Detroit Michigan Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

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Detroit bus rider guide · 2026

Detroit Bus Times, Routes and Rider Tools in One Place

Detroit bus travel mainly involves two systems: DDOT for Detroit-focused city service and SMART for regional connections between Detroit and communities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Use this guide to find the right operator, current route schedule, major stops, fare, transfer option, live bus information and service-alert source without confusing a DDOT route with a SMART route.

See DDOT Routes SMART Regional Buses Detroit Bus Fares Track a Bus
Main city operator DDOT
Regional operator SMART
Regional pass DART
Live information Bus Tracker / Transit tools
Reviewed October 2, 2026
Quick answer

Which Detroit Bus Schedule Should You Use?

Travel mainly inside Detroit? Start with DDOT. DDOT operates Detroit’s local fixed-route network and also reaches nearby places including Highland Park, Hamtramck and selected surrounding communities.
Going between Detroit and the suburbs? Check SMART. SMART connects Detroit with destinations in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and operates local, crosstown, FAST and other fixed-route services.
Do not search by route number alone. Detroit-area route numbers can belong to different systems. Confirm whether the bus is DDOT or SMART before using a timetable, stop number or live tracker.

Detroit Bus Guide

DDOT Routes Route Types SMART Buses Bus Times Fares & Passes Transfers Live Tracker Service Alerts Map & Transit Center Accessibility Rider Tips FAQs
DDOT route directory

Detroit DDOT Bus Routes

The current City of Detroit bus-schedule directory provides individual route pages, stop lists, online schedules and downloadable schedules. The following route names are listed by DDOT.

Route Name Useful for Schedule action
1 Vernor Southwest Detroit / Vernor corridor Check current DDOT timetable
2 Michigan Michigan Avenue corridor / west Detroit Check weekday + weekend schedule
3 Grand River Grand River corridor 24/7 designation on Jan. 2026 system map*
4 Woodward Downtown, Midtown, New Center / Woodward corridor 24/7 designation on Jan. 2026 system map*
5 Van Dyke/Lafayette Van Dyke / Lafayette corridor 24/7 designation on Jan. 2026 system map*
6 Gratiot Gratiot corridor / east side 24/7 designation on Jan. 2026 system map*
7 Seven Mile Seven Mile corridor 24/7 designation on Jan. 2026 system map*
8 Warren Warren Avenue corridor 24/7 designation on Jan. 2026 system map*
9 Jefferson East Jefferson / riverfront corridor Check current route timetable
10 Greenfield Greenfield corridor 24/7 designation on Jan. 2026 system map*
16 Dexter Dexter corridor 24/7 designation on Jan. 2026 system map*
17 Eight Mile Eight Mile corridor 24/7 designation on Jan. 2026 system map*
18 Fenkell Fenkell corridor Check current timetable
19 Fort Fort Street corridor Check current timetable
27 Joy Joy Road corridor Check current timetable
30 Livernois Livernois corridor Check current timetable
31 Mack Mack Avenue corridor Check current timetable
32 McNichols McNichols corridor Check day-specific schedule
60 Evergreen Evergreen corridor / west-side connections Check current timetable

*The 24/7 notation comes from DDOT’s system map last revised January 26, 2026. Individual route timetables and newer service changes should be checked before travel.

Open the official DDOT bus schedule directory

Understand the network

ConnectTen, Primary and Neighborhood Routes

DDOT’s January 2026 system map groups routes into three broad categories. This is useful when you are deciding which corridor is likely to be a major trunk route and which routes provide more local neighborhood coverage.

ConnectTen Routes 1 Vernor, 2 Michigan, 3 Grand River, 4 Woodward, 5 Van Dyke/Lafayette, 6 Gratiot, 7 Seven Mile, 8 Warren, 9 Jefferson and 10 Greenfield.
Primary routes Includes routes such as 16 Dexter, 17 Eight Mile, 18 Fenkell, 19 Fort, 27 Joy, 30 Livernois, 31 Mack, 32 McNichols, 38 Plymouth and 60 Evergreen.
Neighborhood routes Includes routes such as Clairmount, Conant, Conner, Chicago/Davison, Hamilton/John R, Linwood, Puritan, Russell, Schaefer, Mid-City Loop, Schoolcraft, Southfield, Tireman, Chene, Wyoming, Cadillac/Harper and Chalmers.
Map-age warning: the DDOT system map is extremely useful for seeing the network, but the currently available map is marked “Last Revised: January 26, 2026.” For today’s exact time and routing, open the current individual route schedule.
Regional Detroit transit

SMART Bus Schedules for Metro Detroit

SMART is the second system Detroit riders frequently need. It primarily connects communities outside Detroit across Macomb County and portions of Oakland and Wayne counties, while selected SMART routes also serve stops inside Detroit.

