Route P20 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map
Two different US transit agencies operate a bus numbered P20. WMATA’s P20 travels between Greenbelt and New Carrollton in Prince George’s County, Maryland. PVTA’s P20 connects Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts, via Riverdale Street and Holyoke Mall.
The schedules, fares, stop locations and live-arrival systems are completely different. Choose your city first, then use the relevant timetable, stop map, fare information, transfer advice and step-by-step boarding instructions below.
Which P20 Bus Schedule Do You Need?
The most important step is identifying the correct transit operator. A P20 timetable for Greenbelt cannot be used for Holyoke, and vice versa.
P20 Greenbelt Road–New Carrollton
Connects New Carrollton Metrorail Station and Greenbelt Metrorail Station through Lanham-Severn Road, Greenbelt Road, Greenway Center, the Roosevelt Center area and Beltway Plaza.
- Agency: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
- Weekday service: approximately 5 AM to late evening
- Typical frequency: around 30 minutes during much of the day
- Adult fare: $2.25
- Schedule PDF effective: December 14, 2025
P20 Holyoke–Springfield via Holyoke Mall
Connects Springfield Union Station, the Riverdale shopping corridor, Holyoke Mall and Holyoke Transportation Center.
- Agency: Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
- Main corridor: Riverdale Street
- Service: weekday and weekend
- Typical frequency: approximately 20–30 minutes during much of the day
- Current fare: free under PVTA’s FY2027 program
P20 Bus Schedule Guide
WMATA P20: Greenbelt Road–New Carrollton Bus
The Metrobus P20 connects the Greenbelt and New Carrollton Metrorail stations in Prince George’s County, Maryland. It travels through residential neighborhoods, shopping areas and local roads rather than simply following the shortest route between the two stations.
Its important intermediate areas include Annapolis Road, Lanham-Severn Road, Greenbelt Road, Greenway Center, Crescent Road and Beltway Plaza.
What Changed Under WMATA Better Bus?
WMATA introduced a redesigned bus network in June 2025, replacing many older route names and changing some service patterns. The P20 route profile identifies it as a Greenbelt–New Carrollton service and references older routes including R1, R2, B27 and G14 for network comparison.
That does not mean every old bus stop or previous route segment remains identical. Use today’s P20 timetable and stop list instead of an archived R-route schedule.
For help understanding the redesigned Maryland and Washington-area network, bus route prefixes, fares and rider tools, read our WMATA Metrobus schedules and route-finder guide. It explains how to locate the correct post-redesign service and compare official departure information.
WMATA P20 First Bus, Last Bus and Frequency
The official P20 timetable is labeled Effective December 14, 2025. WMATA’s route profile describes service approximately every 30 minutes for much of the weekday and weekend, with less frequent service during late weekday hours.
| Service period | Operating pattern | Frequency guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday early morning | Begins around 5 AM | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Weekday morning / midday | Regular daytime service | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Weekday afternoon / evening | Regular service, then reduced late-night frequency | Approximately 30 minutes, then around 60 minutes late |
| Saturday | Approximately 7 AM–10 PM | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Sunday | Approximately 7 AM–10 PM | Approximately 30 minutes |
These are the agency’s published general service-span and frequency patterns. The exact first or last bus at a particular stop may differ, especially on trips that begin or finish partway along the route.
Selected Weekday Northbound Trips
These departure examples come from the official WMATA PDF, not estimated times. Northbound means traveling from New Carrollton toward Greenbelt.
| Major timepoint | Early trip | Morning trip | Later morning |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Carrollton | 5:00 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Annapolis Rd & 85th Ave | 5:04 AM | 7:05 AM | 8:06 AM |
| Lanham-Severn Rd & Seabrook Rd | 5:09 AM | 7:10 AM | 8:11 AM |
| Greenbelt Rd & Mission Dr | 5:14 AM | 7:15 AM | 8:16 AM |
| Greenbelt Rd & Greenway Center | 5:23 AM | 7:26 AM | 8:27 AM |
| Crescent Rd & Gardenway | 5:27 AM | 7:30 AM | 8:31 AM |
| Beltway Plaza | Not served | 7:40 AM | 8:43 AM |
| Greenbelt | 5:40 AM | 7:48 AM | 8:51 AM |
How Long Is the WMATA P20 Journey?
