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inbound and outbound schedules, find a stop, check real-time arrivals, compare fares, use a park-and-ride and avoid outdated or discontinued service information.
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 60Schedules 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 ExpressDiscontinued
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 serviceMicrotransit 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 modernizationFuture 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Outdated app warning: third-party transit apps can continue displaying a route after official service ends.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.
A route number is not enough. Always match the route name, direction and final destination.
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 Road3 The Plaza4 Belmont6 Kings Drive7 Beatties Ford8 Tuckaseegee Road9 Central Avenue10 West Boulevard11 North Tryon13 Nevin Road14 Providence Road15 Randolph Road16 South Tryon17 Commonwealth Avenue19 Park Road21 Statesville Avenue22 Graham Street23 Shamrock Drive27 Monroe Road34 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/Scaleybark12 South Boulevard18 Paw Creek/Rosa Parks20 Sharon Road24 Nations Ford Road26 Oaklawn Avenue28 Fairview Road29 UNCC/JW Clay30 Woodlawn/Scaleybark39 Eastway42 Carowinds43 Ballantyne50 CIC/URP51 Pineville-Matthews Road54 University Research Park55 Westinghouse56 Arrowood57 Archdale/SouthPark58 Pineville59 UNC Charlotte-Huntersville60 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 Sprinter60 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.
Regional routes travel beyond the core local service area and use the higher Express Plus fare.
74X Union County Express77X North Mecklenburg Express85X 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 Valley221 East Harris–Idlewild222 Pence Road235 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.
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$2.20Adult one-way
This is the standard fare for local bus and rail service.
Express Bus$3.00Adult one-way
Express routes within the applicable service area use the express fare.
Express Plus$4.40Regional one-way
Regional express services to participating outer destinations use the Express Plus fare.
STS Paratransit$3.50One-way trip
Riders must be certified for Special Transportation Service.
Community Shuttle$0.90Adult one-way
Community shuttle fares differ from regular local service.
Local Day Pass$6.60Unlimited local rides
The pass is intended for repeated local bus and rail trips during the applicable day.
Weekly Pass$30.80Unlimited local rides
Compare this with pay-as-you-go use before buying.
Monthly Local Pass$88.00Unlimited 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.
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
Plan • Track • Pay
9
Central Avenue
7 min
24
Nations Ford
12 min
60
Airport / Tyvola
18 min
85X
Gastonia Express
Plan
ACTIVATE TICKET BEFORE BOARDING
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.