CATS Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

Charlotte Area Transit System Rider Guide

Find CATS Bus Routes, Schedule Times, Stops, Fares and Live Arrivals in Charlotte

CATS is the Charlotte Area Transit System serving Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and selected regional destinations. Its network includes local buses, crosstown routes, express buses, the airport Sprinter, CATS Micro, ADA paratransit and connections to the LYNX Blue Line and CityLYNX Gold Line.

This guide shows how to select the correct route, read inbound and outbound schedules, find a stop, check real-time arrivals, compare fares, use a park-and-ride and avoid outdated or discontinued service information.

Transit agency Charlotte Area Transit System
Local one-way fare $2.20
Customer service 704-336-7433
Lost and found 704-336-3159
Information reviewed
Current network position

Important CATS Service Changes Riders Should Know

CATS normally implements planned service changes in February, June and October. Temporary detours, event changes and severe-weather service are published separately as rider alerts.

Routes 19, 35 and 60 Schedules adjusted CATS made minor schedule changes to Route 19 Park Road, Route 35 Wilkinson-Amazon and Route 60 Tyvola Road effective June 1, 2026.
Route 82X Rock Hill Express Discontinued CATS discontinued Route 82X effective July 1, 2026. Do not use an older timetable or app listing as proof that the route still operates.
North Mecklenburg service Microtransit area Former Village Rider and Davidson shuttle trips transitioned to CATS Micro. Use the CATS-Pass app rather than relying on old Route 97, 98 or 99 schedules.
Better Bus and fare modernization Future program Proposed network and fare improvements are not automatically current service. Wait for a published effective date before using proposed routes or prices.
Outdated app warning: third-party transit apps can continue displaying a route after official service ends. The CATS route selector, current service-change page and rider alerts should control your final trip decision.
Choose your rider task

What Do You Need From the CATS Bus Schedule?

Find a bus route Search the official CATS route selector by route number or name. Confirm that the displayed route matches your destination.
Find the next bus Use CATS-Pass for a live prediction after identifying the exact direction and stop.
Travel to CLT Airport Compare Route 5 Sprinter and Route 60. The two routes connect the airport with different parts of the transit network.
Commute from outside Uptown Check an express route, park-and-ride location, peak-direction timetable and the correct express fare.
Connect to rail Match the bus with a Blue Line station, Gold Line stop or Charlotte Transportation Center transfer.
Request an accessible trip Use an accessible fixed-route bus or apply for STS when a disability prevents use of the regular system.

CATS Bus Rider Guide

Network overview

CATS Bus Route Directory by Service Type

CATS colors local and neighborhood routes green, express routes red and rail according to the Blue or Gold Line. The route groups below help narrow the search, but the official selector should be used for the exact current timetable.

Uptown and Main City Corridors

These routes serve major radial corridors and frequently connect with the Charlotte Transportation Center.

1 Mt. Holly Road 3 The Plaza 4 Belmont 6 Kings Drive 7 Beatties Ford 8 Tuckaseegee Road 9 Central Avenue 10 West Boulevard 11 North Tryon 13 Nevin Road 14 Providence Road 15 Randolph Road 16 South Tryon 17 Commonwealth Avenue 19 Park Road 21 Statesville Avenue 22 Graham Street 23 Shamrock Drive 27 Monroe Road 34 Freedom Drive

Crosstown and Rail-Feeder Routes

Crosstown routes can avoid an Uptown transfer and may connect directly with a Blue Line station.

2 Ashley/Scaleybark 12 South Boulevard 18 Paw Creek/Rosa Parks 20 Sharon Road 24 Nations Ford Road 26 Oaklawn Avenue 28 Fairview Road 29 UNCC/JW Clay 30 Woodlawn/Scaleybark 39 Eastway 42 Carowinds 43 Ballantyne 50 CIC/URP 51 Pineville-Matthews Road 54 University Research Park 55 Westinghouse 56 Arrowood 57 Archdale/SouthPark 58 Pineville 59 UNC Charlotte-Huntersville 60 Tyvola Road

Airport Service

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is served by more than one bus pattern. Choose based on the connection you need.

