Phoenix Arizona Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops
Looking for the bus schedule for Phoenix, Arizona? Valley Metro operates local bus routes, RAPID commuter services, neighborhood circulators, and connections to light rail across Phoenix and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Find the correct bus route, weekday and weekend departures, major stops, current fare prices, Sky Harbor Airport connections, real-time arrival information, downtown boarding locations, and route maps.
Where Can You Find the Phoenix Bus Schedule?
The official place to find a Phoenix Valley Metro bus schedule is the Valley Metro Maps & Schedules directory. Search for the route number or street name, select your travel date, choose your direction, and locate the exact stop.
Information reviewed: October 9, 2026. Fare prices, major Phoenix routes, airport connections, and published service-change information were checked using official transit and municipal sources. Same-day departures and alerts must be confirmed separately.
Popular Phoenix Arizona Bus Routes & Stops
Most Phoenix local bus routes follow major streets. That makes the street name an especially useful way to identify a route. However, not every trip necessarily serves every endpoint, and a route can change direction or terminate early.
Central Avenue
North-south service along Central Avenue, providing important connections between central Phoenix neighborhoods, downtown transit, and south Phoenix destinations.
Useful landmarks: Sunnyslope, downtown Phoenix, Central Avenue transit connections.
Route 0 TimesWashington Street
East-west service serving Washington Street and connections in and around downtown Phoenix.
Useful for: Downtown transit and Washington Street travel.
Route 1 ScheduleVan Buren Street
East-west service on the Van Buren corridor, including central Phoenix and connections around downtown.
Watch for: Downtown construction-related temporary stop changes.
Route 3 Times7th Street
North-south service along the 7th Street corridor. Route 7 also connects with the Greg Stanton Central Station area downtown.
Check: Correct northbound or southbound stop.
Route 7 Schedule7th Avenue
North-south service associated with Phoenix’s 7th Avenue corridor, with connections to other local routes.
Important: Do not confuse 7th Avenue Route 8 with 7th Street Route 7.
Route 8 TimesMcDowell Road
Major east-west service along McDowell Road connecting Phoenix with destinations farther east and west.
Check: Exact eastbound/westbound direction and endpoint.
Route 17 TimesThomas Road
East-west service along Thomas Road, with connections to other Phoenix streets and transit corridors.
Useful for: Thomas Road trips and bus transfers.
Route 29 ScheduleIndian School Road
Long east-west route serving destinations along Indian School Road and connections across the Valley.
Check: Trip direction and destination before boarding.
Route 41 Times44th Street
North-south corridor with access to the 44th Street PHX Sky Train station and regional connections.
Useful for: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport access.
Route 44 Schedule59th Avenue
Local north-south service on the 59th Avenue corridor in west Phoenix and nearby communities.
Useful for: West Phoenix neighborhood and transfer trips.
Route 59 Times24th Street / Glendale Avenue
Local route serving the 24th Street and Glendale Avenue corridors with connections to other bus routes.
Airport context: Check the airport-area route connection carefully.
Route 70 ScheduleDowntown Area Shuttle
Free neighborhood circulator serving the downtown government-area loop. Its stopping pattern and operating hours differ from ordinary local routes.
Fare: Free neighborhood circulator.
Find DASH ScheduleFor the full regional network—including Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Glendale, and other Valley cities—read our Valley Metro bus schedules, regional routes, and system map guide.
What Time Do Phoenix Buses Start and Stop Running?
Phoenix does not have one universal bus opening or closing time. The first and last scheduled buses depend on the selected route, terminal, direction, weekday, weekend, holiday, and any special school or commuter trip.
Valley Metro’s official schedules use a trip-selection system. This is the fastest reliable way to locate the correct departure:
Search the route number or Phoenix street name.
Select the travel date or weekday/weekend tab.
Match the terminal and destination.
Choose the time nearest your starting stop.
Read the same trip through to your destination.
