GRTC Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

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Greater Richmond Transit Company Rider Guide

Ride Richmond GRTC: Find Routes, Bus Times, Stops, Pulse Service and Live Arrivals

GRTC serves Richmond and surrounding communities with local buses, weekday express routes, the Pulse bus rapid transit line, LINK microtransit, airport connections and ADA paratransit. Most riders can travel without buying a ticket because GRTC currently operates its regular transit network as Open Access fare-free service.

Use this guide to choose the right service, check a route timetable, understand the official system map, find your stop number, track the next bus, plan an airport or hospital trip, and avoid schedule mistakes caused by holidays, snow routes, detours or an older PDF.

Find Official Route & Schedule View System Map Track My Bus Check Alerts & Detours
Regular bus fare $0 Open Access
General bus span About 5 AM–1 AM
Fixed-route stops 1,600+
Text arrivals 22827
Verified
Quick answer

How to Check a GRTC Bus Schedule Without Using the Wrong Time

GRTC describes its general bus service span as roughly 5 AM to 1 AM, seven days a week, but that is not the timetable for every route. Individual routes can begin earlier, finish earlier, operate only on weekdays or run less often at night.

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Choose service Local bus, Pulse, Express, LINK, CARE or airport connection.
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Find the route Match the route number and full destination.
→
Select direction Choose the destination your bus is traveling toward.
D
Choose day Weekday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays can differ.
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Check live time Use Bus Tracker or text the exact stop number to 22827.
Do not use the system map as a timetable. The map explains where routes go and how service is categorized. Departure times belong to the route-specific schedule or live arrival tool.

GRTC Schedule & Rider Guide

Choose a Service System Map Route Directory Pulse BRT Airport Buses Express Routes Downtown Transfers Hospital Routes Fare & Tickets Live Bus Tracking Read a Timetable LINK Microtransit CARE Paratransit Holiday Schedule Snow Routes Accessibility Bike Racks Contact & Lost Items GRTC Headquarters FAQs
Start with the service type

GRTC Is More Than One Bus Network

Local Bus Routes

Local buses make up most of the fixed-route network and connect neighborhoods, downtown Richmond, shopping areas, hospitals, schools and regional transfer points.

GRTC reports more than 1,600 bus stops across its system.

Search local routes

Pulse Bus Rapid Transit

Pulse is GRTC’s high-frequency BRT corridor between Willow Lawn and Rocketts Landing.

It serves dedicated platform-level stations and uses real-time station displays and transit signal technology.

Open Pulse information

Express Routes

Routes 29x, 64x, 82x and 95x connect downtown Richmond with Park-N-Ride locations or Petersburg.

Express service is primarily designed around weekday commuter travel.

Compare express routes

Airport Service

Routes 7A and 7B connect Richmond International Airport with Downtown Transfer Station using different local paths.

GRTC also provides LINK and an early-morning airport voucher option.

See airport options

LINK Microtransit

LINK is fare-free on-demand curb-to-curb transportation within defined zones.

Riders request a vehicle instead of following a normal fixed bus timetable.

Open LINK

CARE Paratransit

CARE provides ADA origin-to-destination transportation for eligible riders whose disability prevents independent use of fixed-route service.

Eligibility and advance booking requirements apply.

Open CARE
Official PDF decoded

What the February 2026 GRTC System Map Actually Tells You

GRTC’s official system map is labeled “Effective: February 2026-T1.” It is a schematic map—not to scale—and combines fixed routes, Pulse, express service and LINK zones across Richmond and surrounding communities.

The map is useful for understanding the shape of the network, transfer corridors, route branches, hospitals, airport connections and Park-N-Ride extensions. It should still be compared with the current route page because service can change after a static PDF is issued.

Frequent service The map identifies services running about every 15 minutes or better during selected daytime or evening periods.
30-minute category Some routes operate every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, with different evening or Sunday levels.
Hourly category Other routes are shown with approximately 60-minute daily service patterns.
Peak / limited service Some routes only operate during peak periods or have limited midday service.
Express The map describes express service as downtown-to-Park-N-Ride travel during weekday peak periods.
Evening / Sunday pattern Some downtown routing changes during evenings or Sundays.
Core + branches Branch routes may combine on a common segment to create higher frequency.
LINK zone LINK provides on-demand travel within a defined geographic zone rather than a fixed stop sequence.
Freshness rule: the PDF is an official network snapshot, not a permanent promise. For a trip today, compare it with GRTC’s current route selector and Alerts & Detours page.

