DDOT Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

by
Detroit Department of Transportation Rider Guide

Find DDOT Bus Routes, Schedule Times, Stops, Fares and Live Detroit Arrivals

Detroit Department of Transportation buses connect downtown, neighborhood corridors, hospitals, schools, employment centers and nearby communities including Highland Park, Hamtramck and Dearborn.

Use this guide to find the correct route, understand ConnectTen and local service, read weekday and weekend times, identify the right stop, track buses, pay the fare and prepare for transfers or service disruptions.

Find a DDOT Route Track a Bus View the System Map Check DDOT Fares
Current live directory 37 fixed routes
ConnectTen network Routes 1–10
Current schedule period Jun 29–Sep 20, 2026
Customer service 313-933-1300
Guide verified
Quick answer

How to Find the Correct DDOT Bus Schedule

Start with the route number or main street. Open the official route page, choose the direction, select the travel day and then check the live vehicle map before leaving.

Find the corridor Search the main street or destination, such as Woodward, Gratiot, Michigan, Seven Mile, Fenkell, Fort or Livernois.
Match the route number Confirm both pieces. Route 4 is Woodward, Route 18 is Fenkell and Route 40 is Russell.
Select the direction Check northbound, southbound, eastbound or westbound and match the final destination displayed above the windshield.
Confirm live service Compare the published timetable with the live map and current reroute notices.
Detroit versus Washington warning: this guide covers the Detroit Department of Transportation. Washington, D.C. also uses the abbreviation DDOT, but its transportation department does not operate Detroit buses.

Open the official DDOT route directory

DDOT Schedule and Route Guide

Current Service Status Route Types Route Finder Frequency Examples Live Bus Tracker Find Bus Stops Stop Examples Read Timetables System Map Schedule PDF Fares & Passes Free Student Rides DDOT–SMART Transfers Accessibility Paratransit Rider Rules Service Alerts Lost & Found Contact DDOT FAQs
Current network status

Which DDOT Route Count Should Riders Use?

The City’s main DDOT page describes a 48-route system serving Detroit and surrounding communities. The current DDOT.info directory, however, displays 37 fixed routes for service dated June 29 through September 20, 2026.

City system description The broader City page states that DDOT has 48 routes and serves Detroit plus surrounding communities.
Current rider directory DDOT.info currently lists 10 ConnectTen, 11 Key and 16 Neighborhood routes, totaling 37 active route pages.
Which should control a trip? Use the current DDOT.info route directory, individual schedule page and active alert page for an actual journey.
The official sources do not explain the numerical difference. It may involve inactive, legacy, part-time or differently counted services, but that should not be stated as fact without agency confirmation.
Schedules normally change several times per year. DDOT says revisions generally occur in January, April, June and August or September.
Understand the network

ConnectTen, Key and Neighborhood DDOT Routes

24/7
ConnectTen Routes Routes 1 through 10 provide frequent service on major Detroit corridors and operate around the clock.
KEY
Key Routes Major crosstown and corridor services. DDOT generally describes these routes as operating every 15 to 35 minutes.
LOCAL
Neighborhood Routes Shorter community routes generally categorized around 35-to-60-minute scheduled service.
RUSH
Part-Time Category The official system map describes weekday rush-hour connector routes, but the current live directory does not display route links in this category.
Category labels are broad descriptions, not guarantees. Route 18 currently shows 45-minute service, while Route 19 shows scheduled gaps of roughly 60 to 65 minutes.

How Detroit’s Bus Network Connects

This simplified SVG explains corridor relationships. It is not a geographic map and should not be used to locate a boarding stop.

Simplified Detroit DDOT network diagram Downtown Detroit connects with west-side, Dearborn, southwest, northeast, east-side and riverfront bus corridors. DOWNTOWN DETROIT WESTSIDE Grand River • Fenkell DEARBORN Michigan • Greenfield SOUTHWEST Vernor • Fort NORTHEAST Gratiot • Chalmers EASTSIDE Jefferson • Mack RIVERFRONT Chene • Cadillac
Interactive route directory

Search All Current DDOT Bus Routes

Enter a route number, street, route name or category. Each result links to the official DDOT.info route page with directions, stops, frequency, timetable and real-time bus locations.

