DDOT Detroit Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops
DDOT operates Detroit’s public bus network, connecting downtown with Woodward, Gratiot, Grand River, Michigan Avenue, Seven Mile, Eight Mile, Warren, Jefferson and neighborhood corridors. The current DDOT schedule feed covers 37 routes and is valid from September 7, 2026 through February 7, 2027.
There is no single first or last DDOT bus time. Some routes run 24 hours, while others operate only during specified daytime and evening periods. The correct departure depends on your route number, direction, stop and service day.
Use this guide to identify all 37 routes, find actual timetable examples, locate bus stops, check live arrivals, buy a $2 four-hour DART pass, transfer to SMART, and understand overnight travel, free Detroit student rides, accessible service and current detours.
DOWNTOWN DETROIT · NEIGHBORHOODS · REGIONAL TRANSFERS
How Do I Find My DDOT Bus Schedule?
The fastest approach is to start with DDOT’s official schedule directory, identify your route, select the correct weekday or weekend timetable, and check the bus’s direction and exact stop. Use DDOT Bus Tracker shortly before leaving.
DDOT Bus Schedule Guide
DDOT Detroit Bus Routes: All 37 Current Services
DDOT’s current network lists 37 fixed routes. Routes 1–10 form the ConnectTen corridor group, while other routes provide important neighborhood, crosstown, hospital, school and transit-center connections.
ConnectTen: Routes 1–10
| Route | Name | Main travel corridor | Online schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vernor | Southwest Detroit, Dearborn and downtown | Route 1 |
| 2 | Michigan | Michigan Avenue and Fairlane area | Route 2 |
| 3 | Grand River | Downtown Detroit to Grand River/Seven Mile area | Route 3 |
| 4 | Woodward | Downtown, Midtown, Woodward and State Fair area | Route 4 |
| 5 | Van Dyke–Lafayette | East Detroit, Van Dyke and Lafayette | Route 5 |
| 6 | Gratiot | Gratiot Avenue and northeast Detroit | Route 6 |
| 7 | Seven Mile | Seven Mile east–west corridor | Route 7 |
| 8 | Warren | Warren Avenue crosstown | Route 8 |
| 9 | Jefferson | Jefferson Avenue and east Detroit | Route 9 |
| 10 | Greenfield | Greenfield north–south service | Route 10 |
Other DDOT Routes: 11–68
These services cover crosstown trips, neighborhood connections and important destinations outside the ten major numbered corridors.
| Route | Name | Route | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Clairmount | 12 | Conant |
| 13 | Conner | 15 | Chicago–Davison |
| 16 | Dexter | 17 | Eight Mile |
| 18 | Fenkell | 19 | Fort |
| 23 | Hamilton | 27 | Joy |
| 29 | Linwood | 30 | Livernois |
| 31 | Mack | 32 | McNichols |
| 38 | Plymouth | 39 | Puritan |
| 40 | Russell | 41 | Schaefer |
| 42 | Mid-City Loop | 43 | Schoolcraft |
| 46 | Southfield | 47 | Tireman |
| 52 | Chene | 54 | Wyoming |
| 60 | Evergreen | 67 | Cadillac–Harper |
| 68 | Chalmers | — | End of current list |
For a wider comparison of Detroit’s local and suburban transit services, see our Detroit bus schedule and regional route guide. It explains how DDOT, SMART and FAST services fit together and when you should use a different operator.
Open DDOT’s official route directory, stops and online timetables.
DDOT Bus Times: First Bus, Last Bus & Frequency
There is no citywide first or last departure. DDOT schedules differ by route, destination, direction, date and stop. A bus leaving a terminal at 4:00 AM can arrive at your stop significantly later.
The busiest corridors generally receive their most frequent daytime service on weekdays. Some neighborhood routes begin later or finish earlier.
Many routes run with lower frequency. The published Saturday timetable controls the first, last and intermediate departures.
Some routes operate less often or follow a Sunday-style holiday schedule. Verify the route’s holiday notes.
