CATS Baton Rouge Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops
Looking for the CATS bus schedule in Baton Rouge, Louisiana? Capital Area Transit System (CATS) connects neighborhoods, universities, shopping destinations, medical facilities and employment areas across Baton Rouge and Baker.
This guide covers the updated CATS routes, weekday and weekend hours, first and last bus guidance, Geaux Pass fares, transfers, live bus tracking, LSU and Southern University service, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport connections, LYNX by CATS and ADA transportation.
How to Find a CATS Baton Rouge Bus Schedule
CATS operates Baton Rouge’s public bus network. To find your trip, identify the route serving your destination, check the appropriate weekday or weekend timetable, select inbound or outbound direction and use the official MyStop tracker to check the stop-level arrival prediction.
Fixed-route single ride.
Eligible riders with accepted identification.
Route and rider assistance.
Routes, stops and live predictions.
CATS Baton Rouge Transit Guide
Baton Rouge CATS Is Not Charlotte CATS
Two different American transit systems use the abbreviation CATS. Baton Rouge’s Capital Area Transit System operates in Louisiana and uses brcats.com, while Charlotte’s Charlotte Area Transit System operates in North Carolina.
If you are searching for bus routes in Charlotte, including the LYNX Blue Line, Sprinter airport bus or Mecklenburg County routes, use our Charlotte CATS bus and rail schedule guide instead.
CATS Baton Rouge Service Changes: What Riders Need to Know
CATS began implementing its SmartCATS Comprehensive Operational Analysis changes on July 13, 2025. The redesign aimed to simplify overlapping services, improve connections and address changing travel patterns.
The Gus Young corridor formerly served by Route 8 was included in the redesigned Route 14 service.
Route 10 expanded its role in connecting Baton Rouge with Scotlandville and Baker via the Scenic Highway corridor. Route 70 was discontinued under the redesign.
A revised North Baton Rouge loop incorporated former Route 15 coverage. The redesign documentation lists no weekend service for Route 11.
Downtown travel formerly associated with Route 16 was redirected toward Routes 22, 44 and 47. Do not assume the old free shuttle is still running.
Medical and employment corridor coverage was reassigned, including connections through the Health District and Mall of Louisiana area.
Route 56 serves employment and medical destinations through designated corridors. Some hospital-related trips have restricted service hours.
Geaux Pass became the new CATS mobile-payment system. Riders with remaining UMO balances were told they could continue using them, but not to reload UMO going forward.
CATS Baton Rouge Bus Routes and Major Destinations
The following route numbers and names appear in CATS’ route-tracking directory following its network redesign. Always use the latest timetable for exact routing, current stop locations and day-specific service.
Downtown, Government Street, LSU and South Baton Rouge
North Baton Rouge, Scotlandville and Baker
Florida Boulevard, Medical District, Shopping and Employment
CATS Baton Rouge Schedule: First Bus, Last Bus and Frequency
CATS’ published system hours give a broad indication of when service operates, but they are not the first and last departure times for every bus route.
Published general operating span on the CATS About page. Route-specific times differ.
General published span; routes may start later or end earlier.
General published span; not every route operates on Sunday.
Selected Route Frequency and Service Patterns
| Route | Service information | Timing advice |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Scenic / Baker | Published weekday and weekend service tables. | Check Baker versus downtown direction and service-day frequency. |
| 11 North Baton Rouge | No weekend service under the 2025 redesign. | Do not rely on an older weekend timetable. |
| 12 Government | Weekday and weekend travel requires the correct timetable. | Check the Mall of Louisiana end of the route separately. |
| 14 Thomas Delpit | No weekend service under the redesign plan. | Select current weekday stops after the Route 8 merger. |
| 17 Perkins | Route serves the Perkins/Mall of Louisiana corridor. | Use terminal and intermediate timepoints for travel duration. |
| 18 Tigerland | Published service is approximately hourly in its older route description. | Confirm current departures, especially during evening LSU travel. |
| 56 Amazon Connect | Some medical-destination trips have restricted time windows. | Confirm whether the trip serves the hospital or employment stop you need. |
How to Read the CATS Timetable
- Choose your route: match the number and route name.
- Choose direction: a bus traveling toward the terminal may use a different stop than the outbound bus.
- Choose service day: weekday, Saturday and Sunday/holiday patterns can differ.
- Find your timepoint: timetables usually show selected major stops, not every intermediate stop.
- Read one trip across: follow the departure and arrival times in the same row or trip column.
- Check your specific stop: use MyStop for the current stop-level arrival estimate.
