The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offers more than 70 local, express and regional bus routes, a light rail line, services for the disabled and shared vans. CATS is a public transportation provider in Charlotte that operates bus routes. CATS has 65 bus routes in Charlotte with 2,957 bus stops. Here you will find the most recent schedules and maps.
When you're traveling to a new city, finding the best way to get around is always a top priority. Is it worth renting a car? Can you combine public transportation options to get where you need to go? How walkable is the area where you are staying? In Charlotte, North Carolina, the best public transportation is the CATS bus and the LYNX train (any topic?). If Charlotte's public transportation doesn't go where you want it, there are ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, as well as bike-sharing options. Here's a summary of the terrain when it comes to public transportation in Charlotte.
The Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS) bus service has more than 70 routes that run Monday through Friday between 6 in the morning and on Saturday and Sunday starting at 7 in the morning. CATS buses only accept the exact change, but you can load a bus pass with funds using a debit or credit card online or at any kiosk located at the central CATS bus hubs. Buses are a cheap way to get around Charlotte, but they can be unreliable if you want to go somewhere in a hurry. Many stops also lengthen travel time and often double or triple driving time.
When it comes to renting a car, Charlotte has the usual traditional car rental options near the airport (Avis, Enterprise, Budget, etc.). Car rental is often the best option for most travelers when visiting a new city. You can get anywhere you want whenever you want, without anyone's help. However, car rental prices can fluctuate wildly, especially during busy times.
There are also a lot of fees and bureaucratic procedures associated with renting a car. What starts out as a reasonable price nearly doubles after taxes, fees and insurance. Please wait a moment and try again. Taxis and rideshare services in Charlotte are usually moderately priced, but are much more expensive than public transportation in Charlotte.
The service includes all of Mecklenburg County, including to and from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, as well as the neighboring cities of Cabarrus, Gaston and Union in North Carolina, as well as York in South Carolina.