How to Read the Phoenix Bus Schedule Correctly
| Schedule Detail | Meaning | What the Rider Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Route number | Identifies the bus service, usually connected with a named street or corridor. | Match the number and route name shown on the stop sign. |
| Direction | Northbound, southbound, eastbound, westbound, or another named destination. | Match the headsign on the approaching bus. |
| Weekday | Service intended for the published Monday–Friday operating pattern. | Check holiday exceptions before using a weekday table. |
| Saturday / Sunday | Weekend departures can be different from weekday departures. | Select the correct day rather than using yesterday’s timetable. |
| Timepoint | A major stop or location at which a specific bus time is printed. | Read the same trip to your destination rather than combining different trips. |
| Blank schedule cell | That bus trip may not serve the selected timepoint or branch. | Select another trip and check route notes. |
| StopID | The unique identifier for your physical bus stop. | Use it to check stop-specific schedule and live arrivals. |
Phoenix Local, RAPID, Express & Neighborhood Buses
When Each Service Makes Sense
- Short daily trip: Find a local street route near your origin and destination.
- Peak-period downtown commute: Compare the available RAPID or Express routes with ordinary local buses.
- Travel within a small neighborhood: Look for a circulator, but verify its operating hours.
- Late evening or weekend: Check whether your commuter route operates; local bus or light rail may be the alternative.
- Bus + light rail journey: Compare the complete itinerary using the Valley Metro app or Trip Planner.
Phoenix Arizona Bus Fare: Local, Reduced, RAPID & Passes
Valley Metro’s fare policy distinguishes ordinary local service, Express/RAPID service, reduced fares, neighborhood circulators, and selected rural routes.
How Valley Metro Smart Fare Can Save You Money
Valley Metro’s Smart Fare system allows eligible local bus riders using a Copper card or the Valley Metro app to pay for trips without paying beyond the applicable daily, weekly, or monthly cap.
Reduced Local Smart Fare Caps
How to Pay on a Phoenix Bus
Commuter buses: RAPID and Express services use separate fare caps and prices. The published regular Express/RAPID daily maximum is $6.50 and the monthly maximum is $104. Do not apply the $4 local daily cap to those commuter routes.
Check Smart Fare RulesWhich Phoenix Bus Goes to Sky Harbor Airport?
For travelers heading to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), the most useful distinction is between a city bus route and the free airport train that carries passengers to terminals.
The airport officially identifies Route 13 at the 24th Street PHX Sky Train station and Route 44 at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train station as public transit connections.
Simple Airport Transfer Diagram
This is an explanatory transfer sequence rather than a scaled geographic map. Follow the signs for your airline’s terminal and the current airport station layout.
PHX Sky Train Hours and Fare
The airport’s current guidance confirms that both Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 are connected by the free PHX Sky Train. Check which terminal your airline uses before leaving home.
Official Sky Harbor Bus Connections PHX Sky Train Hours & StationsGreg Stanton Central Station: Routes, Stops & Transfers
The new Greg Stanton Central Station opened for transit service in 2025 near Central Avenue and Van Buren Street, becoming an important downtown Phoenix bus and light rail connection.
The City of Phoenix identified Routes 0, 1, 3, 7, 10, and DASH among the services connecting to the station after the October 27, 2025 downtown transit changes.
Greg Stanton Central Station Map
The station is located near the northwest corner of Central Avenue and Van Buren Street. Use the map for walking orientation, then verify the current route boarding stop with Valley Metro.
Phoenix RAPID Bus Schedule: Routes & Operating Hours
Phoenix RAPID buses are designed primarily for commuter travel. Many routes connect park-and-ride locations outside central Phoenix with downtown destinations using freeway or limited-stop corridors.
North Phoenix to Downtown
Connects north Phoenix park-and-ride locations along the I-17 corridor with downtown Phoenix.
Major park-and-rides include Bell/I-17 and Happy Valley Road.
West Phoenix to Downtown
Connects west Phoenix commuter locations with downtown Phoenix.
Major connections include Desert Sky Transit Center and 79th Avenue/I-10.
Ahwatukee to Downtown
Serves the I-10 corridor from the Ahwatukee area toward downtown Phoenix.
Check inbound/outbound and commuter departure periods.