Example From the Published 2025 CATS Timetable
The SmartCATS 2025 timetable PDF illustrates how scheduled timepoints work. These are dated examples, not confirmed departures for today.
| Historical example | Origin | Destination | Scheduled duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 10 weekday example | CATS Terminal, 6:15 AM | Baker Walmart, 7:05 AM | About 50 minutes |
| Route 12 weekday example | CATS Terminal, 5:15 AM | Mall of Louisiana, 5:50 AM | About 35 minutes |
These examples come from the published SmartCATS 2025 timetable and are included to explain route reading and approximate scheduled travel time. Recheck any planned trip against the current timetable and alerts.
View SmartCATS Timetable PDF Check Current Stop TimesCATS Baton Rouge Bus Fare Prices
CATS publishes a standard adult fixed-route fare of $1.75. Reduced fare, pass choices, transfers and student travel rules may change the amount you pay.
One regular bus ride.
Senior, disability, student or Medicare qualifications as applicable.
Published Monday–Friday pass price.
Published Saturday/Sunday pass price.
CATS Pass Prices
| Fare product | Published price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Adult single fare | $1.75 | One standard fixed-route ride. |
| Reduced fare | $0.35 | Qualifying riders with required identification. |
| 31-day pass | $56.00 | Unlimited qualifying fixed-route rides during the pass period. |
| 7-day pass | $19.00 | Unlimited qualifying fixed-route rides for seven days. |
| 15-ride pass | $24.50 | 15 qualifying single rides. |
| Reduced 15-ride pass | $5.25 | 15 qualifying senior/disability rides. |
| Weekday all-day pass | $4.00 | Unlimited eligible rides on the applicable weekday. |
| Saturday/Sunday all-day pass | $2.00 | Unlimited eligible rides on the applicable weekend day. |
| Children under 5 | Free | With a fare-paying adult under agency rules. |
How Much Can a Day Pass Save?
The following example compares standard adult single fares with an adult weekday all-day pass.
One single fare is cheaper than the $4 weekday pass.
Two adult single fares still cost less than the weekday pass.
Three $1.75 rides cost $5.25 before transfer discounts, so a $4 weekday pass may save money.
Examples above assume separate full-price cash rides and do not include paid transfer discounts, reduced fare, or Geaux Pass product-specific benefits.
Official CATS Pass PricesHow CATS Baton Rouge Bus Transfers Work
CATS allows qualifying transfers between routes under published transfer rules. Its current fare information states that transfers are valid for two hours and cannot be used on the issuing route.
Standard adult fare.
Published second-bus transfer amount.
Cannot be used on the route that issued the transfer.
Example: Making a Transfer
Check that your connecting bus departs within the transfer window and that the payment method you use supports the applicable transfer rule.
Official Fare and Transfer RulesGeaux Pass: How to Pay for CATS Buses in 2026
CATS introduced Geaux Pass in August 2026 as its new contactless fare-payment system. It replaces UMO as the official CATS mobile fare app.
Use the official Geaux Pass app to create an account, add funds and purchase available fare products.
Reloadable cards are available at the CATS Terminal. The agency also provides an online account and reload website.
CATS states that cash and magnetic fare cards remain accepted. Existing UMO balances could continue to be used during the transition, but riders were advised not to add new money to UMO.
How to Use Geaux Pass
Install the official app or obtain a card.
Set up the required fare account.
Use an accepted payment method.
Open the app ticket or prepare the card.
Present the QR code or tap the accepted card.
How to Track a CATS Baton Rouge Bus Live
CATS’ MyStop system displays route information, vehicle locations, scheduled stops, alerts and available arrival predictions. A real-time prediction is not the same as the static timetable and may change because of road traffic, detours or communication problems.
Use the official CATS bus-tracking website.
Select Route 10, 12, 17 or another CATS route.
Match inbound or outbound destination.
Use the stop name or stop identification number.
Review the prediction and service alerts before leaving.
Track a Baton Rouge CATS Bus by Text Message
CATS’ published CATS TRAX text-message service allows riders to request stop predictions without opening the full map.
Look for the four-digit stop number on the CATS bus-stop sign or locate it using MyStop.
Text brcats followed immediately by the stop ID to 25252.
The system is designed to return upcoming arrival predictions for that stop when supported.
CATS Baton Rouge Bus Stops, Transit Centers and System Maps
CATS operates through major transfer locations and many neighborhood bus stops. Before boarding, confirm the exact side of the road, destination sign and stop number.
2250 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA.
Important downtown-area transit hub and location for customer services and Geaux Pass cards.
Routes connect northern neighborhoods through major transfer locations, including the Earl K. Long area and future North Transit Center arrangements.
A significant destination served by several CATS routes, including routes associated with Government Street, Perkins Road and southern corridors.