Examples of Different DDOT Service Patterns
| Route | Published operating pattern | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Woodward | 24-hour service | Overnight departures and Rosa Parks / Jason Hargrove stops |
| 7 Seven Mile | 24-hour service | Crosstown travel and late-night frequency |
| 17 Eight Mile | 24-hour service | Stop sequence across the Eight Mile corridor |
| 27 Joy | Daytime and evening service | First/last trips and longer weekend intervals |
| 39 Puritan | Limited daytime/evening service | Exact weekday and weekend operating dates |
| 40 Russell | Neighborhood-route schedule | Route-specific frequency and available service days |
Which DDOT Bus Routes Run 24 Hours?
The current DDOT network identifies nine routes with overnight service. The listed all-night routes are:
Overnight service along the Grand River corridor.
North–south overnight service through central Detroit.
Overnight service on the east-side corridor.
Overnight service along Gratiot Avenue.
All-night crosstown service.
Overnight Warren Avenue service.
All-night Greenfield corridor service.
Overnight connections on the Dexter corridor.
All-night service along the Eight Mile corridor.
How to Plan a Safe Overnight Journey
- Confirm that the route operates overnight.
- Check the exact stop and direction.
- Look up the departure after midnight for the correct service date.
- Check whether a transfer also runs at that hour.
- Allow extra time between infrequent late-night connections.
- Use a visible, designated and accessible boarding stop.
- Recheck DDOT Bus Tracker before leaving.
DDOT Bus Schedule Example: Route 17 Eight Mile
The following selected weekday westbound times illustrate a real DDOT timetable. Route 17 travels from the eastern Detroit area near Mack and Moross, follows the Eight Mile corridor, serves the Jason Hargrove Transit Center and continues toward Grand River.
| Westbound timepoint | Trip 1 | Trip 2 | Trip 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moross & Mack | 4:00 AM | 5:00 AM | 5:30 AM |
| Eight Mile & Gratiot | 4:16 AM | 5:16 AM | 5:46 AM |
| Eight Mile & Van Dyke | 4:25 AM | 5:25 AM | 5:55 AM |
| Eight Mile & Dequindre | 4:36 AM | 5:36 AM | 6:07 AM |
| Jason Hargrove TC, Bay 5 | 4:43 AM | 5:43 AM | 6:15 AM |
| Eight Mile & Coolidge | 4:58 AM | 5:58 AM | 6:31 AM |
| Eight Mile & Evergreen | 5:12 AM | 6:13 AM | 6:46 AM |
| Grandview & Grand River | 5:23 AM | 6:25 AM | 6:58 AM |
Source: DDOT Route 17 published weekday westbound schedule, service period September 7, 2026–February 7, 2027. These are scheduled times, not real-time bus predictions.
4:00 AM
4:16 AM
4:25 AM
4:43 AM
5:12 AM
5:23 AM
This schematic shows travel order, not geographical distance.
For detailed Eight Mile boarding locations, all-day timepoints, return trips and nearby SMART connections, our Detroit Eight Mile Route 17 bus schedule and stop guide covers this corridor in greater depth.
DDOT Bus Stops & Map: Downtown, Woodward, Gratiot and Eight Mile
The official DDOT system map identifies major roads, transfer locations, hospitals, colleges and connections to regional transit. It includes a downtown detail inset because several bus routes use different terminal streets and boarding positions.
Schematic only. These corridors branch in different directions; the line is not a single bus route or street-scale map.
Route 4 Woodward: Major Boarding Points
Route 4 is one of Detroit’s important north–south routes. Its published northbound stop sequence includes:
- Rosa Parks Transit Center
- Woodward Avenue and Larned Street
- Woodward Avenue and Warren Avenue
- Woodward Avenue and East Grand Boulevard
- Woodward Avenue and Owen Street
- Woodward Avenue and Manchester Street
- Woodward Avenue and Seven Mile Road
- Jason Hargrove Transit Center
These are selected major stops, not every local boarding location. The reverse direction has its own stop positions and timetable.
How to Find Your Exact DDOT Bus Stop
- Open the DDOT route and stop directory.
- Choose your route number.
- Open its Stops section.
- Select the direction you intend to travel.
- Find the relevant intersection and stop ID.
- Check which side of the street you must stand on.