Official GRTC System Map — Effective February 2026-T1

Use the embedded viewer for network geography and route relationships. On a phone, opening the document directly may be easier for zooming.

Open Official PDF Check Current Routes
Route number overview

GRTC Route Numbers Shown on the 2026 System Map

The February 2026 system map depicts a network of numbered local routes, express routes and Pulse. The current online route selector should be used to confirm whether a route or service pattern has changed since the map’s effective date.

1 1A 1B 1C 2A 2B 2C 3A 3B 3C 4A 4B 5 7A 7B 12 14 18 19 20 50 76 77 78 79 86 87 91 29x 64x 82x 95x Pulse
Route 1 — Chamberlayne/Downtown Serves the Chamberlayne corridor and downtown. GRTC’s online schedule provides each stop and timepoint by direction.
Routes 1A / 1B / 1C Branch services share portions of the Hull Street corridor before dividing toward different Southside destinations.
Routes 2A / 2B / 2C Branch services connect Northside and Southside corridors. Check the letter carefully because branches do not serve the same final streets.
Routes 3A / 3B / 3C Highland Park / U.S. 1 branches use different destinations and service patterns. The system map notes that Route 3B extends to Brightpoint Community College.
Routes 7A / 7B Both serve Richmond International Airport but use different local paths between downtown and the airport.
Route 20 — Orbital A cross-city route that can be useful for trips that do not require traveling through the traditional downtown hub.
Letter matters: 1A, 1B and 1C are not interchangeable; the same applies to 2A/2B/2C, 3A/3B/3C and airport routes 7A/7B.

Open the official GRTC route selector and current schedules

GRTC flagship BRT

GRTC Pulse Schedule and Stations

Pulse runs between Willow Lawn and Rocketts Landing. GRTC publishes service about every 10 minutes during weekday peak periods and approximately every 15–30 minutes at other times.

Pulse buses stop only at platform-level stations. Stations include real-time arrival displays and announcements, and GRTC recommends arriving about five minutes before departure.

GRTC Pulse station sequence A simplified west-to-east station sequence from Willow Lawn to Rocketts Landing. Willow Lawn Staples Mill Science Museum Scott’s Addition Allison Street VCU & VUU Arts District Convention Center Government Center VCU Medical Center Main Street Station Shockoe Bottom East Riverfront Rocketts Landing WEST EAST
Eastbound platform GRTC says stations on the south side of the corridor are generally eastbound.
Westbound platform Stations on the north side are generally westbound. Check the direction label on the station totem.
Median platforms Use the signalized pedestrian crossing and protected access route. Do not cut across traffic lanes to reach a platform.

Check the official Pulse map, schedule and live information

Richmond International Airport

GRTC Airport Schedule: Routes 7A, 7B, LINK and Early-Morning Connection

GRTC provides multiple fare-free ways to reach Richmond International Airport (RIC). Routes 7A and 7B connect RIC with Downtown Transfer Station but follow different local paths.

GRTC Route 7A and 7B airport connection diagram Two bus routes branch from downtown Richmond through different corridors and reunite at Richmond International Airport. Downtown Transfer Station 7A via Nine Mile Road 7B via Laburnum Avenue RIC Airport Upper departure deck
7A Nine Mile/Airport Travels between downtown Richmond, Church Hill, the East End, Nine Mile Road and RIC.
7B Nine Mile/Laburnum/Airport Uses a different local path through Laburnum Avenue before reaching RIC.
Sandston LINK RIC is inside the Sandston LINK zone, giving eligible zone trips an on-demand curb-to-curb option.
Airport frequency: GRTC’s airport guide states that buses depart the airport’s upper departure deck about every 15 minutes when the combined 7A/7B pattern is operating as published. Always verify today’s route times before a flight.
4 AM–6 AM option: GRTC currently publishes an early-morning Uber voucher for one qualifying trip per day between a GRTC bus stop and RIC during that window, seven days a week. Use the official airport page for voucher rules before relying on it.