Example Map: CATS Terminal, Baton Rouge
How to Find a Nearby CATS Stop
- Open MyStop or the CATS Google Trip Planner.
- Enter the address, landmark or destination you want to reach.
- Review the suggested route number and any necessary transfer.
- Check the boarding stop on the map and note its stop ID.
- Confirm the bus direction and any temporary stop closure.
- Recheck the live arrival estimate shortly before walking to the stop.
CATS Routes for LSU, Southern University and BRCC
Students and university visitors should confirm both the route and the relevant identification requirements. CATS provides regular service to university-related corridors, but not every campus building is served directly by one bus.
Route 18 provides service toward Tigerland and the LSU area. Highland Road and nearby corridors may have other useful connections.
Tip: Check the Tigerland destination sign and the return bus before evening travel.
Route 54 serves Southern University-related travel, while Route 10 serves the northern Scenic Highway and Baker corridor.
Tip: Choose the correct campus-area stop and confirm whether a transfer is required.
Several central and northern CATS corridors serve the areas around BRCC and nearby destinations.
Tip: Use the trip planner for the actual campus entrance rather than assuming every route stops at the same gate.
CATS Student Fare Discounts
CATS’ newer fare information states that students with valid Southern University or LSU IDs ride free, and qualifying BRCC riders may ride free using a BRCC-issued Geaux Pass card or code.
General student reduced fares are also described on the agency’s FAQ and Passes pages. Students should confirm which identification or payment option applies to their school before boarding.
CATS Bus to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
CATS Route 54 Airline serves the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport corridor, providing a public-transit option for some airport employees and travelers.
Airline / Southern University / Baton Rouge airport connections.
CATS’ tracker has identified the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport boarding point as stop 3691.
How to Plan an Airport Journey
- Enter Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport as your destination in the CATS trip planner.
- Check whether Route 54 directly serves your starting point or requires a transfer.
- Review the correct service-day timetable and approximate ride duration.
- Allow additional time for airport security, baggage and walking.
- Confirm the airport stop and live arrival information for your return trip.
LYNX by CATS: Service Area, Hours, Fare and Booking
LYNX by CATS is a separate on-demand public transit option serving the City of Baker. Unlike a normal fixed-route bus, riders request a shared ride using the LYNX app or the published booking phone number.
Designated Baker zone and approved nearby destinations.
Per qualifying ride.
Qualifying seniors, young riders or accessible-vehicle passengers under the posted rules.
LYNX by CATS assistance and booking.
LYNX Service Hours
The current LYNX service page lists Monday–Friday, 5 AM–9 PM. Older agency records have mentioned Saturday service, but riders should follow the currently published zone schedule instead of assuming weekend availability.
How to Book LYNX by CATS
- Download the official LYNX by CATS app or call 225-267-9080.
- Enter your pickup and drop-off locations within the eligible service area.
- Select the number of passengers and accessibility needs.
- Review the pickup point, estimated arrival and fare.
- Confirm the booking and follow the vehicle-location instructions.
CATS Baton Rouge Wheelchair Accessibility and On Demand Service
CATS fixed-route buses provide accessible transportation, while CATS On Demand is a separate ADA paratransit service for qualifying riders whose disabilities prevent them from using regular fixed-route buses.
Confirm lift/ramp needs, boarding conditions, securement space and the accessibility of the stop itself.
CATS On Demand requires certification. Eligibility may depend on disability-related inability to use fixed-route service and the applicable service area.
Published one-way fare for eligible paratransit riders. Fixed-route passes cannot be used for On Demand.
CATS On Demand Contact Numbers
Use this number for the published ADA application and accessibility information.
Published scheduling number for approved CATS On Demand riders.
CATS Baton Rouge Sunday and Holiday Bus Schedule
CATS operates selected Sunday service, but not every weekday route has a Sunday timetable. Holiday services may use a Sunday schedule, a special schedule or no service.
Published 2026 Holiday Information
| Holiday | 2026 date | Published proposed service |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2026 | Sunday schedule |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2026 | No service |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | No service |
These entries come from CATS’ 2026 proposed holiday schedule and are subject to change. Earlier holidays in 2026 included published Sunday-service substitutions.
CATS Baton Rouge Bus Delays, Detours and Closed Stops
Road construction, special events, traffic incidents, bad weather and operational issues may affect the route or stop you planned to use.
Check whether the bus is temporarily using a different street or turning point.
Look for the temporary replacement stop and confirm the correct direction.
Compare the timetable and live tracker. A missing prediction does not always mean the trip was canceled.
CATS, New Orleans Area Transit and Intercity Buses
CATS is a Baton Rouge-area transit system. It does not operate a regular local CATS route throughout New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish or other distant Louisiana parishes.