Northeast Phoenix to Downtown
Serves commuter park-and-rides along the SR-51 corridor.
Check the selected weekday timetable and actual park-and-ride stop.
24th Street / Baseline
Connects the South Mountain area with downtown Phoenix during designated commuter service periods.
27th Avenue / Baseline
Provides commuter-oriented connections from the South Mountain area toward downtown.
Do RAPID Buses Operate All Day?
Historically, Phoenix RAPID routes have concentrated service around weekday morning inbound and afternoon outbound commuting periods. However, new service expansions are being planned for late October 2026.
Phoenix Park-and-Ride Locations for Bus Commuters
Park-and-rides can be useful when a long bus commute begins away from your home. Valley Metro lists free daily transit parking at participating park-and-rides, subject to posted restrictions.
Useful for north Phoenix commuting connections.
Useful for I-17 corridor commuter buses.
Useful for west Phoenix commuter connections.
Useful for transit connections along the Central Avenue corridor.
Check construction and temporary parking restrictions.
Route 59: 59th Avenue Bus Schedule & Direction Guide
If you live or work along 59th Avenue, check Valley Metro Route 59 rather than confusing it with Route 59 services in other cities. Your actual boarding stop depends on the northbound or southbound direction.
For more help distinguishing Phoenix’s 59th Avenue route from similarly named routes elsewhere, consult our 59th Avenue and 59th Street bus schedule comparison guide.
Official Phoenix Route 59 TimetableHow to Track a Phoenix Valley Metro Bus Live
The Valley Metro app can show route information, departure predictions, vehicle locations, and service alerts when the required data is available.
A printed timetable is planned service. A live arrival is an updated prediction. Traffic, detours, driver availability, crashes, construction, vehicle issues, and GPS reporting can affect the estimate.
Open Valley Metro’s official app or Trip Planner.
Enter your bus number or street name.
Confirm the bus’s displayed destination.
Select the exact physical boarding stop.
Review the prediction and active alerts.
What Do Scheduled, On Time, Early, Delayed & Cancelled Mean?
Valley Metro uses different status labels in its live service tools. These labels help you understand what is happening beyond the printed departure minute.
The trip appears in the timetable, but a real-time prediction may not yet be available.
Current data places the bus close to its scheduled progress.
The bus may arrive before the printed schedule time.
The latest prediction is later than the published timetable.
The displayed trip is not expected to operate. Check alternatives.
Recommended boarding practice: Reach your stop about five minutes before the scheduled bus, remain visible to the operator, and signal the approaching bus when possible.
Phoenix Bus Map: How to Find Your Stop & Transfer
The official Valley Metro map collection includes a regional system map, downtown Phoenix map, frequent-service map, park-and-ride information, and local route maps.
How to Use Google Maps for Phoenix Bus Directions
- Open Google Maps and enter your destination.
- Choose Directions and select the public transit option.
- Set your intended departure or arrival time.
- Compare Valley Metro routes, walking distance, and transfers.
- Open the exact boarding stop and check the route direction.
- Verify the final departure and any detour in the Valley Metro app.
Our Google Maps bus routes, schedule, and live transit tutorial explains how to use transit layers, stop markers, arrival estimates, accessible trip options, and transfer directions.
Official Valley Metro System MapsImportant Phoenix Bus Changes in 2026
Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix periodically update route schedules, boarding stops, commuter services, and neighborhood transit options.
Implemented: April 27, 2026 Service Adjustments
The April 2026 changes affected a range of Valley Metro routes, including Routes 7, 8, 15, 16, 28, 29, 30, 32, 41, 44, 50, 52, 56, 59, 60, 62, 66, 70, 75, 80, 83, 112, 138, and 140, as well as certain circulator and school-trip services.
If you saved an older timetable, check the route’s currently effective schedule rather than assuming the same time still applies.
April 2026 Service ChangesScheduled for October 26, 2026: New PHXLink Service
The City of Phoenix has published information for a planned October 26, 2026 launch of PHXLink, an on-demand shared-ride service designed to connect residents in parts of North, West, and South Phoenix with the existing transit network.