Showing all 37 current route pages.
Route Route Name Service Type Official Schedule, Stops & Tracker
1 Vernor ConnectTen Route 1 Schedule
2 Michigan ConnectTen Route 2 Schedule
3 Grand River ConnectTen Route 3 Schedule
4 Woodward ConnectTen Route 4 Schedule
5 Van Dyke–Lafayette ConnectTen Route 5 Schedule
6 Gratiot ConnectTen Route 6 Schedule
7 Seven Mile ConnectTen Route 7 Schedule
8 Warren ConnectTen Route 8 Schedule
9 Jefferson ConnectTen Route 9 Schedule
10 Greenfield ConnectTen Route 10 Schedule
11 Clairmount Neighborhood Route 11 Schedule
12 Conant Neighborhood Route 12 Schedule
13 Conner Neighborhood Route 13 Schedule
15 Chicago–Davison Neighborhood Route 15 Schedule
16 Dexter Key Route 16 Schedule
17 Eight Mile Key Route 17 Schedule
18 Fenkell Key Route 18 Schedule
19 Fort Key Route 19 Schedule
23 Hamilton Key Route 23 Schedule
27 Joy Key Route 27 Schedule
29 Linwood Neighborhood Route 29 Schedule
30 Livernois Key Route 30 Schedule
31 Mack Key Route 31 Schedule
32 McNichols Key Route 32 Schedule
38 Plymouth Key Route 38 Schedule
39 Puritan Neighborhood Route 39 Schedule
40 Russell Neighborhood Route 40 Schedule
41 Schaefer Neighborhood Route 41 Schedule
42 Mid-City Loop Neighborhood Route 42 Schedule
43 Schoolcraft Neighborhood Route 43 Schedule
46 Southfield Neighborhood Route 46 Schedule
47 Tireman Neighborhood Route 47 Schedule
52 Chene Neighborhood Route 52 Schedule
54 Wyoming Neighborhood Route 54 Schedule
60 Evergreen Key Route 60 Schedule
67 Cadillac–Harper Neighborhood Route 67 Schedule
68 Chalmers Neighborhood Route 68 Schedule
Current schedule examples

How Often Do DDOT Buses Run?

Frequency changes by route, direction, service day and time. These current examples demonstrate the range across ConnectTen, Key and Neighborhood service.

4 Woodward Weekday peak
12 min
7 Seven Mile Weekday
20 min
18 Fenkell Weekday
45 min
19 Fort Daytime
60 min
40 Russell Weekday
60 min
Route Weekday Saturday Sunday Rider Warning
4 Woodward 12-minute peak, 20-minute daytime, 60-minute nighttime 20-minute daytime, 60-minute nighttime 20-minute daytime, 60-minute nighttime Daytime frequency does not apply overnight
7 Seven Mile About every 20 minutes; 60 minutes at night 45-minute daytime; 60 minutes at night About every 60 minutes Weekend waits are much longer
18 Fenkell 45-minute peak and daytime; 60 minutes at night 45-minute daytime; 60 minutes at night About every 60 minutes Arrive early on hourly Sunday service
19 Fort 60-minute daytime; approximately 65-minute nighttime gaps 60-minute daytime; approximately 65-minute nighttime gaps About every 60 minutes The Key-route label does not mean 15-minute service here
40 Russell About every 60 minutes No frequency displayed on the current route overview No frequency displayed on the current route overview Check the full timetable before assuming weekend service
Do not convert a frequency into an exact departure. “Every 20 minutes” describes the normal spacing. Use the timetable or stop prediction for the actual trip.
Official real-time tools

DDOT Bus Tracker and Live Arrival Information

DDOT.info combines published schedule data with DDOT’s real-time bus information. Each route page can display live vehicle locations, major stops and full departure tables.

Track by route Choose the route number, then select the correct direction before reading bus locations.

Browse live route pages

Search by stop Use the stop number printed on the DDOT sign to separate opposite-direction stops at the same intersection.

Search DDOT stops

City-linked tracker The City also provides a DDOT Bus Tracker link through its department website.

Open MyDDOTBus

Live vehicle location is not the same as an arrival prediction. A bus can appear on the map but be delayed, out of service, turning around or following a detour.
Missing vehicle? The bus may have lost GPS reporting, not begun its trip, changed vehicles, entered a detour or been canceled.

How to Find the Correct DDOT Bus Stop

Route Match number and name.
Direction Confirm travel direction.
Stop ID Use the posted number.
Street side Check the correct curb.
Destination Read the bus headsign.
Alert Check temporary moves.
Search the route or corridor. Open DDOT.info and enter the number, street name, destination or stop number.
Select the direction. A stop across the road may serve the opposite direction and a completely different sequence.
Open all stops. Route overview pages show major stops first. Use “View all stops” for the complete direction-specific list.
Save the stop ID. The numeric stop ID provides a more precise lookup than the intersection name alone.
Check a reroute. Construction, festivals, bridge closures and downtown events may temporarily move the stop.
Match the arriving bus. Confirm the number, route name and destination sign before boarding.
DDOT is replacing some stop signs. Riders may encounter both older and newer sign designs during the transition.