- Review temporary closures or reroutes.
- Confirm the approaching bus’s destination sign.
Open the official DDOT system map PDF revised January 26, 2026.
The citywide map is a planning overview. For exact trips in the September 2026–February 2027 service period, check the individual route timetable and stop list.
Rosa Parks & Jason Hargrove Transit Centers
Address: 360 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226.
This downtown transfer center is used by several DDOT routes and connects riders to the central city.
DDOT’s cashier and Reduced Fare services are located here.
Cashier window: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM.
Reduced Fare processing: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:30 PM.
Address: 1121 W. Eight Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48203.
Located at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds, this facility is useful for north Detroit and SMART connections.
DDOT states that its indoor passenger space is open 24 hours.
Bus-pass kiosks are available around the clock.
How to Transfer at Rosa Parks Transit Center
- Find the route number of your connecting bus.
- Check the current bay assignment using official DDOT information.
- Review the direction and destination.
- Allow time to walk to the correct bay.
- Keep your valid DART pass ready.
- Check the next arrival and any temporary boarding changes.
How to Track a DDOT Bus in Real Time
DDOT Bus Tracker can display live vehicle positions and predicted arrival times. The City also supports text-based arrival lookup using the bus stop number.
DDOT Bus Tracker by Text Message
DDOT’s published text instructions direct riders to send DDOT followed by the stop number to 41411.
Scheduled Time vs Live Bus Arrival
The planned bus time in the official timetable.
A prediction based on available vehicle-location information.
GPS may be unavailable, the bus may be off route, or there may be a disruption.
DDOT Bus Fare 2026: DART Pass Prices
DDOT and SMART use DART regional passes that permit eligible rides on both bus systems during the pass’s validity period.
Reduced: $0.50
Reduced: $2.00
Reduced: $10.00
Reduced: $29.00
What Does the $2 Four-Hour Fare Include?
The four-hour DART pass is valid for unlimited qualifying DDOT and SMART fixed-route bus travel within its four-hour validity window. It is especially useful when a journey involves changing buses.
A $2 four-hour pass is not just a single bus ride. A rider can make eligible DDOT–SMART transfers during the valid period without purchasing a separate standard pass for each connection.
How to Buy a DART Pass on the Bus
- Check the correct pass price.
- Prepare exact cash or an accepted payment method.
- Tell the operator which pass you want before paying.
- Follow the farebox instructions.
- Retain the issued pass for transfers.
- Check its validity period before boarding another bus.
View official DDOT fares, reduced-fare eligibility and mobile payment instructions.
Ride to Rise: Free DDOT Buses for Detroit K–12 Students
Detroit launched Ride to Rise on April 6, 2026. The program permits eligible Detroit K–12 students aged 5–18 to ride standard DDOT buses free by showing a valid school-issued ID.
Eligible Detroit public, private and charter school K–12 students.
A valid school-issued identification card when boarding.
The City describes the program as available seven days a week, throughout the year.
How Students Use the Program
- Find the required DDOT route and boarding stop.
- Check its direction and departure time.
- Have a valid school-issued ID ready.
- Show it to the bus operator when boarding.
- Follow normal DDOT passenger rules and stop procedures.
Read the official City of Detroit Ride to Rise program information.
DDOT vs SMART: Which Bus Should You Take?
DDOT is Detroit’s main municipal bus operator. SMART operates regional services between Detroit and suburban destinations across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
- You are traveling primarily within Detroit.
- Your destination is on a DDOT corridor.
- You need a city crosstown route.
- You are using a DDOT-designated overnight bus.
- You need suburban connections.
- You are traveling to destinations outside the DDOT network.
- You need a FAST limited-stop route.
- You are planning some airport or suburban travel.
SMART FAST Michigan, Woodward and Gratiot
SMART operates FAST regional services along major corridors where DDOT also operates. Route numbers, stops and stopping patterns are not identical.
| Corridor | DDOT example | SMART example |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Avenue | Route 2 Michigan | 261 FAST Michigan |
| Woodward Avenue | Route 4 Woodward | 461/462 FAST Woodward |
| Gratiot Avenue | Route 6 Gratiot | 561 FAST Gratiot |
For suburban route numbers, FAST stops, Detroit Metro Airport connections and regional boarding information, our SMART bus schedule and Detroit suburban route guide explains the regional network in detail.