Check service launch status before booking.
How to Check Phoenix Bus Service Alerts
Service alerts can affect the bus route, stop location, first or last trip, downtown boarding area, or an airport connection.
What to Do When Your Bus Stop Is Closed
- Open Valley Metro’s Rider Alerts page.
- Find your route number and service direction.
- Read the temporary stop location and affected dates.
- Check the temporary stop on the map before walking.
- Use live information for the replacement boarding location where available.
Do Phoenix Buses Run on Sundays and Holidays?
Many Phoenix local buses operate on Sundays and major holidays, but the schedule pattern depends on the actual date. RAPID and Express buses may not run on a holiday even when local buses are operating.
| Holiday / Day Type | Typical Valley Metro Pattern Published for 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Sunday bus service; no normal Express/RAPID service. |
| Memorial Day | Sunday bus service; no normal Express/RAPID service. |
| Independence Day observed | Sunday bus service; no normal Express/RAPID service. |
| Labor Day | Sunday bus service; no normal Express/RAPID service. |
| Thanksgiving Day | Sunday bus service; no normal Express/RAPID service. |
| Christmas Day | Sunday bus service; no normal Express/RAPID service. |
| Certain other federal holidays | Weekday local service may operate while Express/RAPID service is suspended. |
Phoenix Bus Accessibility, Reduced Fares & Dial-a-Ride
Phoenix Dial-a-Ride Fares and Operating Hours
Phoenix Dial-a-Ride is an ADA eligibility-based shared-ride service for qualified riders who cannot use the regular fixed-route transit system for some or all trips.
Sunday and holidays: 5 AM–11 PM.
Dial-a-Ride is separate from ordinary scheduled bus routes. Reservations, eligibility, and pickup windows require additional steps.
Official Phoenix Dial-a-Ride GuideCommon Phoenix Bus Trips: What to Check
Compare the Valley Metro Rail connection through 44th Street/Washington with airport-area bus service. Transfer to the free PHX Sky Train for the correct terminal.
Compare regular local street service with the available I-10 West RAPID commuter trips. Check the operating day and park-and-ride departure.
Check north-south local buses and the I-17 RAPID corridor. Confirm whether the commuter route operates at your requested time.
Check Route 0 and nearby Valley Metro Rail connections. The best option depends on whether your boarding and destination stops align with the bus or train.
Use Route 29 information and select the correct eastbound or westbound stop. Traffic and trip endpoint can affect arrival time.
Check DASH circulator service and downtown walking distances, instead of assuming that a full-fare bus is necessary for every short trip.
What If You Cannot Understand the Phoenix Bus Schedule?
Most bus schedule mistakes occur when a rider selects the wrong travel direction, reads different timetable rows together, overlooks a school-only trip, or mistakes a scheduled departure for a live prediction.
If you need extra help interpreting direction, service day, timepoint tables, stop numbers, and arrival predictions, use our step-by-step guide to reading transit bus schedules.
Phoenix Bus Boarding Checklist
- Confirm the exact Valley Metro bus number or route name.
- Open the latest route timetable effective for your travel date.
- Choose weekday, Saturday, Sunday, or the applicable holiday schedule.
- Check your direction and the destination sign shown on the bus.
- Find the correct StopID or transit center boarding bay.
- Confirm the first or last bus if traveling early or late.
- Check live arrival information before leaving.
- Review detours, closed stops, and construction alerts.
- Prepare Copper card, mobile fare QR code, or exact cash.
- For airport trips, check Sky Train transfer and terminal details.
- For RAPID service, confirm the operating day and direction.
- Allow extra time for extreme heat, walking, and timed connections.
Valley Metro Phoenix Contact Information
Phone: 602-253-5000
For bus routes, schedules, fare rules, trip-planning help, and transit information.
Dial 711 for relay assistance.
Email: csr@valleymetro.org
Phone: 602-534-5053
Hours published by the City: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM, excluding city-observed holidays.
For City of Phoenix transit policies, Dial-a-Ride information, and public transportation programs.