Local fixed routes Standard routes serving designated stops and times through suburban communities.
Crosstown routes Useful for trips that do not require traveling into downtown Detroit first.
FAST routes Limited-stop regional corridors designed for faster trips on major roads.
Detroit connections Certain SMART buses enter Detroit and connect with DDOT, downtown destinations, Midtown and New Center.
Current 2026 change: SMART launched Route 500 Mound/Hamtramck on September 7, 2026. At launch, SMART said the route would connect downtown Detroit and the Detroit Medical Center area with Hamtramck and Bel Air Center, with hourly service.

Open SMART schedules  |  Open SMART Trip Planner

Bus times explained

How to Find the Correct Detroit Bus Time

1
Choose DDOT or SMART Start with the operator. Do not assume a route number identifies the correct system.
2
Open the route Select the exact route name or number from the agency’s current schedule directory.
3
Select the day Weekday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday schedules can differ.
4
Check direction Match the bus headsign, terminal or northbound/southbound/eastbound/westbound direction.
5
Recheck live Use live tracking shortly before leaving because scheduled time is not a guarantee.
SMART timing tip: SMART explains that printed/online schedules show departures at major timepoints. If you board between those timepoints, SMART recommends arriving at least five minutes before the listed time.
Detroit rider rule: for an unfamiliar trip, arriving roughly 5–10 minutes early is safer. Add more buffer at downtown transit centers, for transfers, during construction or when service is infrequent.
Fares and passes

Detroit Bus Fare: DDOT, SMART and DART

DART regional passes are useful because they can be used across both DDOT and SMART fixed-route services. The agencies also have fare options that apply specifically to their own services.

4-Hour DART $2 Full fare

Unlimited regional rides during the pass period on qualifying DDOT and SMART service.

24-Hour DART $5 Full fare

Useful when making several bus trips during one day.

7-Day DART $22 Full fare

Regional unlimited-ride pass for a seven-day period.

31-Day DART $70 Full fare

Regional option for frequent DDOT and SMART riders.

SMART Single-Ride Fare

General fixed-route fare $2.00 one-way for riders ages 19–64.
Reduced fixed-route fare $0.50 for eligible older adults and people with disabilities; other eligibility rules apply.
Students in 2026 SMART says K-12, college and university students ride fixed-route service free with valid student ID effective May 4, 2026.
Fare rule: fares and eligibility can change. Check the official fare page before relying on a stored screenshot or old article.

DDOT fare information  |  SMART fare information

DDOT + SMART

How Detroit Regional Transfers Work

Typical regional trip workflow
1 Detroit neighborhood
2 DDOT route
3 Transfer point
4 SMART route
5 Suburban destination
6 Return trip

A DART regional pass can simplify a DDOT-to-SMART trip because qualifying passes are valid across both systems. Still, always verify the route, transfer location and remaining service for the return trip.

Plan both legs first Check the DDOT trip and SMART trip before boarding the first bus.
Leave transfer buffer Do not plan a connection with only a minute or two between buses.
Check the last return bus A late outbound trip can leave you without the same return option later at night.
Live bus tools

Scheduled Time vs Live Detroit Bus Arrival

Scheduled time is the planned timetable. Live arrival is an estimate based on current vehicle information where available. Traffic, detours, construction, events, weather, equipment problems or canceled trips can change actual arrival time.

1
Open tracker Use DDOT Bus Tracker, SMART’s tracker or the agency-endorsed trip tool.
2
Select route Confirm the number and operator.
3
Select direction Match the destination shown on the bus.
4
Choose stop Use the actual stop or stop number rather than guessing from a nearby landmark.
5
Check again Recheck shortly before walking to your stop.

Open DDOT Bus Tracker access  |  Open SMART Bus Tracker

Current-service check

Detroit Bus Service Alerts and Detours

Service alerts matter because downtown street closures, road construction and stop relocations can temporarily make a printed timetable or map incomplete.

DDOT route updates DDOT’s current homepage includes urgent route updates and a dedicated route-update workflow. Check it immediately before travel.
SMART service bulletins SMART publishes route-specific bulletins with start dates, end dates where known and detour information.
Tracker vs alert A missing live prediction does not automatically mean a trip is canceled. Check both schedule and service-alert sources.
Alerts checked: October 2, 2026. SMART’s current bulletin list included active October/late-September items such as a Route 261 FAST Michigan detour, Route 730 construction detour and temporary Routes 560/561 Gratiot stop relocation. Alerts can change after publication, so use the official live bulletin page for your specific trip.

Check DDOT route updates  |  Check SMART service bulletins

Downtown transit point

Rosa Parks Transit Center and Downtown Connections

Rosa Parks Transit Center is one of the most useful downtown reference points for DDOT riders. The DDOT system map shows many routes converging in or near downtown Detroit, with connections to destinations such as Campus Martius, Huntington Place, Ford Field, Comerica Park, the riverfront and other central-city locations.

