Route 78 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map
Route 78 is operated by several different transit agencies, so there is no single nationwide 78 bus schedule. In Chicago, it is CTA’s Montrose bus. In Los Angeles, Metro Line 78 connects Downtown LA and Arcadia. Around Boston, MBTA Route 78 connects Harvard Station and Arlmont Village. Santa Cruz METRO also runs Route 78 in Watsonville.
Select your city first. This guide gives you actual schedule examples, first and last service hours where verified, stop information, fares, route diagrams, live-arrival tools, accessibility guidance and practical steps for using each operator’s official website.
Which Route 78 Bus Schedule Do You Need?
The same bus number appears in different cities, but the routes do not share stops, timetables or fares. Match the operator before checking any departure.
Route 78 Bus Schedule Guide
Route 78 by City, Transit Agency and Destination
CTA 78 Montrose — Chicago
The Chicago Transit Authority’s Route 78 runs between Harlem/Forest Preserve and Montrose/Marine along the Montrose corridor, with access to several CTA rail connections.
LA Metro 78 — Los Angeles
LA Metro Line 78 travels from Downtown Los Angeles through the Alhambra and Temple City corridor toward Arcadia via Huntington Drive and Las Tunas Drive.
MBTA 78 — Harvard to Arlmont Village
MBTA Route 78 connects Harvard Station with Arlmont Village in Belmont, serving the Cambridge–Belmont corridor.
SC METRO 78 — Watsonville Hospital
Santa Cruz METRO Route 78 runs a Watsonville loop serving the Government Center, Watsonville Hospital area and Freedom Centre.
If you are looking for a different city, identify the local transit operator before using a schedule. The number 78 alone does not identify the correct bus.
CTA Route 78 Montrose Bus Schedule
CTA Route 78 Montrose operates between Harlem/Forest Preserve on the west and Montrose/Marine near the lakefront on the east. It serves the Montrose Avenue corridor and connects with several important CTA and Metra stations.
CTA 78 First and Last Buses
| Service day | Eastbound from Harlem | Westbound from Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 5:00 AM–10:00 PM | 5:10 AM–10:05 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM–10:00 PM | 6:05 AM–10:05 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM–10:00 PM | 7:05 AM–9:55 PM |
These are CTA’s published terminal-departure operating spans. Mid-route stops have different arrival times.
Chicago Route 78: Stop and Transfer Diagram
Important CTA Route 78 Connections
Selected Weekday Trip Example
CTA’s June 7, 2026 timetable includes an eastbound trip departing the Harlem/Forest Preserve terminal at approximately 5:00 AM, reaching Montrose/Central at 5:11 AM, Montrose/Pulaski at 5:21 AM, Montrose/Western at 5:30 AM, Wilson/Broadway at 5:40 AM and Montrose/Marine at 5:43 AM.
Does Route 78 Go to Montrose Beach?
CTA provides a seasonal lakefront extension to Montrose Beach. CTA describes beach service during spring and summer, with dates and daily patterns varying by season.
October 2026 travel warning: Do not automatically assume the summer beach extension is still operating. The latest seasonal notice and route timetable control whether the extension is available.
How to Check the CTA 78 Schedule
- Open the official CTA 78 Montrose page.
- Read the first and last bus service spans.
- Choose the Schedule Brochure to open the route PDF.
- Select the weekday, Saturday or Sunday timetable.
- Find the westbound or eastbound timepoints.
- Compare the timepoint with your actual boarding stop.
- Open CTA Bus Tracker before leaving.
- Check service alerts for any temporary stop changes.
For additional Chicago travel help, our CTA bus schedule, route map and Bus Tracker guide explains the citywide bus network, rail connections, fare options and stop-specific arrival tools.
LA Metro Line 78 Bus Schedule: Downtown LA to Arcadia
LA Metro Line 78 connects Downtown Los Angeles with the Arcadia area via Huntington Drive and Las Tunas Drive. Major timetable locations include Olive/Venice, Cesar Chavez/Vignes, Huntington/Maycrest, Main/Garfield and Live Oak/McCulloch.