Open GRTC’s official Richmond Airport connection guide

Weekday commuter routes

GRTC Express Routes and Free Park-N-Ride Lots

GRTC publishes four principal express routes connecting downtown Richmond with suburban Park-N-Ride locations or Petersburg. Express trips are built mainly around weekday commuter periods rather than all-day local service.

Route Express Service Park-N-Ride / Outer End Primary Corridor
29x Gaskins Express Gaskins & Mayland Park-N-Ride Downtown via I-64
64x Stony Point Express Bon Air Baptist Church Park-N-Ride Huguenot Road / Stony Point area
82x Commonwealth 20 Express Commonwealth Centre Park-N-Ride Powhite Parkway
95x Richmond/Petersburg Express Petersburg Transit Center I-95
Free parking GRTC describes its Park-N-Ride locations as free for transit riders.
Pulse connections Express routes connect with downtown Pulse stations including Government Center and VCU Medical Center.
Seats required GRTC states that passengers on express buses must be seated; standing is not permitted on express service.

View official GRTC Park-N-Ride locations

Downtown transfer planning

Which GRTC Routes Use Downtown Transfer Station?

The official February 2026 system map separates normal daytime downtown routing from evening and Sunday patterns.

Serve Downtown Transfer Station throughout the day
1 1A 1C 2A 2B 2C 5 7A 7B 12 78 87
Serve the station in evening / Sunday pattern
3C 14

This distinction comes directly from the downtown inset on the February 2026 official system map.

Transfer tip: do not assume your daytime downtown stop is also used late at night or Sunday. Open the route’s current direction-specific schedule when traveling outside the daytime pattern.
Official map hospital table

GRTC Routes to Richmond-Area Hospitals

GRTC’s official system map includes a dedicated hospital-access table. This can be more useful than scanning dozens of route lines when the hospital itself is your destination.

Hospital Routes Shown on Official Map Before You Travel
Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital 7A, 7B, 12 Check the exact hospital-side stop and return direction.
Chippenham Hospital 2B Confirm the 2B branch rather than another Route 2 branch.
Henrico Doctors’ Hospital 79 Route 79 service can be limited; check current operating times.
Johnston-Willis Hospital 1A Confirm the correct 1A destination and branch.
Parham Hospital 18 Check the current Route 18 timetable.
Retreat Doctors’ Hospital 5, 20, 77, 78 Several routes are possible; choose based on origin and transfer count.
Richmond VA Medical Center 2C, 20, 86, 87 Choose the route that minimizes waiting and walking for your appointment time.
Sheltering Arms Institute 19 Confirm current Route 19 service before leaving.
St. Mary’s Hospital 76, 79 Check the current day because service levels can differ.
VCU Medical Center Pulse BRT + other downtown routes Pulse is often a useful high-frequency option along Broad Street.
Medical-trip rule: leave additional time for transfers and check the live bus before leaving. A scheduled arrival is not a guarantee of an on-time medical appointment.
Current Open Access policy

GRTC Bus Fare: What Costs $0 and What Can Still Cost Money?

GRTC’s FY2027 budget continues Open Access transit for another fiscal year. Regular fixed-route buses and Pulse therefore do not require a normal boarding fare.

Local buses $0 Open Access fixed-route service.
Pulse BRT $0 No fare required under current GRTC policy.
Express buses $0 Included in GRTC’s fare-free bus network.
LINK $0 On-demand microtransit is currently fare-free.
CARE / CARE Plus $0 GRTC states no fare is required until further notice.
CARE On-Demand is different: it is an optional premium paratransit service and is not the same as a free fixed-route bus. Check the current CARE page for the fare before booking.
No ticket machine needed for the bus: GRTC’s rider guide says all buses are Zero Fare and riders may enter through any open door.
Live arrival tools

Track a GRTC Bus by Stop Number, Text Message or GPS Map

Every GRTC bus stop sign has a stop number. That number is the safest way to request arrivals for the exact curb where you are waiting.