5 Airport Sprinter 60 Tyvola Road

Route 5 connects the airport with Uptown. Route 60 connects the airport with Tyvola Station and southern destinations.

Mecklenburg Express Routes

Express routes commonly operate around commuter periods and often use park-and-ride facilities.

40X Lawyers Road 41X Steele Creek 46X Harrisburg Road 47X Huntersville Greenhouse 48X Northcross 52X Idlewild Road 53X Northlake 61X Arboretum 62X Rea Road 63X Huntersville 64X Independence Boulevard 88X Mountain Island

Regional Express Routes

Regional routes travel beyond the core local service area and use the higher Express Plus fare.

74X Union County Express 77X North Mecklenburg Express 85X Gastonia Express

Do not use Route 82X: Rock Hill Express was discontinued effective July 1, 2026.

Neighborhood and Connector Routes

Smaller routes connect communities with transit centers, rail stations and mainline bus corridors.

211 Hidden Valley 221 East Harris–Idlewild 222 Pence Road 235 West Charlotte Connector

Northern Mecklenburg Village Rider routes have transitioned to CATS Micro and should not be treated as active fixed-route schedules.

Not every route runs every day. An active route can still have weekday-only, peak-only, seasonal or limited-hour service.
Simplified rider diagram

How the CATS Bus Network Connects Through Charlotte

This diagram explains the system structure rather than exact geography. Use the official system map for streets and stop locations.

Simplified Charlotte CATS bus network Routes branch from Charlotte Transportation Center to the airport, east Charlotte, north Charlotte, SouthPark, Pineville, university areas and regional express destinations. CTC UPTOWN AIRPORT Routes 5 & 60 WEST 1 • 8 • 10 • 34 SOUTH 16 • 24 • 55 • 56 NORTH 7 • 21 • 59 • Micro EAST 3 • 9 • 17 • 27 SOUTHPARK 19 • 28 • 30 • 57 UNIVERSITY PINEVILLE
Do not assume every trip passes through Uptown. Crosstown routes can connect two outer areas without entering the Charlotte Transportation Center.
Timetable decoder

How to Read a CATS Bus Schedule Without Missing the Bus

Route
#
Match the number and route name.
Direction
Choose the final destination.
Day
D
Select weekday or weekend.
Timepoint
T
Find the nearest major stop.
Stop
S
Confirm the street side.
Live check
Check current prediction.
Timepoints are not every stop CATS schedules display selected terminals, intersections and landmarks. Your physical stop may be between two published timepoints.
Inbound and outbound can be confusing Use the final destination and street direction. A route can turn several times and may not travel consistently north or south.
A dash means the trip does not serve that timepoint Do not treat a blank or dash as an estimated time. The trip may begin later, end earlier or follow another pattern.
One route may have branches Route 7, express routes and other services can use different terminals or partial-trip patterns. Read the destination sign.
Terminal time is not your stop time A bus leaving CTC at 6:00 p.m. will reach an outer stop later. Use the nearest timepoint or live prediction.
Arrive before the published time Be at the stop several minutes early. A schedule is not permission to reach the stop at the exact departure minute.

How to Find the Correct CATS Bus Stop and Direction

Route number Match the complete number.
Route name Confirm the corridor.
Destination Read the headsign.
Stop ID Use the exact stop.
Street side Check travel direction.
Alert Check relocation.
Plan the trip before walking to the stop. Use the official CATS route page or CATS-Pass to identify the route and transfer.
Zoom into the exact boarding point. Intersections can have several stops serving different routes and directions.
Read the route numbers on the stop sign. Do not wait at a nearby shelter solely because it looks like the correct stop.
Face the direction the bus should travel. Confirm which side of the road leads toward the listed destination.
Check for a temporary stop notice. Construction, events and road closures can move the stop to another block.
Signal the driver and verify the headsign. Stand where you are visible and confirm the route before boarding.
Common mistake: riders often use the correct intersection but the wrong side of the road. The route number may be correct while the bus travels away from the destination.
Fares checked August 3, 2026

CATS Bus Fares, Passes and Reduced Prices

The figures below are current fares published by CATS. Proposed fare-modernization prices should not be used until CATS publishes an implementation date.

