LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Trail
North
LYNX Blue Line - Going North
Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line light rail allows for connectivity from north to south Charlotte. With 26 stops along this route, a ride on the light rail offers opportunities for neighborhood exploration where you can experience more of the Queen City’s restaurants, shops and entertainment options.
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Time/Distance Estimates
Route 1
Uptown - NoDa - University City
- 14 miles
- Easy intensity
- Wheelchair accessible
Neighborhoods to Note
Uptown, NoDa, University City
Charlotte Transportation Center/Arena Station
Just two blocks from Trade and Tryon Streets, this station gives riders easy access to restaurants, bars and hotels.
Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo
Located on the 22nd floor, Nuvolé Rooftop showcases unforgettable views of Uptown that are perfect for date night, happy hour and everything in between.
Coquette
Send your taste buds to France with lunch, dinner or brunch at this fine dining restaurant.
Spectrum Center
Home of the Charlotte Hornets, Spectrum Center also hosts national touring performers, comedians and collegiate tournaments.
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This station is a short walk from several Blumenthal Arts venues, including Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse and Stage Door Theater.
7th Street Station
This station sits next to the 7th Street parking deck for easy parking, especially with validation from a vendor within The Market at 7th Street.
The Market at 7th Street
Charlotte’s first urban food hall, The Market at 7th Street features dynamic food, drink and retail vendors from local entrepreneurs.
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
ImaginOn offers a variety of shows and educational programs that bring stories to life, including performances from the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.
Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science features interactive educational experiences, such as lab workshops, scientific live shows and traveling exhibits.
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Use the 7th Street Station for easy access to events at First Ward Park at Victoria Yards.
9th Street Station
This station is the most northern Uptown stop, providing access to UNC Charlotte Center City, several restaurants, and arts and culture attractions in First and Fourth Wards.
McNinch House Restaurant
An unforgettable fine dining experience awaits at McNinch House Restaurant, housed in a Queen Anne-style, Victorian-era home.
Indigo Tea & Coffee
Get caffeinated with a latte flavored with house-made syrup or a tea at Indigo Tea & Coffee.
VAPA Center
VAPA Center serves as a space for visual and performing artists, hosting talks, classes and workshops, open studios and more.
Parkwood Station
Parkwood Station connects you to the Optimist Park neighborhood where you can explore nearby eateries, bars and parks while enjoying a skyline view.
Optimist Hall
Formerly home to Charlotte’s largest textile mill, Optimist Hall features more than 20 dining and retail tenants. Read about them in this guide to Optimist Hall.
Bird Pizzeria
You’ll need to make a reservation in advance, or place a to-go order, for popular spot dishing out East Coast-style pies.
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Order a pizza for takeout and enjoy with a glass of wine on the patio of nearby Substrate.
McGill Rose Garden
Find your serenity among hundreds of rose bushes at McGill Rose Garden. Settle in with a coffee or glass of wine from Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden.
25th Street Station
Just off NoDa’s main strip, the 25th Street Station provides access to much of Charlotte’s Villa Heights and Optimist Park neighborhoods.
Urban District Market
Choose from food stalls offering sushi, Japanese udon, dumplings, katsu sandwiches, Nepali cuisine, Latin American specialties and even a soju distillery at Urban District Market.
Seoul Food Meat Company
Come for the Korean barbecue, stay for the karaoke at Seoul Food Meat Company’s Mill District location, also featuring the hidden speakeasy Bruno.
TAOH Outdoor Gallery
Walk around TAOH Outdoor Gallery and see the latest creations from local artists.
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The 25th Street Station is a short walk from the northernmost access point for the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
36th Street Station
Hop off at 36th Street Station to explore the mix of restaurants, bars and shops along North Davidson Street, the NoDa neighborhood’s lively main drag that inspired its nickname.
Haberdish
Haberdish pays tribute to the city’s mill heritage by incorporating cooking techniques of the era to create dishes like fried chicken and smoked North Carolina trout dip.
NoDa Company Store
Grab a seat on one of the patio porch swings at NoDa Company Store as you sip craft beer or a signature house-made sangria.
Neighborhood Theatre
NoDa’s largest performance venue, Neighborhood Theatre provides a main stage for well-known acts along with a small side stage for more intimate performances.
Sugar Creek Station
For easy access to NoDa, park in one of the more than 600 spots at Sugar Creek Station, then hop on the light rail and take time to explore the nearby culinary and cultural experiences.
Soul Gastrolounge
Order small plates, sushi and craft cocktails, while a DJ spins house music, at this beloved local restaurant.
Queen City Art
Visit this hub for local artists to check out the on-site gallery and community programming.
Independent Picture House
Get tickets to see a new release or classic films at Independent Picture House, an arthouse cinema that also hosts the Charlotte Film Festival.
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Seeing a show at Blackbox Theater? The Sugar Creek Station is a short walk from the venue.
Old Concord Road Station
Explore the north side of east Charlotte at destinations near the Old Concord Road Station, offering 332 park-and-ride spots.
The Original Tryon House Restaurant
Enjoy Southern, homestyle cooking, including traditional breakfast favorites served from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Eastway Park
Breathe in the fresh air at Eastway Park, offering a 20-hole disc golf course as well as the state-of-the-art Eastway Regional Recreation Center.
Tom Hunter Station
Located near east Charlotte and University City, the Tom Hunter Station has several authentic local Latin restaurants close by that are worthy of a quick stop. This station also offers a parking deck with more than 1,500 spots, as well as short- and long-term bike racks.
This hidden-gem taqueria serves popular taco selections like asada, pastor and pollo, along with other authentic Mexican favorites.
University City Boulevard Station
This area is a popular retail destination for locals searching for clothing, accessories, furniture and more at the surrounding shopping centers, including the only IKEA in the Carolinas.
Mi Pueblo Mexican Grill
Fresh, Mexican-inspired fare is always on the menu, with dishes like arroz con pollo, nachos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas and more.
Topgolf – University
Swing for the green from one of the bays at Topgolf, a sports entertainment venue offering a high-tech take on the driving range
McCullough Station
Just before the intersection of North Tryon Street and East W.T. Harris Boulevard, hop off at the McCullough Station for a taste of local eats and a game of mini golf.
Banh Mi Brothers
Order traditional banh mi sandwiches, as well as specialty options and a selection of vegan banh mi
Monster Mini Golf
Test your skills on an 18-hole, monster-themed mini golf course under the glow of blacklight.
JW Clay Station
This station is across from UNC Charlotte’s campus, via a pedestrian bridge, and steps away from The Shoppes at University Place. There’s also a parking deck with 800 spaces.
The Shoppes at University Place
The Shoppes at University Place offer more than 30 shops, services and eateries, such as Boardwalk Billy’s, Ninety’s Dessert Bar and Sol’Delish, among a tranquil lake setting.
University City Paddle Boats
Glide along the lake at the Shoppes at University Place on a family-friendly paddleboat.
UNC Charlotte Main Station
The northernmost light rail station takes you to UNC Charlotte’s main campus on Cameron Boulevard.
UNC Charlotte
Everyone from students to locals and visitors can find something to do on UNC Charlotte’s main campus, such as cheering on the Charlotte 49ers at a game or attending a show at the university’s performing arts venues
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Discover an incredible variety of plants as you wander through 10 acres of outdoor gardens, showcasing vibrant flowers, blooming plants and more.