New message to
22827
GRTC 3623
Next estimated GRTC arrivals for that stop appear in the reply.

Example format published by GRTC. Replace 3623 with the stop number printed on your bus stop sign.

Find the stop number. Look on the GRTC bus stop sign where you are physically waiting.
Text the request. Send “GRTC” followed by the stop number to 22827.
Read estimated arrivals. The reply provides predicted next-bus times for that stop.
Open Bus Tracker for more context. The online tracker can show estimated arrivals and GPS vehicle locations.
Check alerts when something looks wrong. A missing prediction can indicate a cancellation, delay, detour or GPS problem.

Open official GRTC Bus Tracking

Scheduled vs predicted: the timetable tells you when the bus is planned to arrive. Bus Tracker gives a prediction based on current vehicle data. Neither should be confused with an active service alert.

How to Read a GRTC Route Schedule

1. Check the complete route name A lettered branch can lead somewhere different even when the first digit is the same.
2. Switch to the correct direction Use the final destination or terminal displayed by GRTC rather than assuming east/west or inbound/outbound.
3. Choose the correct day Weekday, Saturday and Sunday departure tables may not match.
4. Find the nearest published timepoint A timetable usually does not print a time for every one of GRTC’s 1,600+ stops.
5. Verify the intermediate stop Use the online stop list or stop ID to confirm the exact side of the street.
6. Check live service Look at Bus Tracker and active alerts before leaving for a time-sensitive trip.
Arrive early: GRTC recommends being at the stop or Pulse station about five minutes before the scheduled departure.
ADA paratransit

CARE Paratransit Schedule, Eligibility and Booking

CARE provides ADA origin-to-destination transportation for eligible riders whose disability prevents independent use of the fixed-route network for some or all trips.

CARE service area CARE covers the ADA-required area extending up to three-quarters of a mile from GRTC fixed-route bus lines.
Advance reservation CARE and CARE Plus generally must be booked at least one day before travel.
Reservation phone 804-782-2273 — 804-782-CARE.
Area Published CARE Hours
Richmond residents Generally 5 AM–1 AM; 6 AM–8 PM when traveling to or from Henrico
Chesterfield residents Mon–Fri 5 AM–7:30 PM; Sat 8 AM–7 PM; no Sunday service
Henrico residents 6 AM–11 PM
CARE On-Demand: GRTC also offers an optional direct trip service that can be booked closer to departure. It has different pricing and rules from standard CARE/CARE Plus, so confirm the current fare before requesting it.

Open CARE eligibility, fares and reservation information

Official holiday service

GRTC Bus Holiday Schedule

Holiday service does not simply mean “Sunday schedule” every time. Several holidays use weekday service but remove Express trips.

Holiday GRTC Bus Schedule
New Year’s Day Sunday service
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Saturday service
Presidents’ Day Weekday service — no Express
Memorial Day Sunday service
Juneteenth Weekday service — no Express
July 3 Weekday service — no Express
Independence Day Regular service
Labor Day Sunday service
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekday service — no Express
Veterans Day Weekday service — no Express
Thanksgiving Day Sunday service
Day After Thanksgiving Weekday service — no Express
Christmas Eve Weekday service
Christmas Day Sunday service
LINK and CARE have separate holiday rules. Do not apply this fixed-route bus table to microtransit or paratransit reservations.

Verify the official GRTC holiday schedule

Winter operations

GRTC Snow Routes and Inclement Weather Changes

During dangerous road conditions, GRTC can place selected buses on alternate snow routing to avoid streets that are historically difficult to operate safely.

The current snow-route guide identifies special snow-routing information for:

1B 2A 2B 2C 3A 3C 4A 4B 5 12 14 18 20 64x 78 86 87 91
Watch the destination sign When snow routing is active, GRTC says bus headsigns may display “SNOW ROUTES IN EFFECT.”
Pulse can move curbside Pulse intends to serve all stations, but icy center lanes can force temporary curbside boarding.
Use a safe boarding area If snow blocks the curb, riders may need to board from the nearest safe location the bus can reach.
Do not rely on the normal stop during snow: weather can create additional detours beyond the published snow-route pattern.