Local Bus $2.20 Adult one-way This is the standard fare for local bus and rail service.
Express Bus $3.00 Adult one-way Express routes within the applicable service area use the express fare.
Express Plus $4.40 Regional one-way Regional express services to participating outer destinations use the Express Plus fare.
STS Paratransit $3.50 One-way trip Riders must be certified for Special Transportation Service.
Community Shuttle $0.90 Adult one-way Community shuttle fares differ from regular local service.
Local Day Pass $6.60 Unlimited local rides The pass is intended for repeated local bus and rail trips during the applicable day.
Weekly Pass $30.80 Unlimited local rides Compare this with pay-as-you-go use before buying.
Monthly Local Pass $88.00 Unlimited local rides Eligible CATS-Pass purchases can count toward the $88 monthly fare-cap threshold.
Reduced local fare Seniors age 62 or older, Medicare cardholders, qualified riders with disabilities and eligible K–12 riders pay $1.10 with required identification.
Children age 5 and younger Children five or younger ride free when accompanied by an adult.
Ten-ride local pass The published adult local ten-ride price is $22.00.
Sprinter fare inconsistency: the dedicated CATS Sprinter page advertises $2.50 per ride, while the general local fare table lists $2.20. Confirm the route-specific fare through CATS before an airport trip until the official pages are aligned.

Verify current CATS fares and passes

CATS Transfer Rules Between Local, Express and Regional Buses

Transfer Type Published Upgrade Fare Rider Action
Local to Express $0.80 Request the transfer when paying the first fare.
Local to Express Plus $2.20 Allow enough stored value or cash for the fare difference.
Express to Express Plus $1.40 Confirm the regional route and upgrade before boarding.
Community Shuttle to Local $1.30 Ask for the transfer when the shuttle fare is paid.
Community Shuttle to Express $2.15 Confirm that the connecting express trip is operating.
Community Shuttle to Express Plus $3.50 Check whether another fare method is more practical.
Community Shuttle to Community Shuttle Free Use the transfer within the permitted period.
Transfer window: CATS states that transfers must be used within 105 minutes or on the next connecting bus. Ask for the transfer when paying the fare.
Uptown exception: CATS states that transfers are generally not issued to riders boarding Uptown, except on Routes 29 and 30. Confirm this rule before relying on a paper transfer.
Official trip-planning and ticket app

How to Use the CATS-Pass App for Live Bus Times

CATS-Pass is the official mobile app for planning and paying for CATS travel. It displays buses, Blue Line and Gold Line information, including available real-time vehicle locations and arrival estimates.

Enter the starting point and destination. Review the recommended route, walking segment, transfer and estimated journey.
Check whether the time is scheduled or predicted. A live estimate is stronger evidence that a vehicle is assigned, but CATS does not guarantee precise live location accuracy.
Buy the correct fare product. Local, express and Express Plus tickets are different. Buying the wrong ticket does not automatically create a refund.
Wait to activate the ticket. Activate shortly before boarding, not hours before the trip.
Show the active ticket when required. A purchased but inactive ticket is not valid proof of payment.
Use the safety-reporting feature when necessary. The app includes a “Report a Problem to CATS” function for safety and maintenance concerns.
Offline use: CATS states that wallet tickets can be viewed and activated while offline, but an offline ticket display is limited and the device must reconnect after the permitted period.

Open the official CATS mobile-app page

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

CATS Bus Service to CLT Airport

Route 5 Airport Sprinter

Route 5 connects Charlotte Transportation Center in Uptown with Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

  • First published Uptown departure: 5:05 a.m.
  • Published weekday frequency: about every 30 minutes
  • Weekday service listed through approximately 1:22 a.m.
  • Saturday service listed from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 1:22 a.m.
  • Sunday service listed from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 1:14 a.m.

Check the official Sprinter information

Route 60 Tyvola Road

Route 60 links the airport with Tyvola Station on the LYNX Blue Line and other southern destinations.