The official timetable reviewed is labeled effective June 7, 2026. LA Metro announced travel-time adjustments to weekday and Saturday schedules during that service change.
LA Metro 78: Weekday Morning Departure Examples
| Timepoint | Trip 1 | Trip 2 | Trip 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive & Venice, Downtown LA | 4:57 AM | 5:19 AM | 5:36 AM |
| Cesar Chavez & Vignes | 5:12 AM | 5:34 AM | 5:51 AM |
| Huntington & Maycrest | 5:31 AM | 5:54 AM | 6:11 AM |
| Main & Garfield | 5:40 AM | 6:03 AM | 6:21 AM |
| Live Oak & McCulloch | 6:00 AM | 6:23 AM | 6:41 AM |
LA Metro Line 78 Route Diagram
Important LA Metro Line 78 Timetable Notes
How to Download the Current LA Metro 78 PDF
- Open LA Metro’s Line Schedules and Maps.
- Scroll to the Bus Schedules section.
- Find Line 78 — Downtown LA to Arcadia.
- Choose Download PDF.
- Confirm the effective date printed in the document.
- Choose Monday–Friday, Saturday or Sunday/Holiday.
- Check eastbound or westbound columns.
- Read any trip-letter notes before relying on the last stop.
Our LA Metro bus schedule and TAP fare guide also explains NexTrip arrivals, system maps, local versus rapid routes and rail transfers that may be useful for a longer journey.
View the official June 7, 2026 LA Metro Line 78 timetable PDF.
MBTA Route 78 Schedule: Harvard Station to Arlmont Village
MBTA Route 78 serves the Cambridge and Belmont area, connecting Harvard Station and Arlmont Village. It is not the same as Chicago’s Montrose bus or Los Angeles Metro Line 78.
MBTA Route 78 Trip Information
When Does MBTA Route 78 Run?
Route 78 generally operates from early morning into the evening, with later trips on some service days. Publicly available October 2026 timetable data shows a weekday Harvard departure as early as approximately 5:50 AM and a late service pattern extending past midnight.
Because MBTA schedules are updated seasonally and its official route page uses date-specific timetable information, check your actual travel date before relying on a first or last departure.
How to Check MBTA 78 Departures
- Open the official MBTA Route 78 page.
- Confirm the route name Arlmont Village–Harvard Station.
- Select the direction you need.
- Choose the correct travel day.
- Find your stop in the timetable or stop list.
- Review nearby connecting services at Harvard Station.
- Check service alerts and real-time arrivals where available.
MBTA Route 78 Fare
MBTA’s published regular local bus fare is $1.70. Eligible reduced-fare riders may receive a discounted price. Payment methods include CharlieCard and accepted contactless payment options.
For broader help with Charlie payment, Red Line transfers, accessibility and MBTA real-time arrivals, read our MBTA bus timetables and Harvard-area transfer guide.
Santa Cruz METRO Route 78: Watsonville Hospital and Freedom Centre
Santa Cruz METRO Route 78 serves Watsonville Transit Center, Westridge Drive, Watsonville Hospital and Freedom Centre in a local loop.
The operator’s timetable lists a fall schedule effective September 10, 2026. It includes separate weekday and weekend service patterns, including differences in which intermediate stops are served.
Watsonville Route 78 Weekday Examples
| Stop | Trip 1 | Trip 2 | Trip 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watsonville TC — Lane 2 | 5:45 AM | 6:45 AM | 7:45 AM |
| Westridge / Government Center | 5:52 AM | 6:52 AM | 7:52 AM |
| Watsonville Hospital area | 6:01 AM | 7:01 AM | 8:01 AM |
| Freedom Centre | 6:11 AM | 7:11 AM | 8:11 AM |
| Return to Watsonville TC | 6:44 AM | 7:44 AM | 8:44 AM |
Watsonville Route 78 Loop Diagram
Weekend Service Difference
Santa Cruz METRO publishes a weekend version of the route with a shorter stop pattern. One listed weekend example leaves Watsonville Transit Center at 6:45 AM, serves the hospital area around 6:55 AM, reaches Freedom Centre around 7:03 AM and returns to the Transit Center at 7:26 AM.