These are scheduled travel durations from three particular trips, not a promise of actual travel time. Traffic, stops, boarding demand and detours can change the journey.
Selected Weekend Example
The official timetable includes a Saturday trip leaving New Carrollton at 10:00 AM and arriving at Greenbelt at 10:45 AM. The comparable Sunday example arrives around 10:46 AM.
Always check the latest PDF and stop selector before relying on these examples, particularly when holiday service applies.
WMATA P20 Stops: New Carrollton to Greenbelt
The following stop-order diagram is simplified for readability. It represents major areas rather than every physical stop or exact road geometry.
*Beltway Plaza is not served on every scheduled trip. Confirm your selected departure in the official timetable.
Useful Boarding and Transfer Stops
WMATA busETA identifies P20 boarding at New Carrollton’s Bus Bay T3.
Use the bus-bay signs and the destination display for service toward Greenbelt.
An important shopping destination, but some early service may bypass it.
Use the official timetable to confirm that the specific trip includes a Beltway Plaza stop.
The route’s official busETA stop list identifies Greenbelt Bay E.
Check the posted bay sign and southbound bus headsign before returning toward New Carrollton.
Selected WMATA P20 Stops
- New Carrollton Bus Bay T3
- Annapolis Road & 85th Avenue
- Lanham-Severn Road & Main Street
- Lanham-Severn Road & Seabrook Road
- Greenbelt Road & Mission Drive
- Greenbelt Road & Good Luck Road
- Greenbelt Road & Hanover Parkway
- Greenbelt Road & Greenway Center
- Southway & Crescent Road
- Crescent Road & Gardenway
- Lakeside Drive & Westway
- Beltway Plaza area, on trips that serve it
- Greenbelt Station Bay E
To view the complete stop list, open WMATA busETA for Route P20, select North to Greenbelt or South to New Carrollton, then choose your stop.
WMATA P20: Which Station Bay and Direction?
Bus Bay T3
Look for P20 northbound toward Greenbelt. Match the bus number and destination display before boarding.
Bus Bay E
For the return journey, look for P20 southbound toward New Carrollton and confirm the current bay information.
A bus-bay assignment may change during construction or special events. Check station signs and WMATA alerts on the day of travel.
PVTA P20: Springfield–Holyoke via Holyoke Mall
PVTA’s P20 connects Springfield Union Station and Holyoke Transportation Center through the Riverdale Street shopping corridor and Holyoke Mall. This is a different service from the Maryland P20.
The route is particularly useful for people traveling between Springfield, West Springfield’s Riverdale shopping area, Holyoke Mall and Downtown Holyoke without driving.
What Makes PVTA P20 Different?
The P20 uses the Holyoke Mall and Riverdale Street corridor. Nearby PVTA services such as P21, P21E and G73E serve different travel patterns. Do not assume another Springfield–Holyoke bus visits the same shopping stops.
Our published PVTA bus schedule guide for Springfield, Holyoke and the Pioneer Valley explains the regional route network, fare-free program, transit centers, service patterns and live bus tools. It is useful when your journey requires an additional PVTA route.
PVTA P20 Stops: Springfield Union Station to Holyoke
This simplified sequence shows the major destinations and boarding points used by the P20. Stop-by-stop route paths may include additional streets, direction-specific stops or service variations.
Major PVTA P20 Timepoints
Springfield’s main regional transportation hub. Check the PVTA boarding bay before leaving the station building.
A useful landmark for shopping and local journeys along the Riverdale Street corridor.
A major P20 destination. Confirm the correct mall-area stop for your direction and check for temporary boarding changes.
The official published P20 information identifies HTC Bay 2 as a principal timepoint. Verify the current physical bay and route headsign.
Local Tip for Holyoke Mall Riders
Do not assume that the nearest mall entrance is beside the correct boarding location. A large shopping complex may have multiple entrances and walking paths. Open the PVTA stop information, identify the P20 boarding stop, then plan the walk from your store or mall exit.
On the return journey, confirm that the P20 destination display reads Springfield Union Station rather than Holyoke Transportation Center.