Examples of Major DDOT Stop Sequences

These are selected major stops, not complete stop lists. Use the official route page for every local stop.

Route 4 Woodward — Northbound Example
  1. Rosa Parks Transit Center — Bay 15
  2. Woodward and Larned
  3. Woodward and Warren
  4. Woodward and East Grand Boulevard
  5. Woodward and Owen
  6. Woodward and Manchester
  7. Woodward and Seven Mile
  8. Jason Hargrove Transit Center — Bay 4

View all Route 4 stops

Route 7 Seven Mile — Westbound Example
  1. Moross and Mack
  2. Harper and Morang
  3. Seven Mile and Chalmers
  4. Seven Mile and East Outer Drive
  5. Seven Mile and Van Dyke
  6. Seven Mile and Woodward
  7. Seven Mile and Livernois
  8. Seven Mile and Greenfield
  9. Seven Mile and Evergreen
  10. Meijer Old Redford

View all Route 7 stops

Intersection names are not enough. Confirm the stop ID and side of the road because several corners can share the same two street names.

How to Read a DDOT Bus Timetable Correctly

Route
#
Match number and route name.
Direction
→
Choose the final destination.
Service day
D
Select weekday or weekend.
Timepoint
T
Find the nearest major stop.
Live check
!
Confirm actual service.
Not every stop is printed Timetables usually show major timepoints. Stops between them require an estimate or live stop prediction.
Directions use separate tables Do not use an eastbound departure to estimate a westbound trip.
A dash has meaning It can indicate that a trip does not serve that timepoint, branch or terminal.
Weekend service differs Saturday and Sunday buses may begin later, finish earlier or run less frequently.
Schedules use route colors DDOT explains that blue schedules generally identify east-west routes, purple north-south routes and green downtown routes.
Arrive early Reach the stop several minutes before the listed departure, especially on 45-to-60-minute service.
Official PDF viewer

View the 2026 DDOT System Map

The official map shows citywide routes, downtown routing, major destinations, transfer locations and connections with regional transit. It was revised January 26, 2026.

Open System Map PDF Open City Map Page
Blank PDF viewer? Some City servers or mobile browsers block embedded display. Use the official open-PDF button rather than assuming the map was removed.
Current timetable example

View a Current DDOT Route Schedule PDF

The Route 31 Mack PDF is effective June 29, 2026. Use it as an example of how DDOT combines the route map, fare information, service summary, timepoints and direction-specific departure tables.

Open Route 31 PDF Check Current Route 31 Page
PDF rule: read the effective date printed inside the schedule. A document can remain online after a newer timetable replaces it.
Fare chart reviewed August 2026

DDOT and DART Bus Fares

DART regional passes provide unlimited eligible rides on DDOT and SMART during the pass period. DDOT-only passes cost less but do not provide the same regional coverage.

4-Hour DART Pass $2 Reduced fare: $0.50 Unlimited eligible DDOT and SMART rides during the four-hour period.
24-Hour DART Pass $5 Reduced fare: $2 Useful for multiple trips and regional transfers during one full day.
7-Day DDOT Pass $17 Reduced fare: $8 Unlimited DDOT rides for seven consecutive days after activation.
7-Day DART Pass $22 Reduced fare: $10 Regional pass for eligible DDOT and SMART travel.
31-Day DDOT Pass $50 Reduced fare: $17 DDOT-only unlimited rides for 31 consecutive days.
31-Day DART Pass $70 Reduced fare: $29 Regional unlimited rides for 31 consecutive days.
Reduced-fare groups Seniors age 65 and older, eligible riders with disabilities, Medicare cardholders and qualifying students may receive reduced fares.
Children Children shorter than 44 inches may ride free when accompanied by an adult paying the full fare.
Exact cash Tell the driver which on-board pass you need before paying and prepare exact change.
Mobile-payment conflict to check: the City fare page identifies Token Transit, while a June 2026 printable schedule directs riders to the Transit app for DART passes. Verify the current City fare page before downloading or purchasing through an app.

Verify current DDOT fares and payment options

Ride to Rise

Free DDOT Rides for Detroit K–12 Students

Ride to Rise launched on April 6, 2026. Eligible Detroit students ages 5–18 can ride standard DDOT bus routes free by showing a valid school-issued identification card.