  • Published first trip: approximately 5:09 a.m.
  • Published frequency: about every 30 minutes, seven days a week
  • Airport last departure varies by weekday, Saturday and Sunday
  • Use Route 60 when a Blue Line connection is more useful than an Uptown transfer

Open Route 60 schedule search

Airport planning rule: do not choose a route based only on the earliest departure. Compare your terminal arrival target, walking time, transfer risk, luggage and the final bus of the night.
  • Confirm whether Route 5 or Route 60 fits the trip.
  • Check the correct service day.
  • Allow extra time for airport security.
  • Keep luggage out of the bus aisle.
  • Check live arrivals before leaving.
  • Save a backup option for an early or late flight.
On-demand North Mecklenburg service

How CATS Micro Works

CATS Micro is an on-demand, shared-ride service for the Northern Mecklenburg zone, including areas north of I-485 in Huntersville, Davidson and Cornelius.

Current fare The published fare is $2.20 for each passenger and each one-way trip.
Current service hours The current CATS Micro page lists daily service from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
How to book Book through the CATS-Pass app or call 704-336-7433 and follow the Micro scheduling prompt.
Pickup point The app provides walking directions to a nearby pickup location rather than guaranteeing pickup at the exact front door.
Additional riders Add every companion during booking. Each seat requires an additional fare.
Children Riders age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. CATS Micro does not provide a child or booster seat.
Old-route warning: do not use archived Village Rider schedules for Routes 97, 98 or 99. Check whether CATS Micro appears as an option for the trip in the official app.

Open the official CATS Micro guide

Major transfer hubs

CATS Transit Centers and Important Bus Connections

Charlotte Transportation Center

Located at 310 East Trade Street, CTC is the main Uptown bus hub and a major transfer point for bus, Blue Line and Gold Line service.

The center offers climate-controlled waiting areas, restrooms, security, information, pass sales and twenty indoor bus bays.

Building hours: 4:50 a.m.–1:30 a.m. daily.

Rosa Parks Place

This neighborhood transit center serves the Beatties Ford Road area.

Key routes: Routes 7 and 26.

The facility includes covered waiting areas, lighting and on-site surveillance during transit service hours.

Eastland Community Transit Center

Eastland serves eastern Charlotte and provides a transfer point for neighborhood and mainline services.

Key routes: Routes 9, 221 and 222.

The facility includes covered waiting areas, bicycle parking and passenger information.

SouthPark Community Transit Center

The center is located in the SouthPark Mall parking deck between Belk and Dillard’s.

Key routes: Routes 19, 28, 30 and 57.

It includes a climate-controlled waiting area, seating and schedule displays.

Bay assignments can change. Read the electronic board, overhead sign and temporary notices rather than relying on an old photograph of the transit center.

View official CATS transit-center information

Commuter workflow

How to Use a CATS Park-and-Ride

Choose a lot
P
Match the lot with an active route.
Check parking rules
Confirm where transit riders may park.
Find the stop or bay
S
Match the route and direction.
Prepare the fare
$
Express and regional fares differ.
Check return trip
Confirm the final outbound bus.
Park-and-Ride or Station Address Key Bus Routes
Arrowood Station 7717 England Street, Charlotte 24, 56
I-485/South Boulevard Station 9508 South Boulevard, Charlotte 12, 42, 58
Scaleybark Station 3750 South Boulevard, Charlotte 2, 12, 30
JW Clay Boulevard Station 9201–9203 North Tryon Street, Charlotte 29
Tyvola Station 5703 Old Pineville Road, Charlotte 60
Woodlawn Station 4756 Old Pineville Road, Charlotte 24
Northlake Mall 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte 7, 53X
Gastonia Transit Center 121 North Oakland Street, Gastonia 85X
Regional commuter warning: a park-and-ride listing does not prove that every express trip stops there. Confirm the direction-specific timetable and return service.

Search all official CATS park-and-ride locations

Official document viewer

View the Official CATS System Map PDF

The system map shows the broader relationship between local routes, express corridors, park-and-rides, transit centers and rail connections. Use the live schedule selector for current times because a map can remain online after an individual route changes.