PVTA P20 Bus Times: Weekdays and Weekends
PVTA currently lists P20 in its Springfield-area schedules. Current transit schedule feeds describe service during weekday, Saturday and Sunday periods, with different operating hours and intervals.
| Service day | General operating period | Typical interval | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | Early morning to late evening | About 20–30 minutes during much of the day | First and last departures at your boarding stop |
| Saturday | Morning to late evening | About 20 minutes during much of the day | Weekend stop-specific timetable |
| Sunday | Approximately 9 AM to 7 PM | Around 30 minutes | Sunday departures and last return trip |
These are approximate current service patterns from transit schedule data, not a complete official departure table. The exact stop times must be confirmed using PVTA’s current schedule and tracker.
Important: The Older PVTA P20 PDF Is Not a Verified 2026 Timetable
A publicly indexed PVTA P20 document is labeled Effective August 27, 2023. It shows the Union Station, Riverdale Shops, Holyoke Mall and Holyoke Transportation Center timepoint structure, but its publication date is older than PVTA’s 2026 schedule updates.
Approximate Travel Duration
PVTA P20 connects several major destinations rather than operating as a nonstop express. A trip between Springfield Union Station and Holyoke Transportation Center may take roughly an hour, depending on its route pattern, traffic, timepoints and stops served.
For a shorter trip—for example, Springfield to Riverdale Shops or Holyoke Mall to Holyoke Transportation Center—check the exact origin and destination timepoints rather than using the full-route duration.
How to Find Today’s PVTA P20 Departures
- Open PVTA’s official schedule directory.
- Go to Springfield Area Routes.
- Locate P20 Holyoke–Springfield via Holyoke Mall.
- Open the schedule for the current service period.
- Choose weekday, Saturday or Sunday.
- Find Union Station, Riverdale Shops, Holyoke Mall or HTC as needed.
- Follow one trip across its timepoint row.
- Check rider updates and live vehicle information before leaving.
How Much Is the P20 Bus Fare in 2026?
The biggest fare difference is that the Maryland WMATA P20 is normally a paid Metrobus route, while Massachusetts PVTA fixed-route buses are fare-free under the current FY2027 program.
WMATA publishes a $2.25 fare for regular Metrobus routes, including P20. Eligible reduced-fare riders pay $1.10.
Accepted payment methods include SmarTrip, contactless credit/debit cards or mobile wallets, and exact cash.
Check WMATA fares and transfer discountsPVTA confirms that regular fixed-route service is fare-free during FY2027. No fare or pass is required for P20 under this program.
The agency specifically excludes premium service B79 from the regular fare-free program.
Verify current PVTA fare-free rulesHow to Pay and Transfer on Maryland P20
Pay with SmarTrip
- Prepare a physical or supported mobile SmarTrip card.
- Check that sufficient balance or a valid pass is available.
- Board the P20 bus.
- Tap the fare reader.
- Check the payment confirmation.
Pay with Contactless Card
- Prepare an accepted contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet.
- Board at the regular boarding door.
- Tap the reader once.
- Use the same payment method for eligible transfers.
- Remember that discounted fare programs may require SmarTrip.
WMATA Transfer Rules
WMATA publishes free Metrobus-to-Metrobus transfers within a two-hour period when using an eligible SmarTrip or contactless payment method.
Metrobus-to-Metrorail or Metrorail-to-Metrobus trips can receive a fare credit or discount of up to $2.25 within the applicable two-hour transfer period. This does not necessarily make the entire Metrorail journey free.
Cash riders should not assume they receive the same electronic transfer benefits. If you need discounted senior, disability or other special fares, verify the required SmarTrip product.
For broader Washington-area journeys that include Metrorail, Metrobus or a transfer inside DC, the Washington DC Metrobus schedules and transfer guide explains current route naming, live bus checks and payment considerations. P20 itself operates in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
How to Track a P20 Bus Live
The correct tracker depends on which P20 service you are using. WMATA operates busETA for Maryland Metrobus service. PVTA provides its own real-time vehicle information and directs riders to current agency updates or the Transit app for detours.
WMATA busETA
- Open WMATA busETA.
- Choose Route P20.
- Select North to Greenbelt or South to New Carrollton.
- Find the exact stop.
- Read the predicted arrival information.
PVTA Real-Time Bus Information
- Open the PVTA real-time information page.
- Find the P20 route or supported tracker.
