Find the Correct Route 7 Before Checking a Departure Time
Seven bus schedule does not identify one nationwide bus. Chicago, Seattle, Philadelphia and Richmond all use the number 7 for materially different transit services.
Match the city and agency first. Then check today’s direction, schedule effective date, first and last trip, fare, stop, live arrival and service alerts.
“Bus 7” Can Mean Completely Different Routes
A route number is local to its transit agency. Searching only for “bus 7” can therefore open the wrong timetable, wrong city or even the wrong country.
Where are you actually boarding?
CTA, Metro, SEPTA, GRTC or another operator?
Match the destination shown on the bus.
Confirm the correct stop ID, bay or curb.
Recheck the prediction immediately before leaving.
Jump to the Rider Information You Need
Common Route 7 Buses in the United States
These are separate transit services. Use the agency card that matches your city; do not combine their times or fares.
CTA 7 Harrison — Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Transit Authority Route 7 operates on the Harrison corridor between the Harrison/Central area and Michigan/Ida B. Wells.
Terminal service span: CTA currently lists approximately 6:10 AM–9:00 PM eastbound and 6:00 AM–9:45 PM westbound on weekdays. A rider boarding mid-route will have different times.
King County Metro 7 — Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s Route 7 serves the Rainier Avenue corridor through Rainier Beach, Hillman City, Columbia City, Chinatown/International District and Downtown Seattle.
The weekday schedule starts very early and includes late-night/overnight trips. The official timetable shows a 4:45 AM trip from Rainier Beach toward Downtown plus additional after-midnight service later in the service day.
Weather tip: Metro publishes a special Route 7 snow route and Emergency Snow Network information. Normal routing should not be assumed during severe winter weather.
SEPTA Route 7 — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
SEPTA Route 7 links the 33rd & Dauphin area with Pier 70, passing through areas such as Brewerytown, Fairmount, Center City, University City, South Philadelphia and Pennsport.
The current official PDF contains weekday, Saturday and Sunday tables plus after-midnight trips. SEPTA also notes that Sunday schedules operate on major listed holidays.
Payment: the current SEPTA fare page lists Bus and Metro pay-per-ride fares at $2.90 and supports contactless payment, SEPTA Key and cash.
GRTC 7A & 7B — Richmond, Virginia
Richmond uses two Route 7 airport branches. Route 7A runs via Nine Mile Road, while Route 7B serves the airport via Laburnum Avenue.
GRTC’s airport page says Routes 7A and 7B together provide frequent RIC–Downtown Transfer Station service, with buses departing the airport’s upper departure deck about every 15 minutes when the combined service pattern is operating.
Route 7 Schedule Comparison
| City / route | Service pattern | Key timing detail | Rider action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago CTA 7 | Weekday Harrison service. | Approx. terminal spans 6 AM–late evening depending on direction. | Use CTA Bus Tracker for your exact stop. |
| Seattle Metro 7 | Daily service with extensive late-night operation. | Current timetable effective Aug. 29, 2026–Mar. 26, 2027. | Pick exact direction and stop ID. |
| Philadelphia SEPTA 7 | Weekday, Saturday and Sunday schedules. | Current PDF dated Aug. 23, 2026 with after-midnight service. | Use the PDF timepoint nearest your stop, then check real time. |
| Richmond GRTC 7A/7B | Airport branches through different corridors. | Schedule shifts by several minutes starting Oct. 18, 2026. | Check whether you need 7A or 7B. |
Important Stops Differ by Route 7
The strips below are simplified rider orientation guides, not substitutes for the operating agency’s official stop sequence.
How Much Does Bus 7 Cost?
The fare belongs to the transit system, not the route number. These figures are based on the agencies’ current fare information checked for this guide.
CTA currently lists $2.50 when paying cash directly on the bus; cash does not include transfers.
Youth ages 0–18 ride free. Eligible seniors, riders with disabilities and Medicare riders can use reduced fares.
Contactless and SEPTA Key are supported. Contactless riders can receive eligible transfers when using the same payment method.
GRTC’s current rider information says all fixed-route buses remain Zero Fare.