Eligible schools Public, charter and private K–12 students are included under the City announcement.
What students show Present a valid school-issued ID to the bus operator.
When it applies The City describes the program as valid seven days a week and throughout the year.
Where it applies Standard DDOT fixed-route service anywhere the city bus network operates.
Do not confuse Ride to Rise with every student fare. Students outside the program, riders without accepted identification or travel on another transit system may need a standard or reduced fare.

Read the official Ride to Rise announcement

Transfers Between DDOT, SMART and Other Detroit Transit

DDOT City-operated buses serving Detroit and selected nearby communities.
SMART Regional buses serving suburban communities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
QLINE Streetcar service along Woodward Avenue. Confirm its current fare and operating status separately.
People Mover Downtown elevated-loop service with separate operating information.
Best pass for a DDOT–SMART journey: use a qualifying DART regional pass rather than a DDOT-only pass.
A transfer does not guarantee a connection. Add extra time when the second route runs every 45 or 60 minutes.

DDOT Wheelchair Access and ADA Assistance

The City states that DDOT buses and routes are ADA accessible. Fixed-route buses use ramps or lifts, and riders can request kneeling or ramp deployment without proving a disability.

Mobility devices The bus must be able to carry and secure the mobility device safely without blocking the aisle or damaging the vehicle.
Stop announcements Operators announce major intersections, transfer points and destinations and can announce a requested stop.
Accessible schedules Braille schedules and schedule information in Spanish and Arabic can be requested from DDOT.
Yellow mitt program Eligible seniors and riders with disabilities may use a yellow mitt to help identify that they wish to board.
Reasonable modification Riders may request a reasonable change to a policy or procedure when required for accessible transportation.
ADA complaint timing The official accessibility page says complaints generally must be filed within 180 days of the alleged incident.
Accessibility contacts: call DDOT Customer Service at 313-933-1300, Special Fares at 313-578-8268 or use Michigan Relay 711.

Open official DDOT accessibility information

Detroit Paratransit Eligibility, Fare and Booking

Detroit Paratransit is ADA complementary transportation for eligible riders whose disability prevents them from using fixed-route buses for some or all trips.

Book or manage a ride Call 313-774-5555.
Published fare The official paratransit page lists a fare of $2.50 per trip.
After-hours messages Call the booking number and select option 4 before 8 a.m., after 4 p.m. or on weekends.
Eligibility is functional. Age or diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a rider for ADA paratransit.

Open Detroit Paratransit information

Bicycles, Strollers, Service Animals and DDOT Bus Rules

Bicycles Bike racks are available on most DDOT buses. Bicycles are not permitted inside the passenger area.
Full bike rack Rack space is limited. Prepare another option when all positions are occupied.
Strollers and carts Remove children and fold the stroller or cart when it obstructs the aisle, doorway or wheelchair area.
Service animals Trained service animals are allowed. Comfort animals that do not meet the service-animal definition are not permitted.
Food, drinks and smoking Detroit municipal rules prohibit eating, drinking and smoking on DDOT buses, subject to limited legal exceptions.
Requesting a stop Pull the bell cord or press the signal strip approximately one block before the stop.
Rear-door exit: DDOT advises riders to use the rear door when practical and push the bar after the green exit light activates.
Check before every trip

DDOT Detours, Temporary Stops and Service Alerts

Road construction, bridge work, festivals, downtown events, parades and severe weather can temporarily change stops or route paths without changing the normal timetable.

Temporary stop move Read the alert for the replacement corner, bay or intersection rather than waiting at the permanent sign.
Downtown terminal change Large events can move several routes away from Rosa Parks Transit Center or normal downtown streets.
Bridge or road closure A bus may follow a longer diversion and appear off the normal line on the live map.
Permanent route adjustment Some alerts identify a permanent street change. Compare the alert with the newest route map.
Transit-center closure Rosa Parks Transit Center has published routine cleaning closures in addition to event-related changes.
Canceled trip A timetable can continue displaying a departure even when no bus is assigned.

Check current DDOT route updates

What to Do If You Lose an Item on a DDOT Bus

Record the route. Write down the route number, route name, direction and final destination.
Record the trip time. Note the date, approximate boarding time, boarding stop and exit stop.
Find the coach number. The four-digit bus number appears on the exterior and near the front inside the vehicle.
Describe the item. Include the brand, color, material, identifying marks and non-sensitive contents.
Contact DDOT. Call Customer Service at 313-933-1300 for retrieval instructions.
Protect sensitive accounts. Lock a lost phone and cancel payment cards rather than waiting for the lost-and-found process.
Found property may not appear immediately. DDOT says drivers retain found items until the end of their shift before returning them to the appropriate terminal.