- Select the Springfield or Holyoke direction.
- Choose the correct stop.
- Check current service updates separately.
Scheduled P20 Departure vs Predicted Arrival
The values in this illustration explain display types; they are not live P20 arrivals.
PVTA’s real-time guidance recommends arriving at the stop about 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. This is particularly useful for first-time riders, infrequent trips, inaccessible walking shortcuts or unfamiliar transfer locations.
For WMATA P20, arriving approximately 5–10 minutes early is a sensible planning buffer. Allow extra time at New Carrollton or Greenbelt if you must locate a particular bus bay.
P20 Bus Connections: Where Can You Transfer?
Although both services carry the same route number, their transfer networks are unrelated.
Maryland — WMATA P20
- New Carrollton: Metrorail and regional rail connections; confirm the correct entrance and service.
- Greenbelt: Metrorail and additional bus services.
- Beltway Plaza: Shopping destination and nearby local transit connections.
- Intermediate neighborhoods: Use busETA or WMATA trip planning for route-specific connections.
Massachusetts — PVTA P20
- Springfield Union Station: Local buses, Amtrak and intercity travel connections.
- Holyoke Mall: Shopping and local transit services.
- Holyoke Transportation Center: Connections to other PVTA routes serving Holyoke and nearby communities.
- Riverdale corridor: Local intermediate-stop travel between shopping and residential areas.
Connection Planning Steps
- Identify your final destination, not just the first P20 stop.
- Check which P20 agency operates in your area.
- Find the actual transfer station or stop.
- Open the connecting route’s schedule.
- Check the correct day and direction.
- Review the walking distance between stops or platforms.
- Check payment rules for the second service.
- Allow additional time for a delayed first bus.
P20 Accessibility: Wheelchairs, Mobility Devices and Reduced Fares
Accessibility planning must account for both the bus and the stop. A low-floor vehicle or boarding ramp cannot solve every problem caused by a closed sidewalk, snow, station elevator outage or temporary boarding relocation.
WMATA states that Metrobus fleet vehicles are accessible. Check ramps, priority seating, wheelchair securement, stop access and any required assistance.
PVTA provides accessible fixed-route services and complementary ADA paratransit for eligible riders. Confirm the specific boarding location and eligibility process.
Temporary construction, ramps, sidewalk conditions and station equipment can affect boarding. Check live service notices and accessible paths.
Accessible Journey Checklist
- Check the correct transit agency.
- Confirm the intended P20 stop.
- Check the physical boarding location.
- Review ramp and mobility-device boarding information.
- Check station elevators if transferring to rail.
- Review accessible walking connections.
- Check reduced-fare eligibility if applicable.
- Contact the agency for complex accessibility needs.
How to Find Your Exact P20 Stop on a Map
Do not rely only on a route-number search in a map app. Two operators use P20, and a transit result may display the wrong state if your origin or destination is incomplete.
Our Google Maps bus-stop and transit-directions guide explains how to select Transit, compare departure times, verify the walking route and distinguish scheduled from live arrivals. Use the official operator website for final stop and detour confirmation.
Official WMATA Map Procedure
- Open the official WMATA P20 route page.
- Choose the correct direction.
- Open the route map or route profile PDF.
- Find New Carrollton, Greenbelt or your intermediate destination.
- Identify the stop on the correct side of the road.
- Check its live arrival or stop information.
Official PVTA Map Procedure
- Open PVTA’s route and schedule directory.
- Select the Springfield area.
- Choose P20 Holyoke–Springfield.
- Check the map and destination direction.
- Locate Union Station, Riverdale Shops, Holyoke Mall or HTC.
- Confirm the physical boarding point and current service notices.
P20 Bus Problems and What to Do
Add Greenbelt, New Carrollton, Springfield or Holyoke to the search. Confirm the operator before using any listed bus time.
Check the exact trip. The official timetable shows that some early departures have no Beltway Plaza timepoint.
Read the FY2027 fare-free announcement above the historical pricing information. Current regular fixed-route P20 travel is fare-free.
Use PVTA rider updates or the Transit app as directed by the agency rather than relying on older InfoPoint alert data.
Check the PDF’s effective date, travel day and direction. A live arrival estimate can differ from a published schedule.