If the PDF viewer is blank: the City of Charlotte server or browser may block embedded viewing. Use the “Open Official System Map PDF” button.

CATS Accessibility, Wheelchairs, Service Animals and STS

CATS states that all fixed-route buses and trains are accessible and meet ADA requirements. Accessible vehicle equipment does not guarantee that every sidewalk or temporary stop is equally easy to use.

Lifts, ramps and kneeling buses CATS buses have lifts or ramps designed to accommodate at least 800 pounds, and fixed-route buses have low-floor or kneeling capability.
Wheelchair securement Priority areas are located near the front, and operators secure wheelchairs and scooters.
Stop announcements Buses provide automated visual and audio announcements for major timepoints, intersections, landmarks and points of interest.
Service animals Trained service animals are permitted in CATS vehicles and facilities under applicable ADA rules.
Braille and translated schedules Request Braille or language assistance through Customer Service at 704-336-7433.
Travel training CATS offers free travel training for seniors, riders with disabilities and community members who want help using the system.

Special Transportation Service

STS is a pre-scheduled, shared-ride, origin-to-destination service for riders who are certified because a disability prevents them from using fixed-route buses or trains.

STS booking Certified riders can schedule a trip by calling 1-833-656-7699.
STS eligibility The process can include an application, interview and functional assessment. A disability diagnosis alone does not automatically establish ADA paratransit eligibility.
Temporary-stop problem: contact CATS when a construction detour moves an accessible stop to a curb or location that you cannot safely use.

Read official CATS accessibility information

Bicycles, Strollers and Luggage on CATS Buses

Bicycle racks CATS states that a bicycle rack is mounted on the front of every bus and that carrying the bicycle is free.
Rack availability Rack space is limited. Be prepared to wait for another bus or use a safe alternative when the rack is full.
Loading a bicycle Wait until the bus stops, make eye contact with the operator and load from the curb side rather than standing in traffic.
Removing a bicycle Tell the operator before exiting and remain visible while unloading the bicycle.
Strollers Keep aisles, doors and mobility-device areas clear. Follow the operator’s instruction when folding or repositioning a stroller is necessary.
Airport luggage Keep bags under control and out of the aisle. CATS buses are public transit vehicles rather than dedicated luggage coaches.

Read official CATS bicycle guidance

Standard holiday pattern

CATS Holiday Bus Schedules

Saturday schedule holidays
  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
Sunday schedule holidays
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
Check the specific year’s rider alert: CATS can publish exceptions or modified office hours. A federal, state or local holiday does not automatically determine the bus schedule.
Live operating conditions

Detours, Canceled Trips, Weather and Event Service

Charlotte street closures, stadium events, construction, rail work and severe weather can change stops or suspend individual trips even when the normal timetable remains online.

Temporary detour Check which streets and stops are skipped and where the temporary boarding point is located.
Vehicle not visible The bus may not have started the trip, may have lost GPS data or may have been removed from service.
Severe weather CATS may delay the start of service, suspend express routes or operate main-road detours.
Uptown event Football, soccer, concerts, races and festivals can move several Charlotte Transportation Center approaches.
Rail disruption A bus trip connecting to the Blue or Gold Line can be affected even when the bus itself operates normally.
Future service proposal Better Bus maps and recommendations are planning documents until CATS publishes an effective service change.
For an important trip: check the published schedule, live arrival and rider alert. One source alone does not show the complete operating picture.

Check current CATS news and rider alerts

CATS Lost and Found, Customer Service and Safety Contacts

Lost and Found 704-336-3159
Charlotte Transportation Center, Pavilion A
STS Paratransit 1-833-656-7699
Certified-rider trip scheduling
Text-a-Tip 704-251-6402
Report non-emergency safety concerns

How to Report a Lost Item

Write down the route and direction. Include the route number, destination shown on the bus and approximate boarding time.
Record where you boarded and exited. A stop ID, intersection or transit-center bay helps identify the vehicle.
Describe the item precisely. Include color, brand, identifying marks and contents that establish ownership.
Call Lost and Found. CATS cannot stop every bus to search, and an item may not be cataloged until the vehicle completes service.
Protect financial and digital accounts. Lock a lost phone and cancel exposed cards rather than waiting for the item to be found.
Claim the item promptly. CATS states that unclaimed items may become City property or be disposed of after 30 days.
Emergency: call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life or safety. Customer Service and Text-a-Tip are not substitutes for emergency response.