Check GRTC snow routes and current weather response

GRTC Wheelchair Accessibility and Stop Announcements

GRTC states that all of its vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Fixed-route buses can kneel and deploy ramps, and priority seating is located near the front of the bus.

Wheelchairs & mobility devices Operators are trained to assist with accessible boarding and mobility devices.
Stop announcements GRTC buses use speakers for upcoming stops and other important onboard announcements.
ADA assistance ADA Coordinator: 804-358-3871, extension 434.
adacoordinator@ridegrtc.com
Vehicle accessible does not mean every stop is equally accessible. Sidewalk condition, construction, curb design and temporary stop relocations can affect boarding conditions.

Read GRTC accessibility information

Bike + bus

How Many Bikes Fit on a GRTC Bus?

Bike capacity differs between a standard GRTC bus and a Pulse vehicle.

Standard bus
2 bikes
Pulse bus
3 bikes
Standard rack limits GRTC publishes capacity for two bikes, tires up to 2¼ inches wide and bikes up to 61 inches long.
Pulse rack limits Pulse racks can accommodate three bikes, tires up to 3¼ inches wide and bikes up to 80 inches long.
Bike-share bicycles: GRTC says bike-share bikes are too large and heavy for its onboard bicycle racks.

See GRTC bike-rack instructions

How to Ride GRTC for the First Time

  • Find your route and destination before leaving.
  • Check weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service.
  • Locate the exact stop number and correct street side.
  • Arrive roughly five minutes before the published time.
  • Check Bus Tracker or text your stop number to 22827.
  • Confirm the destination sign before boarding.
  • No regular bus fare is required under current Open Access policy.
  • Use a seat or handrail after boarding.
  • Watch onboard real-time stop information.
  • Pull the yellow cord or press the stop button before your destination.
Wi-Fi GRTC advertises onboard Wi-Fi on its regular bus service.
Charging GRTC’s rider guide describes onboard charging ports.
Priority seating Front seating is prioritized for riders with disabilities, seniors, pregnant riders and adults carrying young children.
Mobile trip planning

Which GRTC App Should You Use?

Transit app — fixed buses Use Transit to plan trips and view real-time information for GRTC bus service.
GRTC on the Go — LINK & CARE Use GRTC on the Go to request LINK microtransit and manage eligible CARE paratransit trips.

Open GRTC’s official mobile-app guide

What to Do When the Bus Is Late, Missing or Detoured

Bus is not showing in the tracker Check the scheduled departure, then check Alerts & Detours. GPS may be unavailable or the trip may have been canceled.
Stop is temporarily closed Read the alert for a replacement boarding location. Event and construction detours can close multiple stops at once.
Bus passed your location Confirm that you were standing at a designated GRTC stop serving your route and direction.
Schedule and app disagree Check the effective date of the schedule and give priority to the current official route page and live alert.
You missed a transfer Replan using the current route selector rather than assuming the next connection follows the same interval.
Important trip For a flight, medical appointment or job start, build in extra time rather than planning around the final possible connection.

Check current GRTC Alerts & Detours

Rider assistance

GRTC Customer Service, Headquarters and Lost & Found

Customer Service 804-358-4782
Mon–Fri: 6 AM–7 PM
Sat–Sun: 8:30 AM–6 PM
Email webcustomerservice@ridegrtc.com
TTY / Relay Dial 711
Toll-free relay:
800-828-1120
Corporate Headquarters 301 East Belt Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23224
Routes near GRTC Headquarters GRTC lists Routes 1A, 2C and 20 as serving headquarters. Nearby stops include Stop #251 and Stop #3392.
Lost & Found Call 804-358-3871. Lost-property pickup is handled at GRTC headquarters and may require an appointment and identification.
Report lost property quickly. GRTC states that retained items are held for a limited period. Give the route, direction, date, time, boarding stop, exit stop and a detailed description.

Open official GRTC Customer Service information

GRTC Headquarters Map

This is GRTC’s administrative headquarters and Lost & Found location. It is not the same place as Downtown Transfer Station.