Traveling Toward St. Bernard Parish?
After making the separate intercity journey toward the New Orleans area, travelers heading to Chalmette, Arabi, Meraux, Violet or Poydras may need another local system. Our St. Bernard Parish SBURT weekday bus schedule and stop guide explains that parish’s route and how to check its departure times.
Going From Baton Rouge to Another City?
For long-distance trips such as Baton Rouge to New Orleans, Houston or other intercity destinations, first compare current carrier schedules and verify the boarding station. Our Greyhound intercity bus times, tickets and boarding-location guide explains the booking process, station checks and connecting-trip considerations.
CATS Baton Rouge Boarding Checklist
- Confirm you are using Baton Rouge CATS, not Charlotte CATS.
- Check the current route number after the 2025 changes.
- Open the official route timetable and select the right day.
- Confirm inbound or outbound direction.
- Find the bus stop and stop ID in MyStop.
- Review scheduled and predicted arrival times.
- Prepare Geaux Pass, cash or an accepted fare product.
- Carry proof of reduced-fare eligibility if needed.
- Check transfer fees and the validity window.
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early; allow longer for important connections.
- Check detours and temporary stop closures.
- Verify the final return trip before traveling late.
CATS Baton Rouge Phone Number, Terminal and Rider Support
Route planning, stop questions, fares, service information and general rider assistance.
2250 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Major transit terminal and point for in-person customer services and Geaux Pass cards.
Baker on-demand shared-ride booking.
Trip reservations for approved paratransit customers.
Published Customer Service Hours
The CATS homepage lists customer-care phone hours of Monday–Friday, 5 AM–10 PM; Saturday, 6 AM–9 PM; and Sunday, 6 AM–7 PM. These are customer-care hours, not guaranteed departure times for every route.
Official CATS Baton Rouge Schedule and Rider Resources
Use these CATS operating-agency resources to confirm route changes, stops, payments and current services. The live tracker and current route alerts should be checked for every time-sensitive trip.
July 2025 service changes, altered routes, new connections and official timetable PDF.
Open service-change informationRoute list, real-time information, stops and rider alerts.
Open MyStopSingle-ride fares, transfers, Geaux Pass and reduced-fare information.
Open fare rulesDay passes, weekly and monthly options and published prices.
Open pass pricesAugust 2026 UMO-to-Geaux transition and accepted payment methods.
Open Geaux Pass newsOrigin, destination, date, transit direction and route comparisons.
Open trip plannerBaker booking, fare, app, eligibility and operating hours.
Open LYNX serviceADA eligibility, fare, service area and reservations.
Open paratransit informationOfficial holiday operating patterns and no-service dates.
Open holiday scheduleStop ID lookup and CATS TRAX text predictions.
Open SMS rider instructionsEditorial review: October 9, 2026. This is an independently published transit information guide. BusSchedule.us is not operated by CATS, and it cannot issue fares, control schedules or guarantee real-time arrivals.
CATS Baton Rouge Bus Schedule FAQs
Where can I find the CATS bus schedule in Baton Rouge?
Use the official SmartCATS route and timetable information, select the correct route and service day, and check MyStop for stop-level departures and real-time predictions.
What time do CATS Baton Rouge buses start running?
CATS lists general weekday operating hours beginning at 5 AM and weekend hours beginning at 6 AM. Exact first departures depend on the route and stop.
What time is the last CATS bus?
The final bus varies by route, direction and day. CATS publishes differing systemwide ending hours on some pages, so use the current route-specific timetable for your last trip.
How much is the CATS Baton Rouge bus fare?
The standard adult fixed-route fare is $1.75. Eligible reduced-fare riders may pay $0.35 with acceptable identification.
Does CATS Baton Rouge have a day pass?
Yes. Its published Passes page lists a $4 weekday all-day pass and a $2 Saturday/Sunday all-day pass. Confirm the current product in Geaux Pass before buying.
Can I track a Baton Rouge CATS bus live?
Yes. Open the official MyStop tracker, select your route and direction, then choose your stop to review available real-time arrival predictions and service alerts.
Does CATS run on Sunday?
Selected routes operate on Sunday, but some routes have no weekend service. Check the correct Sunday timetable and any holiday notices before traveling.
What is Geaux Pass for CATS?
Geaux Pass is CATS’ mobile and reloadable-card fare system introduced in August 2026 to replace UMO as the official mobile payment app.
Does CATS go to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport?
Yes. Route 54 serves the airport corridor. Confirm the current stop, route direction and timetable before planning an airport trip.
What is the CATS Baton Rouge customer service number?
Call 225-389-8282 for route schedules, stops, fares, trip-planning information and general customer assistance.