Open the official SMART transit website for current suburban schedules.
DDOT Neighborhood Routes: Why Their Schedules Matter
Not every Detroit route has the frequency of Woodward, Gratiot or Seven Mile. Some neighborhood services operate around hourly, so an incorrect stop or missed departure can mean a much longer wait.
Route 39 Puritan
DDOT Route 39 serves the Puritan corridor, with selected major stops including Southfield/Fenkell, Puritan/Schaefer, Puritan/Wyoming and the Manchester/Woodward area.
DDOT’s August 2026 public hearing proposed extending weekday Route 39 service until approximately 10 PM with roughly hourly frequency. Because that document describes proposed changes, riders should confirm the active timetable rather than assume every proposal took effect unchanged.
For the local stop sequence and how DDOT Puritan differs from Route 39 in other cities, see our Route 39 schedule guide featuring Detroit’s Puritan bus.
DDOT Service Alerts: Construction, Reroutes & Stop Changes
Detroit bus routes can be rerouted because of road closures, bridge work, large events, traffic incidents or construction. A published timetable may remain correct for its normal route even while a temporary detour changes the actual stop location.
The City’s DDOT department page includes a notice about a closure affecting northbound Cass Avenue between Lafayette and Michigan, with downtown detours for certain buses. Because the notice can change, check its active status before using an alternative boarding location.
What to Do if Your DDOT Stop Is Closed
- Open DDOT Route Updates.
- Find your route number in the active alerts.
- Read the affected direction and streets.
- Check the start and end dates if published.
- Identify the agency-recommended alternative stop.
- Confirm the replacement stop’s walking route and accessibility.
- Recheck live arrivals before leaving.
Are DDOT Buses Wheelchair Accessible?
DDOT states that its fixed-route buses are ADA accessible. The agency also provides alternative-format schedule information and complementary paratransit service for eligible riders.
Vehicles provide accessible boarding arrangements, including equipment for mobility-device users.
DDOT offers assistance with Braille, large-print and multilingual schedules through Customer Service.
Qualifying older adults, disabled riders and Medicare recipients can apply for reduced-fare eligibility.
Detroit Paratransit vs DDOT Now
| Service | Reservation method | Published fare | Service information |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDOT Paratransit | 313-774-5555 | $2.50 | Eligible ADA complementary service; reservations may be made from one day to two weeks ahead. |
| DDOT Now | 313-570-6845 | $2.50 | On-demand service with limited availability and different booking rules. |
DDOT describes Paratransit as operating 24 hours daily for eligible riders, while DDOT Now has a more limited published service window and is not a guaranteed replacement for every Paratransit reservation.
Open official Detroit Paratransit eligibility, fares and reservation guidance.
DDOT Bus Tips for Commuters, Students & Visitors
Check whether the route serves Rosa Parks Transit Center or a nearby street stop. Downtown one-way streets can place the return stop on another block.
Route 4 Woodward serves the central north–south corridor, but nearby institutions may be several blocks from the stop. Check the exact entrance and walking route.
Use Route 17 for the Eight Mile crosstown corridor, not Route 8. Route 8 is the Warren Avenue bus.
Check SMART’s route and stop before choosing a DDOT bus to the edge of the city. A regional bus may reduce transfers, but may have fewer stops.
Confirm that both your outbound and return routes operate overnight. A 24-hour first bus does not guarantee that its connecting route also operates all night.
DDOT allows strollers and carts subject to aisle-clearance rules. Bicycles cannot be carried inside; front racks are available on many buses.
How Early Should You Arrive?
A practical allowance is about five minutes before the scheduled departure at a familiar stop, with extra time for an unfamiliar intersection, route transfer, mobility need or overnight service.
For a route scheduled only every 45–60 minutes, it is worth checking the live arrival again before starting the walk to the stop.
DDOT Customer Service, Lost & Found & Pass Help
For schedules, trip planning, complaints and lost property.
