GETTING AROUND Charlotte
Navigate a Lot
Thank heavens for city planners who lay out metropolitan areas in grids. Luckily Charlotte’s Center City follows suit and is easy to navigate due to its smart grid pattern of city blocks.
Once in the charming outlying neighborhoods though, it may be a little puzzling. For instance, the intersection of Queens, Queens, and Queens is scenic and full of gorgeous Southern estates, but one wrong turn may transport you to another picturesque part of Charlotte altogether. Don't be afraid - Charlotte has many mass transportation options to help you get where you're going. Be sure to take advantage of these Charlotte public transportation services to get you pointed in the right direction from the get-go. Safe travels!
Charlotte Trolley
Best For
Hop on this educational trolley to learn about Charlotte’s rise as an industrial and financial leader and to check out some of the area’s smart city planning along the way.
Service
The two-mile jaunt runs on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sharing the same tracks as the light rail, service includes stops from Tremont Street in South End to Ninth Street in Center City.
Cost
$1.50 each way. Children under five ride free.
(704) 375-0850
www.charlottetrolley.org
LYNX Blue Line Light Rail
Best For
The first rapid transit system for North Carolina, Charlotte’s initial phase of the light rail connects South Charlotte with Center City museums, entertainment, nightlife, sporting events, and more.
Service
Running ten miles south parallel to I-77 and South Boulevard, the 10 mile South Corridor line operates seven days a week from 5am to 1am serving 15 stations.
Cost
$1.50 each way. Children under five ride free and youth grades K-12 ride for 75¢.
(704) 336-RIDE
www.charmeck.org/deparments/CATS/LYNX
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Bus Service
Best For
CATS currently operates more than 40 county-wide bus line routes and transports over 18 million passengers a year.
Service
Providing service options from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., plentiful and recognizable stops are located throughout the city. In addition, the Sprinter service provides a direct connection between Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Center City Charlotte. You can catch the Sprinter every 20 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes during nights and weekends.
Cost
$1.50 each way. $2.00 each way for Express Routes. Children under five ride free and youth grades K-12 ride for 75¢.
(704) 336-RIDE
www.charmeck.org/deparments/CATS
Buy CATS passes online here
Gold Rush
Best For
These rubber-wheeled trolleys resemble historic streetcars and provide routes that run up and down Tryon Street and west along Trade Street.
Service
The Gold Rush trolleys stop at marked bus stops at eight and fifteen minute frequencies from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Cost
Free.
(704) 336-RIDE
www.charmeck.org/deparments/CATS