Official Phoenix Rider InformationOfficial Phoenix Arizona Bus Schedule Resources
These sources provide the agency-controlled schedule, fare, map, airport, and service-change information. Links should be checked again before any time-sensitive trip.
Route directory, weekday and weekend timetable tools, route maps, and downloadable schedule information.
Open All Phoenix Bus RoutesPlan complete bus and rail journeys by origin, destination, travel date, and departure time.
Open Official Trip PlannerLocal, reduced, RAPID, Express, Smart Fare, and circulator fare policies.
Check Current FaresRegional bus system, downtown Phoenix, park-and-ride, and transit connection maps.
Open System MapsMobile fare, route search, scheduled times, vehicle predictions, and rider alerts.
Official Valley Metro AppTemporary stop closures, detours, delays, and current operating changes.
View Current AlertsOfficial Route 13 and Route 44 connections, Sky Train access, and terminal information.
Airport Transit ConnectionsFree airport train, terminal stations, 24/7 operation, and overnight frequency notices.
PHX Sky Train GuideGreg Stanton Central Station, downtown boarding changes, and major connected bus routes.
Phoenix Downtown Transit UpdatePlanned October 26, 2026 launch, service zones, published fare, operating hours, and booking information.
PHXLink Official InformationADA eligibility-based shared rides, pricing, hours, and booking assistance.
Phoenix Dial-a-RidePark-and-ride names, locations, and overnight parking restrictions.
Find Phoenix Park-and-RidesPhoenix Arizona Bus Schedule FAQs
Where can I find the Phoenix Arizona bus schedule?
Use Valley Metro’s official Maps & Schedules directory. Search by bus route number or street name, choose your travel date and direction, then select the exact boarding stop.
What time do Phoenix buses start running?
The first bus depends on the route, direction, and service day. Check the earliest trip from your actual boarding stop in Valley Metro’s current timetable.
What time is the last Phoenix bus?
The last bus varies by route, terminal, travel direction, and day. Some commuter routes have more limited operating hours than ordinary local buses.
How much does a Phoenix bus ride cost?
Valley Metro lists a $2 regular adult local bus fare and a $1 eligible reduced fare. Standard Express and RAPID single rides are listed at $3.25.
Can I pay cash on a Phoenix bus?
Yes. Valley Metro local buses accept exact cash for a single ride. Cash farebox payments do not provide the same Smart Fare caps and transfer handling as eligible Copper card or mobile fare payments.
What is the Valley Metro daily fare cap?
The standard local Smart Fare daily cap is $4. The eligible reduced local cap is $2. Weekly and monthly maximums also apply when using eligible Copper card or app payment.
Which bus goes to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
Phoenix Sky Harbor officially identifies Valley Metro Route 13 connecting to the 24th Street PHX Sky Train station and Route 44 connecting to the 44th Street station. Travelers can also transfer from Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street/Washington.
Is the PHX Sky Train free?
Yes. The PHX Sky Train is free and operates 24 hours a day. Overnight train intervals can be longer because of maintenance.
Does Phoenix have free buses?
Valley Metro lists neighborhood circulators, including Phoenix-area circulator services, as free. Their operating hours and route patterns vary.
How can I track my Phoenix bus in real time?
Use the Valley Metro app or official Trip Planner to select a bus route, direction, and stop. Check the predicted arrival and any associated rider alerts.
Does Valley Metro run on Sundays and holidays?
Many local buses operate on Sundays and holidays. Several holidays use Sunday service, while RAPID and Express buses can be suspended. Verify the current holiday calendar for your exact travel date.
What is Phoenix PHXLink?
PHXLink is a City of Phoenix on-demand shared-ride service scheduled to launch October 26, 2026 in designated North, West, and South Phoenix zones. Check the city’s official page for launch status, service coverage, and booking information.
How early should I reach a Phoenix bus stop?
Valley Metro recommends arriving about five minutes before the scheduled departure. Check the live status and remain visible to the approaching operator.
What is a Valley Metro StopID?
A StopID is the unique number identifying a particular bus stop or rail station. It helps riders locate the correct boarding point and stop-specific departure information.