Located at Rosa Parks Transit Center for fare-service assistance.
For hearing-impaired callers who need relay assistance.
Lost Something on a DDOT Bus?
- Write down the route number and name.
- Note the date and approximate trip time.
- Record the direction and boarding stop.
- Describe the missing item clearly.
- Call DDOT Customer Service for the current lost-property procedure.
DDOT Bus Boarding Checklist
- Confirm DDOT or SMART is the correct operator.
- Choose the exact bus route number.
- Check the weekday, Saturday or Sunday timetable.
- Confirm the route direction and destination.
- Find the correct boarding stop and stop ID.
- Check the current schedule effective date.
- Review DDOT Bus Tracker for arrivals.
- Read any construction or reroute notices.
- Prepare a valid DART pass or accepted fare.
- Check whether a student fare program applies.
- Allow extra time for an accessible transfer.
- Verify the final bus for the return trip.
DDOT Detroit Bus Schedule: Official Sources
Official route directory, online timetables, local stops and downloadable route schedules.
Open City bus schedulesRoute numbers, direction-specific stop information and schedule tables sourced from DDOT data.
Browse the DDOT route directoryLive vehicle locations, approaching buses and route arrival information.
Open DDOT Bus TrackerCitywide bus corridors, downtown routes and major transfer locations.
Open official 2026 system mapDART prices, reduced-fare applications, cashier locations and payment instructions.
Check current faresTemporary reroutes, street closures and current service notices.
Review active route noticesADA eligibility, reservation instructions and the DDOT Now service distinction.
Open Paratransit informationCurrent scheduled-route data for September 7, 2026–February 7, 2027.
Check published timetable coverageIndependent-site disclosure: BusSchedule.us is an independent public transportation guide. It does not operate DDOT buses, issue passes, manage stops, dispatch vehicles or guarantee live arrival predictions.
DDOT Detroit Bus Schedule FAQs
1. What does DDOT stand for in Detroit?
DDOT stands for Detroit Department of Transportation. It is the City of Detroit agency responsible for municipal bus services, including fixed-route buses and Detroit Paratransit.
2. Where can I find the current DDOT bus schedule?
Open the City of Detroit Bus Schedules directory, choose your bus route, select the direction and travel day, and find your boarding stop. DDOT Bus Tracker provides available live arrival predictions.
3. How many DDOT bus routes are operating in 2026?
The currently published DDOT timetable feed lists 37 fixed routes for the service period September 7, 2026 through February 7, 2027. Older City informational pages may show different historical route counts.
4. Which DDOT buses run 24 hours?
Nine routes are listed as operating overnight in the current service feed: 3 Grand River, 4 Woodward, 5 Van Dyke–Lafayette, 6 Gratiot, 7 Seven Mile, 8 Warren, 10 Greenfield, 16 Dexter and 17 Eight Mile.
5. How much does a DDOT bus ride cost?
A full-fare four-hour DART regional pass costs $2. The 24-hour pass is $5, the seven-day pass is $22 and the 31-day pass is $70. Eligible reduced-fare options are available.
6. Can I transfer between DDOT and SMART with one pass?
Yes. Eligible DART regional passes permit travel on both DDOT and SMART fixed-route buses during the validity period. A four-hour DART pass costs $2 at full fare.
7. How do I track a DDOT bus live?
Use DDOT Bus Tracker at MyDDOTBus.com, select your route and stop, and review available arrival predictions. DDOT also publishes instructions to text DDOT followed by a stop number to 41411.
8. Where is Rosa Parks Transit Center?
Rosa Parks Transit Center is at 360 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226. It is a major downtown DDOT bus transfer location and includes fare-service facilities.
9. Can Detroit students ride DDOT buses free?
Eligible Detroit K–12 public, private and charter school students aged 5–18 may use the Ride to Rise program, launched April 6, 2026, by showing a valid school-issued ID when boarding DDOT fixed-route buses.
10. Are DDOT buses wheelchair accessible?
DDOT states that its fixed-route buses are ADA accessible. Eligible riders who cannot use the fixed-route network may qualify for Detroit Paratransit, which has separate application, reservation and fare rules.