downtown-bound trip from the official route selector.
Choose Hoboken, American Dream or a Secaucus/Mill Creek short-turn destination.
Scheduled Bus Time vs Live Arrival
Scheduled time is the timetable departure. Live arrival is a same-day estimate based on reported vehicle data where available. Traffic, road closures, detours, cancellations and GPS problems can change the prediction.
Use the actual transit agency’s arrival tool.
Confirm the city and route number match your journey.
Match the destination shown on the bus headsign.
Use the stop name, stop ID, station bay or map pin.
Review live predictions and current alerts before leaving.
Official Route 85 Live Tracking Links
Select Route 85 Central, direction and exact stop.
CTA Live ArrivalsOpen the current schedule page to check predictions and alerts.
MBTA Route 85 TrackerUse the official app, website or stop-ID text feature.
Houston Route 85 Live InfoSelect American Dream or Hoboken and your stop.
NJ Route 85 MyBusRoute 85 Alerts: What Is Important Right Now?
Temporary alerts can change stops and travel times without changing the printed schedule. The official operating agency’s alert page is the final source for same-day conditions.
The notices are listed as active until further notice, but may be cleared or changed at any time. Check the current CTA Route 85 page immediately before boarding.
Check CTA 85 Current AlertsTemporary stop closures, detours or different boarding corners.
Heavy snow, rain or flooding can affect arrival times and street access.
Parades, marathons, festivals and large events may change service.
Agencies may add trips, remove trips or change the route during a service period.
Route 85 Accessibility and Reduced Fares
Check accessibility at both the vehicle and the stop. Even an accessible bus may be affected by an inaccessible curb, temporary construction, snow or stop relocation.
CTA states all its buses are accessible and provides wheelchair access, priority seating and front-mounted bicycle racks.
Use the current Route 85 map to plan accessible station connections. Reduced-fare rules apply to eligible riders.
Route 85 has accessible vehicles. Eligible discounted fares require appropriate fare credentials.
The Route 85 timetable identifies lift-equipped accessible trips and provides assistance information for Hoboken Terminal.
Route 85 Rider Checklist
- Identify the correct transit agency and city.
- Confirm Route 85 still operates under that number.
- Open the official current schedule.
- Choose weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service.
- Match the destination sign and correct direction.
- Check your exact stop and boarding side.
- Verify whether your trip serves the full route or short-turn terminal.
- Check fare, payment method and transfer rules.
- Confirm the expected travel duration and transfer time.
- Review live tracking information before leaving.
- Arrive around 5–10 minutes early or follow the agency’s guidance.
- Check for detours, canceled trips and temporary stops.
Official Route 85 Timetables, Maps, Fares and Trackers
Use these agency-controlled sources to confirm the current schedule, stop list, fare, accessibility information and live bus status for your Route 85 service.
Current first/last terminal spans, service alerts, route map and stop list.
Official CTA Route 85Detailed weekday, Saturday and Sunday timetable effective June 7, 2026.
CTA Official PDFVentra, contactless, cash fare, reduced fares and transfers.
CTA Fare ChartPublished service improvements, including August 2026 Route 85 changes.
CTA Service ImprovementsCurrent Assembly–Ruggles schedule, directions, stops, predictions and alerts.
Official MBTA Route 85Information on the April 5, 2026 CT2/85 consolidation and revised route.
MBTA Route Change InformationService frequency, hours, stop-by-stop schedule, popular destinations and real-time tools.
Official Houston Route 85Current local bus fares, discounted fares, contactless payment and transfer policies.
Houston Fare InformationTimetable issued July 1, 2026, with route map, direction tables, stop timepoints and fare zones.
Official NJ 85 TimetableDirection selection, exact stops and live arrival predictions.
NJ Route 85 MyBusSeparate New York City service between Rosedale/Green Acres and Jamaica.
MTA Q85 ScheduleOfficial discontinuation notice directing former Swan Island riders to replacement Line 40.
TriMet Route 85 NoticeBusSchedule.us is an independent transit-information website. It does not operate these buses, sell the agency’s tickets, control official timetables or guarantee real-time arrival predictions.
Route 85 Bus Schedule FAQs
What is the Route 85 bus schedule?
There is no single nationwide Route 85 schedule. Several agencies use the number 85, including CTA Chicago, MBTA Boston, Houston METRO and NJ TRANSIT. Choose the correct city, operator and direction first.
What time does Route 85 start running?
Start times depend on the transit agency. CTA 85 southbound starts around 3:20 AM on weekdays, while the CTA northbound terminal span begins around 4:00 AM. Boston’s redesigned MBTA 85 begins around 5:30 AM on weekdays. Other routes differ.
What time is the last Route 85 bus?
The last bus varies by city, direction and stop. CTA’s northbound terminal schedule extends to 12:40 AM the following day. MBTA 85 is a weekday-only service that finishes in the evening. Use the current official timetable for your route.
Does Route 85 run on weekends?
CTA Chicago, Houston METRO and NJ TRANSIT publish Saturday and Sunday Route 85 service. The redesigned MBTA Route 85 between Assembly and Ruggles operates weekdays only.
How much is the Route 85 bus fare?
CTA Chicago lists a regular Ventra bus fare of $2.25, MBTA local bus fare is $1.70, and Houston METRO local fare is $1.25. NJ TRANSIT Route 85 uses fare zones, with published adult cash examples of $1.90 for one zone, $3.00 for two zones and $3.80 for three zones.
Where does CTA Route 85 Central go?
CTA Route 85 travels between Central/Harrison and Bryn Mawr/Elston. Important connections include Central Green Line Station and Jefferson Park Blue Line Station.
Where does MBTA Route 85 go in 2026?
The redesigned MBTA Route 85 operates between Assembly and Ruggles via Sullivan Square, Union Square, Kendall/MIT and the Fenway area. It replaced the former CT2 and old Route 85 in April 2026.
How often does Houston Route 85 run?
Houston METRO lists Route 85 Antoine/Washington service approximately every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on Saturday and Sunday during most operating hours.
Does NJ TRANSIT Route 85 go to American Dream?
Yes, selected NJ TRANSIT 85 trips run between Hoboken and American Dream via Jersey City, Union City and Secaucus. Some short-turn trips serve Mill Creek without continuing to American Dream, so check the destination sign and timetable.
Is New York City Q85 the same as Route 85?
No. The MTA Q85 is a separate Queens bus serving the Jamaica–Rosedale/Green Acres corridor. Its timetable is available from the MTA.
Is TriMet Route 85 still running in Portland?
No. TriMet discontinued its former Route 85 Swan Island service and directs riders to replacement Line 40 Tacoma/Swan Island.
Where can I track Route 85 live?
Use the operating agency’s official tool: CTA Bus Tracker for Chicago, the MBTA Route 85 schedule page for Boston, RideMETRO for Houston, or NJ TRANSIT MyBus for New Jersey.
How early should I arrive at the Route 85 stop?
Aim to reach the correct stop around 5–10 minutes before your expected departure, with extra time for unfamiliar terminals, transfers, bad weather or infrequent buses. Always follow the agency’s specific arrival guidance.