DDOT Checklist Before Leaving for the Bus Stop

  • Confirm the route number and route name.
  • Select the correct direction and destination.
  • Choose weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service.
  • Verify the timetable’s effective date.
  • Save the exact stop number.
  • Check the live vehicle map.
  • Open current reroute notices.
  • Prepare exact cash or an activated pass.
  • Allow extra time for a SMART connection.
  • Save DDOT Customer Service: 313-933-1300.
Rider assistance

DDOT Phone Numbers and Service Contacts

Customer Service 313-933-1300
Routes, schedules, complaints and lost property.
Special Fares 313-578-8268
Reduced-fare eligibility and card assistance.
Detroit Paratransit 313-774-5555
Booking and paratransit support.
Bulk Pass Orders 313-833-9715
Contact DDOT before arranging pickup.
Hearing-Impaired Service Dial 711
Michigan Relay assistance.
Rosa Parks Transit Center 360 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
Emergency Call 911 for an immediate medical, fire, safety or criminal emergency.
Online Feedback Open the DDOT department page

Common DDOT Schedule Problems and Solutions

The bus is not visible on the tracker Check the scheduled time, current alerts and next trip. Live reporting may fail while the bus continues operating.
The PDF and online schedule disagree Compare effective dates and use the current DDOT.info service period for the final decision.
The stop cannot be found Search the stop ID and check for a temporary relocation caused by construction or an event.
The bus passed the stop Confirm the direction, temporary stop position, vehicle destination and whether the bus was full or out of service.
The route category suggests a shorter wait Ignore the broad category description and read the actual route frequency and timetable.
The mobile pass will not display Use the app’s support tools and prepare an accepted backup payment method before boarding.
You missed an hourly route Check a nearby DDOT or SMART alternative before automatically waiting another hour.
You need a paper schedule Call Customer Service at 313-933-1300 and request accessible or printed schedule assistance.
Official research record

Official DDOT Sources Used for This Guide

Routes and timetables City Bus Schedules
DDOT.info Route Directory
DDOT.info System Map
Fares and payment DDOT Transportation Fares
Transportation Pass FAQs
Accessibility ADA Fixed-Route Accessibility
Detroit Paratransit
Current operations DDOT Route Updates
DDOT Department Page

Official-source review completed August 4, 2026

Independent-site disclosure: busschedule.us does not operate DDOT buses, change schedules, sell passes, locate vehicles or guarantee arrival times.

Frequently Asked Questions About DDOT Bus Schedules

What does DDOT mean in Detroit?

DDOT means the Detroit Department of Transportation, the City agency that operates municipal fixed-route buses and Detroit Paratransit.

Where can I find every current DDOT bus schedule?

Use the City of Detroit Bus Schedules page or the DDOT.info route directory. Individual pages include directions, stops, frequency, timetables and live vehicle locations.

How many DDOT routes are currently listed?

The current DDOT.info directory displays 37 fixed-route pages for service dated June 29 through September 20, 2026. The broader City department page separately describes a 48-route network.

Which DDOT routes run 24 hours?

Routes 1 through 10 form the ConnectTen network and are described as operating 24 hours a day. Overnight service is usually less frequent than daytime service.

How much does it cost to ride DDOT?

The four-hour DART pass is $2 and the 24-hour DART pass is $5. Weekly, 31-day and reduced-fare options are also available.

Can I transfer between DDOT and SMART?

Yes. Use an eligible DART regional pass for unlimited qualifying rides on both systems during the pass-validity period.

How do I track a DDOT bus?

Open DDOT.info, choose the route and direction and view the live bus map. The City also links to MyDDOTBus.

How often do DDOT schedules change?

DDOT says schedules generally change four times per year: January, April, June and August or September.

Can Detroit students ride DDOT free?

Eligible Detroit K–12 students ages 5–18 can use Ride to Rise by showing a valid school-issued identification card when boarding standard DDOT routes.

Are DDOT buses wheelchair accessible?

The City states that DDOT fixed-route buses and routes are ADA accessible and that buses use lifts or ramps.

Can I take a bicycle on a DDOT bus?

Bicycles must use the exterior rack when one is available. They are not permitted inside the bus.

What should I do if I lose something on a bus?

Call DDOT Customer Service at 313-933-1300 and provide the route, direction, stops, approximate time, coach number and description of the item.

Why do the schedule and live tracker disagree?

The timetable shows planned service. The tracker can be affected by delays, GPS failure, canceled trips, detours or vehicle changes.

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