Do not assume every weekend trip follows the Government Center segment in the same way as a weekday loop.
Watsonville Route 78 Fare and Transfers
Tap2Cruz accepts eligible contactless bank cards and digital wallets. Santa Cruz METRO also offers qualifying youth and student programs. Check transfer rules if connecting at Watsonville Transit Center to another operator.
How to Check the Watsonville Route 78 Schedule
- Open the official Santa Cruz METRO Route 78 page.
- Locate the current fall or seasonal timetable.
- Read the effective date.
- Choose the correct weekday or weekend service option.
- Find Watsonville Transit Center, Lane 2.
- Read across the same trip to Hospital or Freedom Centre.
- Check any service notices affecting that trip.
Route 78 Ticket Prices by Transit Agency
Each transit operator sets its own fare. The chart below compares standard adult local bus fares—not the price of one universal Route 78 ticket.
Which Route 78 Offers Free Transfers?
| Operator | Transfer guidance | Important payment detail |
|---|---|---|
| CTA | Up to two eligible additional rides within two hours. | Cash bus fare does not include normal transfer privileges. |
| LA Metro | Metro transfers within two hours, excluding round trips. | Use an eligible TAP or contactless payment method. |
| MBTA | Transfer benefits depend on current fare policy and payment type. | Use the same eligible Charlie or contactless method. |
| SC METRO | Local transfers are available under METRO’s two-hour transfer policy. | Tap2Cruz and other payment products have specific rules. |
Before boarding, review the operator’s current fare page, especially if you are using a reduced fare, visitor pass, mobile wallet or an interagency transfer.
How to Track the 78 Bus Live
The correct tracker depends on the transit agency. A CTA Bus Tracker prediction cannot locate an LA Metro or MBTA vehicle. Choose your city and confirm the correct stop number.
Official and Recommended Tracking Tools
Choose Route 78, direction and exact stop.
Open CTA TrackerSearch Line 78 and view stop-based arrival information.
Open LA Metro app guideOpen the Route 78 page for current arrivals and alerts.
Open MBTA Route 78Santa Cruz METRO recommends Transit for schedules, arrival predictions and alerts.
Open METRO rider toolsScheduled time versus live time: a timetable shows planned service. A live prediction is an estimate based on real-time data where available. Neither should be treated as a guaranteed arrival.
Route 78 Accessibility and Disability-Friendly Trip Planning
Accessibility should be checked for both the bus and the boarding location. An accessible vehicle does not guarantee that construction, curb conditions, temporary stops or nearby station elevators are accessible.
Practical Accessible Boarding Steps
- Identify the correct Route 78 operator.
- Find the exact boarding stop or station.
- Check the operator’s accessibility information.
- Review current stop closures and elevator alerts.
- Confirm any boarding assistance you require.
- Check your reduced-fare eligibility and payment method.
- Allow extra time for walking and transfers.
How to Find Your Route 78 Stop Without Boarding the Wrong Bus
Two buses can have the number 78 and travel in different directions. The destination sign, stop ID, bus bay and service day should all match your planned trip.
When Google Maps Shows a Different Route
Google Maps may recommend another bus, rail connection or walking route because your destination, departure time or local traffic makes a different journey more practical.
Our Google Maps transit directions and bus stop guide explains how to compare routes, departure times and walking connections. Use the bus operator’s official page for the final schedule and alerts.
Looking for London Bus Route 78?
Transport for London also operates bus Route 78, serving the Shoreditch, Liverpool Street, Tower Bridge, Peckham and Nunhead corridor.
This is a separate United Kingdom bus route with different fares and service rules.
- Open TfL’s official Route 78 timetable.
- Choose the correct direction.
- Select the bus stop.
- Check the upcoming scheduled departures.
- Review TfL service status and fare details.
Do not use the American Route 78 fares or timetables for a London journey.
Route 78 Alerts, Closed Stops and Schedule Changes
Even when Route 78 normally operates on a particular day, a construction detour, severe weather event, road closure or operator disruption can change the service.