60-second trip check

Before You Leave for a GRTC Stop

  • Confirm the full route number, including any letter or “x.”
  • Check the destination shown for your direction.
  • Select today’s correct service schedule.
  • Confirm the official schedule has not been replaced.
  • Locate your exact stop number.
  • Check the live arrival prediction.
  • Read current detours and service alerts.
  • Check holiday or snow service when applicable.
  • Allow additional time for a timed transfer.
  • Save 804-358-4782 if you may need rider assistance.
Official research record

Official GRTC Sources Used for This Guide

Routes & Schedules GRTC Bus Routes
System Map PDF February 2026-T1 System Map
Bus Tracking GRTC Bus Tracker Guide
Pulse BRT GRTC Pulse
Airport Connection GRTC Airport Service
Park-N-Ride GRTC Park-N-Ride
LINK LINK Microtransit
CARE CARE Paratransit
Holiday Schedule GRTC Holiday Service
Snow Routes GRTC Snow Routes
Accessibility GRTC Accessibility
Customer Service GRTC Contact Information

Official-source review completed August 12, 2026

Independent-site disclosure: busschedule.us does not operate GRTC service, control bus locations, issue service alerts, determine ADA eligibility or guarantee that a scheduled trip will operate.

Frequently Asked Questions About GRTC Bus Schedules

How do I find the current GRTC bus schedule?

Open GRTC’s official Bus Routes page, select the route, choose the correct direction and read the timetable for the service day you need. Check Bus Tracker and Alerts & Detours before leaving.

Is GRTC still free to ride?

Yes. As of this guide’s August 2026 verification, GRTC continues Open Access fare-free transit. The FY2027 budget maintains fare-free service for another fiscal year.

What time do GRTC buses start and stop running?

GRTC describes its general bus network as running about 5 AM to 1 AM, but individual routes have their own service spans and some express routes run only during weekday commuter periods.

How can I track a GRTC bus?

Use GRTC Bus Tracker for GPS-based estimated arrivals, or text “GRTC” plus your bus stop number to 22827. The stop number is printed on GRTC bus stop signs.

How early should I arrive at a GRTC bus stop?

GRTC recommends being at the stop or Pulse station about five minutes before the scheduled departure.

Which GRTC buses go to Richmond International Airport?

Routes 7A and 7B connect Richmond International Airport with Downtown Transfer Station. They use different local paths. The Sandston LINK zone also includes the airport.

How often does GRTC Pulse run?

GRTC publishes Pulse service about every 10 minutes during weekday peak periods and about every 15–30 minutes at other times. Check live arrivals for the specific trip.

Where does the GRTC Pulse run?

Pulse runs between Willow Lawn and Rocketts Landing through the Broad Street and downtown corridor, serving 14 platform-level stations.

Does GRTC have express buses?

Yes. Current express services include 29x Gaskins Express, 64x Stony Point Express, 82x Commonwealth 20 Express and 95x Richmond/Petersburg Express.

Does GRTC run on holidays?

Yes, but the service pattern changes by holiday. Some holidays use Sunday service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day uses Saturday service, and several holidays use weekday service without Express routes.

Does GRTC run during snow?

GRTC attempts to operate but may use designated snow routes, move stops or make additional detours. Pulse may shift from center-lane stations to curbside boarding when conditions require it.

Are GRTC buses wheelchair accessible?

GRTC states that all of its vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Buses can kneel and deploy ramps, and priority seating is available near the front.

Can I take a bicycle on GRTC?

Yes. Standard buses have racks for two qualifying bikes, while Pulse buses have larger racks for three. GRTC says bike-share bicycles are not permitted on the racks because they are too large and heavy.

What is GRTC LINK?

LINK is fare-free on-demand microtransit operating inside designated zones such as Ashland, Azalea, Broad Rock, Clover Dale, Powhatan and Sandston. Riders request a trip instead of following a fixed timetable.

How do I contact GRTC about a lost item?

Call GRTC Lost & Found at 804-358-3871 and provide the route, direction, travel date, approximate time and a detailed description of the item.

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