CATS Bus Checklist Before Leaving Home

  • Confirm the route number and route name.
  • Select the correct inbound or outbound direction.
  • Check weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service.
  • Confirm that the route has not been discontinued.
  • Find the exact stop and street side.
  • Review active detours or moved stops.
  • Check a live arrival prediction.
  • Prepare the correct local or express fare.
  • Allow enough time for a transfer.
  • Check the final return trip.

CATS Bus Schedule Problems and What to Do

The schedule tool shows no trip The route may not operate on that day, may be peak-only or may require the opposite direction selection.
A third-party app shows Route 82X CATS discontinued Rock Hill Express effective July 1, 2026. Do not rely on an archived app listing.
Old Village Rider routes appear Routes 97, 98 and 99 transitioned to CATS Micro. Check the Micro zone and booking option.
The live bus disappeared The vehicle may have lost location data, been reassigned, entered a detour or completed the tracked trip.
The bus passed the stop Confirm that the bus was in service, the stop served that direction and the trip did not use a different branch.
The CATS-Pass ticket will not display Reconnect the phone, check the wallet, increase screen brightness and contact Customer Service when the purchased ticket remains unavailable.
The PDF map will not open Use the direct official PDF button. Embedded viewers can be blocked even when the document remains available.
The fare pages conflict Use the route-specific page and call CATS before boarding. The current Sprinter and general fare pages display different amounts.
The stop is closed Read the full alert for the temporary corner, intersection or bay rather than waiting beside the permanent sign.
You missed the final bus Check another route, rail connection, official trip planner or safe transportation alternative. Do not assume another trip will appear.
Official research record

Official CATS Sources Used for This Guide

Official-source review completed August 3, 2026

Independent-site disclosure: busschedule.us does not operate CATS buses, sell official tickets, control service, locate vehicles or guarantee arrival times.

Frequently Asked Questions About CATS Bus Schedules

What does CATS stand for in Charlotte?

CATS stands for Charlotte Area Transit System. It operates bus, rail, streetcar, microtransit, vanpool and paratransit services in the Charlotte region.

Where can I find the official CATS bus schedule?

Use the CATS Bus Routes and Schedules page or the official schedule selector. Choose the route, inbound or outbound direction and service day.

How do I see the next CATS bus in real time?

Use the official CATS-Pass app, select the route and exact stop, and look for a live prediction or vehicle location.

How much is a local CATS bus ride?

The published adult local one-way fare is $2.20. Reduced local fare is $1.10 for eligible riders with required identification.

How much is a CATS express bus?

The published adult one-way express fare is $3.00. Regional Express Plus service has a published adult one-way fare of $4.40.

Which CATS bus goes to Charlotte airport?

Route 5 Sprinter connects Uptown and CLT Airport. Route 60 connects the airport with Tyvola Station and other southern destinations.

Does Route 82X Rock Hill Express still operate?

No. CATS announced that Route 82X was discontinued effective July 1, 2026.

What happened to CATS Routes 97, 98 and 99?

The Northern Mecklenburg Village Rider services transitioned to CATS Micro. Book eligible trips through CATS-Pass or CATS Customer Service.

Does CATS run on holidays?

Yes, but many holidays use a Saturday or Sunday schedule. Check the specific annual rider alert before traveling.

Are CATS buses wheelchair accessible?

CATS states that all fixed-route buses and trains are accessible. Buses include ramps or lifts, low-floor or kneeling capability, priority seating and wheelchair securement.

Can I bring a bicycle on a CATS bus?

Yes. CATS states that bicycle racks are installed on the front of every bus and that the bicycle rides free, subject to available rack space.

Who do I call about a lost item?

Call CATS Lost and Found at 704-336-3159. Provide the route, direction, date, time, stops and a detailed description of the item.

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