Route-Specific Alert Sources
- Chicago CTA 78 service alerts
- LA Metro current service alerts
- MBTA bus alerts
- Santa Cruz METRO Route 78 notices
Before Boarding Route 78
- Confirm your city and transit operator.
- Check the correct Route 78 name.
- Choose the destination direction.
- Select weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
- Read first and last service at your stop.
- Confirm the fare and payment type.
- Check the correct stop side or bay.
- Review service alerts and detours.
- Check accessibility if needed.
- Arrive several minutes early.
Route 78 Official Timetables, Fares and Live Tools
Official first and last bus spans, seasonal information, stop list, PDF and route alerts.
CTA Route 78Timetable and route diagram. The reviewed summer version is effective June 7, 2026.
CTA timetable PDFOfficial weekday and weekend timepoints, route map and trip-letter notes. Effective June 7, 2026.
LA Metro Line 78 PDFCurrent regular fare, TAP/contactless payment, transfers and fare-capping information.
LA Metro fare informationOfficial Harvard Station–Arlmont Village schedule and service alert access.
MBTA Route 78Local bus fare, payment methods, fare programs and transfers.
MBTA faresWatsonville loop schedule, weekday/weekend patterns and September 10, 2026 effective timetable.
SC METRO Route 78Local $2 adult fare, $1 discount fare, Tap2Cruz and current passes.
SC METRO faresIndependent information site: BusSchedule.us is not CTA, LA Metro, MBTA, Santa Cruz METRO or Transport for London. This page provides independent trip-planning information and does not operate buses or guarantee arrival times.
Route 78 Bus Schedule FAQs
1. What is the Route 78 bus schedule?
Route 78 is used by different transit agencies. CTA Route 78 operates in Chicago, LA Metro Line 78 connects Downtown LA and Arcadia, MBTA Route 78 connects Harvard Station and Arlmont Village, and Santa Cruz METRO Route 78 serves Watsonville. Choose your city and agency for the correct timetable.
2. What time does Chicago Route 78 start?
CTA lists the first weekday eastbound terminal departure at 5:00 AM and the first weekday westbound terminal departure at 5:10 AM. Weekend service begins later. Your stop-specific time may be different.
3. What time is the last CTA Route 78 bus?
CTA’s published terminal service spans end around 10:00 PM eastbound and 10:05 PM westbound on weekdays. Saturday and Sunday last departure times vary slightly. Check the exact stop timetable before planning a late journey.
4. Where does LA Metro Line 78 go?
LA Metro Line 78 connects Downtown Los Angeles with the Arcadia area via Huntington Drive, Alhambra and the Las Tunas corridor. The official route PDF provides direction-specific timepoints and trip notes.
5. How much is the Route 78 bus fare?
The standard adult fare depends on the operator. Published fares include CTA $2.25 with Ventra/contactless payment, LA Metro $1.75, MBTA local bus $1.70, and Santa Cruz METRO local bus $2.00. Check the official fare page before traveling.
6. Does MBTA Route 78 go to Harvard Station?
Yes. MBTA Route 78 connects Harvard Station and Arlmont Village in Belmont. Harvard Station provides a connection to the Red Line and other MBTA services.
7. What is the Watsonville Route 78 schedule?
Santa Cruz METRO Route 78 serves Watsonville Transit Center, Watsonville Hospital and Freedom Centre. The fall timetable effective September 10, 2026 lists weekday trips starting at 5:45 AM and a separate weekend operating pattern.
8. Where can I track Route 78 live?
Use the correct agency’s tracking tool: CTA Bus Tracker for Chicago, the LA Metro Official App for Los Angeles, MBTA route information for Boston, or Santa Cruz METRO’s recommended Transit app for Watsonville. Select your exact stop and direction.
9. Is Route 78 wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility rules depend on the operator and boarding stop. CTA states that its buses are accessible. For every Route 78 service, check the exact stop, boarding equipment, sidewalks, elevator conditions where relevant and active service alerts before traveling.
10. How early should I arrive for Route 78?
Arriving 5–10 minutes early is a useful general planning buffer for local buses. Allow extra time for unfamiliar stops, transfers, infrequent service, construction detours, mobility needs or payment preparation. Always check the official arrival information before leaving.