  • Confirm the route’s actual downtown bay.
  • Do not assume every DDOT route uses Rosa Parks.
  • Check temporary bay moves during construction.
  • Allow extra walking time for transfers.
Accessible Detroit transit

Wheelchair Access, ADA Service and Paratransit

DDOT says its fixed-route buses are accessible to riders using mobility devices, and buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp. Riders can request the bus to kneel or the ramp/lift to be deployed without having to prove a disability.

Wheelchair and mobility devices DDOT fixed-route buses can carry mobility devices that fit safely without obstructing the aisle.
Stop announcements Major intersections, transfer points and major destinations are announced, and riders may request a specific stop.
Accessible schedules DDOT says schedules can be requested in accessible formats, including braille, and are available in additional languages.
Paratransit Eligible riders who cannot use fixed-route service may qualify for Detroit Paratransit.
Detroit Paratransit booking: DDOT currently lists (313) 774-5555 for booking and eligibility information. Paratransit service generally covers eligible origins/destinations within the applicable corridor around DDOT fixed routes.

DDOT fixed-route accessibility  |  Detroit Paratransit

Local rider workflow

Detroit Bus Tips Before You Leave

  • Confirm whether the route is DDOT or SMART.
  • Use the current route page instead of an old timetable screenshot.
  • Check weekday, Saturday and Sunday separately.
  • Match the bus headsign with your destination.
  • Check the exact stop and side of the road.
  • Have cash, pass or mobile fare ready before boarding.
  • Check live arrival shortly before leaving.
  • Review service alerts for construction or temporary stops.
  • Build extra time into DDOT-to-SMART transfers.
  • Confirm the final return trip before traveling late.
Schedule-change tip: Detroit says DDOT schedules are normally adjusted several times during the year. Always treat the current official route page as more authoritative than a previously downloaded timetable.
Fast links

Official Detroit Bus Tools

DDOT Bus Schedules

Route overview, stops, online timetable and downloadable schedule.

Open DDOT schedules
DDOT System Map

Network-level view of ConnectTen, Primary and Neighborhood routes and major transfer points.

Open DDOT system map
DDOT Fares

DART fare options, payment details and Token Transit information.

Open DDOT fare information
DDOT Bus Tracker

Current vehicle and arrival information where available.

Open DDOT tools
SMART Schedules

Regional route schedules and timetable information.

Open SMART schedules
SMART Trip Planner

Origin-to-destination planning for SMART trips.

Open SMART Trip Planner
SMART Fares

Single-trip fares, DART passes, student fare rules and reduced fares.

Open SMART fares
SMART Service Bulletins

Current detours, stop relocations and service notices.

Check SMART bulletins
Detroit bus FAQs

Common Detroit Michigan Bus Schedule Questions

Where can I find the current Detroit bus schedule?

For city-focused routes, use the official DDOT Bus Schedules page. For regional Metro Detroit service, use SMART’s official schedule directory or Trip Planner.

What is the main bus system in Detroit?

DDOT is Detroit’s primary city bus operator. SMART is the regional transit operator serving suburban communities and selected Detroit stops.

Which DDOT routes run 24 hours?

DDOT’s system map last revised January 26, 2026 marks routes 3 Grand River, 4 Woodward, 5 Van Dyke/Lafayette, 6 Gratiot, 7 Seven Mile, 8 Warren, 10 Greenfield, 16 Dexter and 17 Eight Mile as 24/7 routes. Check the current individual schedule because route patterns and frequencies can change.

How much does a Detroit bus cost?

DART regional passes include a $2 four-hour pass and $5 24-hour pass. SMART’s general fixed-route single fare is $2. Check DDOT and SMART fare pages before travel because fare policies can change.

Can I use the same pass on DDOT and SMART?

Yes. DART regional passes are designed for qualifying DDOT and SMART services, making them useful for trips requiring both systems.

How do I track a DDOT bus?

Use DDOT’s official Bus Tracker access. Select your route and stop, confirm direction, then review the current predicted arrival instead of relying only on a printed schedule.

How do I find SMART bus arrival times?

SMART provides schedule and tracking tools and recommends using live trip-planning tools for estimated arrivals at stops between published timetable timepoints.

How early should I arrive at a Detroit bus stop?

For most trips, arriving about 5–10 minutes early is practical. Allow additional time at unfamiliar stops, transit centers, transfers or when service is infrequent.

Are Detroit buses wheelchair accessible?

DDOT states that its fixed-route buses are accessible to riders using mobility devices and buses have ramps or lifts. SMART also states that its fixed-route buses are wheelchair accessible.

Where should I check Detroit bus detours?

Check DDOT’s route-update information for DDOT buses and SMART’s current service-bulletin page for SMART routes. Recheck on the day of travel because detours and stop relocations can change quickly.

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