Check another available bus or rail connection through the relevant agency. Do not assume P20 runs overnight in either city.
P20 Customer Service and Lost-Property Help
WMATA Metrobus
Customer information: 202-637-7000 (202-GO-METRO).
For lost property or schedule assistance, record the P20 direction, stop name, date, time and vehicle number if available.
Open WMATA’s official websitePVTA
Rider information: 413-781-7882.
Toll-free: 877-779-7882.
Identify the route as P20 and provide the boarding stop, direction and approximate travel time when contacting PVTA.
Open PVTA’s official websiteP20 Official Schedules, Fares, Maps and Live Arrivals
Direction, stops, schedule, route information and PDFs.
Open WMATA P20Official timetable labeled effective December 14, 2025.
Open timetable PDFRoute corridor, service span, average frequency and old-route comparisons.
Open route profileDirection-specific stop lists and predicted arrivals.
Track Maryland P20Bus fares, contactless payment, transfers and reduced-fare programs.
Check WMATA faresCurrent Springfield-area route directory and P20 listing.
Find PVTA P20Current fare-free announcement and service change notices.
Check PVTA updatesOfficial FY2027 fixed-route fare-free information.
Verify PVTA faresAgency vehicle tracking information and guidance on live arrival estimates.
Check PVTA arrivalsHistorical timetable effective August 27, 2023. Useful for context, not a verified current timetable.
View archived-style P20 timetableIndependent-site disclaimer: BusSchedule.us is not WMATA, PVTA or a transportation authority. It does not operate buses, control real-time data, issue fare cards or guarantee scheduled service.
P20 Boarding Checklist
- Choose Maryland WMATA or Massachusetts PVTA.
- Confirm the complete P20 route name.
- Select the correct bus direction.
- Check your exact boarding stop and bay.
- Verify the weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday timetable.
- Read the current schedule effective date.
- Check whether your selected trip serves the intended intermediate stop.
- Confirm the fare policy for your agency.
- Review live predictions and service alerts.
- Plan the return journey before boarding.
P20 Bus Schedule FAQs
1. What is the P20 bus schedule?
P20 is used by at least two transit agencies. WMATA P20 operates between Greenbelt and New Carrollton in Maryland. PVTA P20 operates between Springfield and Holyoke via Holyoke Mall in Massachusetts. Their timetables are separate.
2. Where does WMATA Route P20 go?
WMATA P20 connects New Carrollton and Greenbelt through Annapolis Road, Lanham-Severn Road, Greenbelt Road, Greenway Center, Crescent Road and selected Beltway Plaza stops.
3. What time does WMATA P20 start?
The official weekday northbound timetable includes a 5:00 AM departure from New Carrollton. Early southbound service includes trips beginning partway along the route. Check the PDF for the first trip from your actual boarding stop.
4. How much does the WMATA P20 bus cost?
WMATA’s regular Metrobus fare is $2.25. Qualifying reduced-fare riders pay $1.10. SmarTrip, eligible contactless payment methods and exact cash are accepted subject to current agency rules.
5. Does every WMATA P20 bus stop at Beltway Plaza?
No. The official P20 timetable shows some early trips without a Beltway Plaza timepoint. Check your specific trip before planning a shopping-center stop.
6. Which bays does WMATA P20 use?
WMATA’s busETA stop list identifies New Carrollton Bus Bay T3 and Greenbelt Bay E. Confirm the current stop and destination signs because temporary service changes can affect boarding locations.
7. Where does PVTA P20 go?
PVTA P20 operates between Springfield Union Station and Holyoke Transportation Center via Riverdale Street, Riverdale Shops and Holyoke Mall.
8. Is PVTA P20 free in 2026?
Yes. PVTA’s FY2027 fare-free program covers regular fixed-route service, including P20. The agency excludes premium B79 service from its regular fare-free program.
9. How can I track the PVTA P20 bus live?
Use PVTA’s real-time bus information and check the P20 direction and stop. PVTA’s older myStop system warns that alerts and detours are no longer updated there, so use PVTA rider updates or the Transit app for current disruptions.
10. How do I find the correct P20 bus stop?
Identify the agency and city, select the route direction, open the official stop map or tracker, find the exact stop name or bay, and check the destination display on the bus before boarding.