Scheduled Time Is Not the Same as Live Arrival
Scheduled time is the planned timetable. Live arrival is a prediction based on real-time vehicle information where the agency provides it. Traffic, detours, cancellations, weather, events and GPS issues can change the prediction.
Use the agency’s tracker or trip planner.
Confirm the city before selecting the route.
Match the bus destination or terminal.
Verify the stop name, ID or boarding bay.
Refresh shortly before walking to the stop.
Useful Live-Arrival Tools by Agency
Open CTA Bus Tracker
Open Metro Trip Planner
Open SEPTA
Open GRTC Bus Tracker
Route 7 Changes Worth Checking Before Travel
Richmond Route 7A/7B Airport Boarding Context
GRTC Route 7A and 7B both serve Richmond International Airport. The agency’s airport guidance says buses use the upper departure deck.
- Confirm 7A or 7B before boarding.
- Use the upper departure deck at RIC.
- Check the live tracker before leaving the terminal.
- Allow extra time for luggage and terminal walking.
- Check October 18 timetable changes when applicable.
- GRTC fixed-route buses currently require no fare.
Check Both Bus Accessibility and Stop Accessibility
Route 7 Boarding Checklist
- Confirm the city and transit agency.
- Make sure 7, 7A or 7B is the route you need.
- Check today’s weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday schedule.
- Confirm the timetable effective date.
- Choose the correct direction or destination sign.
- Find the exact stop name, stop ID, curb or terminal bay.
- Check the current ticket price and payment method.
- Check live arrival shortly before leaving.
- Arrive about 5–10 minutes early for ordinary local service.
- Allow additional time for airports, transfers and unfamiliar terminals.
- Check same-day detours and closed stops.
- Verify the return trip and last bus before starting a late trip.
Where to Verify Seven Bus Schedule Information
Schedule, route map, service span, stop list, accessibility and current Route 7 alerts.
CTA Route 7Current timetable period, weekday/weekend schedules, map, stop IDs and downloadable timetable.
Metro Route 7Official timetable effective August 23, 2026 with weekday, Saturday, Sunday and after-midnight schedules.
SEPTA Route 7 PDFCurrent pay-per-ride price, contactless payment, SEPTA Key and other fare products.
SEPTA FaresRichmond airport service through Nine Mile Road with official stop and schedule information.
GRTC 7ARichmond airport service through Laburnum Avenue with official stops and times.
GRTC 7BSeven Bus Schedule FAQs
What is the seven bus schedule?
There is no single nationwide seven bus schedule. Many transit agencies use Route 7, so first identify the city and operator.
How do I find the correct Route 7 bus?
Match your city, transit agency, route name or corridor, destination sign and stop before using a timetable.
What time does the Route 7 bus start?
The first trip varies by agency and direction. Chicago CTA Route 7, Seattle Metro Route 7 and Philadelphia SEPTA Route 7 all have different service spans.
What time is the last number 7 bus?
There is no universal last Route 7. Check the last departure from your specific stop and direction, not only the terminal time.
Does Route 7 run on Saturday and Sunday?
It depends on the agency. Seattle Metro and SEPTA Route 7 have weekend schedules, while CTA 7 Harrison is normally listed as weekday service.
How much does bus 7 cost?
Fare depends on the operator. Current examples include CTA, King County Metro and SEPTA paid fares, while GRTC fixed-route service is currently Zero Fare.
Where can I track the Route 7 bus live?
Use the operating agency’s live tool, such as CTA Bus Tracker, King County Metro’s trip tools, SEPTA real-time information or GRTC Bus Tracker.
How early should I arrive at the Route 7 stop?
For ordinary local service, arriving around 5–10 minutes before the scheduled departure is a practical approach. Allow additional time for airports, transfers and unfamiliar terminals.
Is Route 7 the same as 7A or 7B?
Not necessarily. Lettered branches can follow different corridors. GRTC, for example, operates both 7A and 7B airport routes through different streets.
Where can I find the Route 7 stops and map?
Use the official transit agency route page or current timetable PDF. That is the safest way to confirm current stop order, direction, branches and temporary changes.