Local Transportation: Cincinnati

Public Transportation Overview

Metro Buses: Operated by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), Metro buses present an extensive network covering Cincinnati and much of Hamilton County. Buses reach many neighborhoods, attractions, and suburban areas. They serve as a backbone of the city's public transport. The main hub for many Metro bus routes is Government Square, downtown near Fountain Square.

Cincinnati Bell Connector (Streetcar): This relatively new streetcar system gives a convenient and free loop service within the urban core. It connects three areas: The Banks (the riverfront development), Downtown Cincinnati, and the historic Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood. The streetcar is an excellent option for exploring these popular areas without long walks. The streetcar follows a 3.6-mile loop, with stops clearly marked and spaced every few blocks.

Fares & Accessibility

Metro Buses: Single ride $1.75 - $2.00 (exact cash or Cincy EZRide app). Day Pass $4.50.
Cincy EZRide App: Recommended for purchasing tickets, route planning, and real-time bus tracking.
Streetcar: Free to ride since September 2023. Simply board at any stop.
Accessibility: Both Metro buses and streetcars are wheelchair accessible (ADA compliant).

Metro Hours & Frequency

Most routes operate from around 5:00 AM until late evening (midnight or later). Frequency varies: 15-20 min peak, 30-60 min off-peak/weekends.

Streetcar Hours & Frequency

Mon-Thu: 7:30 AM - 11:30 PM. Fri: 7:30 AM - 1:30 AM. Sat: 8:30 AM - 1:30 AM. Sun: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Arrives every 12-20 minutes.

Efficient Navigation

Use Google Maps or Transit App for real-time tracking. Leverage the free streetcar for exploring Downtown and OTR. Consider a Metro Day Pass for multiple bus rides.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Recognizable by roof lights and company branding.
Easier to call a company directly or find at hotel/transportation hubs.
Fares are metered (distance & time); carry cash as backup.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Lyft are widely available and popular.
Request rides, see fares, track drivers, and pay through the app.
Confirm driver name, license plate, and car model before entering for safety.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Requires valid license, credit card, typically age 21+. Book via DiscoverCars.com.

Scooter Rental

Electric scooter sharing (Bird, Lime) available downtown/OTR, rented via mobile apps.

Bicycle Sharing

Cincinnati Red Bike program has numerous stations downtown and in OTR for easy bike rentals.

Driving Laws

Ohio driving laws apply (drive on right, seatbelts mandatory, cell phone use restricted).

Walking & Cycling

Cincinnati's Downtown and Over-the-Rhine areas are very walkable, with paths and attractions close to each other. The riverfront parks also present expansive walking and cycling paths. The city has an expanding network of bike lanes and shared-use paths, notably along the riverfront. The Little Miami Scenic Trail, one of the longest paved multi-use trails in the U.S., is accessible north of Cincinnati.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Downtown: Central business district with Fountain Square, Aronoff Center, The Banks.
Over-the-Rhine (OTR): Historic district with shops, restaurants, breweries.
Riverfront Parks: Smale Riverfront Park and Sawyer Point Park offer scenic views.
Walking tour options (guided and self-guided) focus on history, architecture, food.

Cycling Safety & Routes

Always wear a helmet when cycling.
Remain aware of traffic, even in designated bike lanes.
Riverfront area provides dedicated cycling paths.
Little Miami Scenic Trail offers longer rides away from city traffic.

No-Go Areas & Safety Tips

While tourist areas are generally safe, avoid walking alone late at night.
Avoid poorly lit or deserted industrial areas after dark.
Use well-trafficked routes, especially after dark, for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Be mindful of traffic, specifically during peak hours or near intersections.
Stick to populated and well-lit areas for safety, especially if unfamiliar with surroundings.
Utilize navigation apps to stay on recognized routes.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Cincinnati lacks a formal hop-on-hop-off bus. Private tour companies offer guided bus tours covering city highlights, a comfortable way to see multiple attractions.

Riverboats

No formal boat taxi service. Riverboat companies (e.g., BB Riverboats) offer scenic, dinner, or special event cruises. These provide beautiful skyline views.

Accessibility Services

Cincinnati complies with ADA standards. Metro buses and the streetcar are accessible. Check attractions/accommodations for specific needs in advance.

Local Transport Tip

For a quick and free way to see Downtown and Over-the-Rhine, simply board the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar and ride the entire loop. This offers a good overview of the core areas.

Consider an all-day Metro pass if you plan to use buses frequently to explore areas beyond the streetcar's loop.

Local Transportation