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Getting Around North Dakota

Getting Around North Dakota

North Dakota Great Plains, USA Travel Guide

City Transit Systems

The Peace garden state's cities operate their own localized bus systems, mainly serving urban areas. These systems connect residents and visitors within city limits.

Comprehensive Overview: Fargo-Moorhead (MATBUS), Bismarck-Mandan (CAT-Buses), Grand Forks (Grand Forks Transit), and Minot (City of Minot City Transit) are all city-specific systems.

Route Maps & Hubs

  • MATBUS (Fargo-Moorhead): Main transit center located downtown near 4th Street North and 4th Avenue North. Route maps are available on the MATBUS website.
  • CAT-Buses (Bismarck-Mandan): Capital Area Transit Transfer Point is downtown at 110 North 5th Street. Maps available on the Bismarck-Mandan Transit website.
  • Grand Forks Transit: Downtown terminal is at 17 North 3rd Street. Maps can be found on the Grand Forks Transit website.
  • Minot City Transit: Check the City of Minot website for route details.

Fares & Payment

A single ride typically costs between $1.50 and $2.00. Cash payment requires exact change. Some systems offer mobile ticketing apps or reloadable passes.

Hours & Frequency

Public transit generally operates Monday through Friday during daytime hours (approx. 6 AM to 6 PM). Service is limited or unavailable on weekends and holidays. Buses typically run every 30-60 minutes on main routes.

Accessibility

Most city buses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are equipped with lifts or ramps for wheelchairs, making them accessible to travelers with mobility needs.

Tips for Efficient Navigation

Within Cities
  • Employ online route planners or apps provided by the transit agencies for efficient navigation.
  • Public transport works well for travel within a city.
State-Wide Exploration
  • Public transport is not for exploring North Dakota's natural attractions or smaller towns.
  • A rental car is almost always needed for broader exploration of the state.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Availability

Taxis are available in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks.

Hailing Taxis

You can hail them at large hotels, airports, or by calling a dispatch service.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Lyft operate in Fargo, Bismarck, and Magnificent Forks.

Rural Availability

Ride-sharing it's possible that services are limited or unavailable in rural parts of North Dakota.

Rental Options

Renting a vehicle is the most flexible way to explore North Dakota’s diverse attractions.

Car Rental Procedures

  • Requirements: Minimum age for renting a car is typically 21, though some companies charge a surcharge for drivers under 25.
  • Documentation: A valid driver's license (U.S. Or international driving permit with a valid foreign license) and a major credit card in the renter’s name are needed.
  • Booking: Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the peak summer season, to secure availability and better rates.
  • Companies: All major rental car companies operate at North Dakota’s main airports and in larger cities (e.g., Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National).

Specialty Rentals

  • Motorcycle and Scooter Rentals: Limited availability. A few specialized dealerships in larger cities might offer motorcycle rentals. Scooters are generally not practical for intercity travel in North Dakota due to distances and road conditions.
  • Bicycle Sharing Programs and Rentals: Limited. Some cities, like Fargo, may have small bike share programs or local shops offering rentals. Bicycles are not suitable for long-distance travel across the state.
  • Specialty Vehicle Options: Options like tuk-tuks or jeepneys are not common for typical tourism in North Dakota.

Driving Laws & Conditions

  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Cell Phone Use: Restricted while driving; hands-free devices are generally permitted, but check local ordinances for specific rules.
  • Speed Limits: Range from 25-35 mph in urban areas to 55 mph on undivided highways and 75 mph on interstates.
  • Road Conditions: Major routes generally have good conditions. Roads in the countryside can be two-lane highways or gravel.
  • Winter Conditions: Including snow and ice, require extreme caution and often necessitate four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles.
  • Parking: Plentiful and often free in most towns. Metered parking occurs in downtown Fargo, Bismarck, plus Majestic Forks.

Driving Tips

Fuel Stops

Petrol stations can be far apart in rural areas. Plan your fuel stops carefully, especially on longer journeys through less populated regions.

Wildlife Awareness

Be vigilant for deer and other wildlife, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Collisions with animals are a concern.

Road Condition Checks

Before any long drive, especially in winter, check the NDDOT travel map online for real-time updates on road closures and conditions.

Walking & Cycling

North Dakota is a place for wide-open spaces, with a few areas more suitable for walking and cycling than others.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Downtown Areas: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Medora (near Theodore Roosevelt National Park) offer walkable downtowns with stores and eateries.
  • Parks: Many city and state parks feature well-maintained walking trails.
  • Walking Tour Options: Self-guided walking tours of historic downtown areas may be available through local visitor centers. Guided tours exist for specific historical sites, like Fort Abraham Lincoln.

Cycling Infrastructure & Safety

  • Cities: Some cities, like Fargo, have designated bike lanes and shared-use paths.
  • State Trails: The Maah Daah Hey Trail in western The Peace garden state is a renowned mountain biking and hiking trail system.
  • Safety: Always wear a Helmet. Be aware of vehicle traffic, especially on roads in rural areas.
  • No-Go Areas: High-speed interstates and multi-lane highways are generally unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. Some remote gravel roads experience heavy oilfield traffic, which can also be unsafe.

Specialized Transportation

Tour & Water Buses

Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are not common or widely available in North Dakota.

No commercial passenger river transportation.

Cable Cars & Funiculars

These types of transportation systems are not present in North Dakota.

Recreational boat rentals for leisure activities on major lakes.

Accessibility Services

ADA regulations ensure accessibility for public buildings and services.

Rural areas and some older attractions could have restricted access. Contact in advance for confirmation.

General Transportation Tips

Making The Most Of Your Journey
  • A hired car is usually the most practical choice for exploring North Dakota beyond its major cities.
  • Plan your routes with fuel stops in mind, especially in less populated regions, where fueling stations may be further apart.
  • Always check local weather and road conditions (e.g., via NDDOT) before setting out on long drives, specifically in winter.
Important Reminders
  • For ride-sharing, confirm the automobile and driver match the details provided in the app (driver’s photo and license plate number).
  • Licensed taxis and established ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) generally offer safe options for getting around urban areas.
  • Carry a fully charged phone and a portable power bank, especially when exploring rural or remote parts of North Dakota, as cell service can be spotty.

Limitations

Public Transport Limitations
  • Public transportation outside of major cities is very limited.
  • Intercity bus service (e.g., Greyhound) has reduced frequency plus few routes.
  • Amtrak trains can experience significant delays, so factor this into your schedule.
Self-Driving Challenges
  • Be watchful for wildlife collisions, specifically at dawn, dusk, and night on country roads.
  • Heavy rain in summer can lead to localized flooding on roads.
  • Winter road conditions (snow, ice, blizzards) can make travel hazardous or impossible.

Final Transportation Insight

Map out your routes, especially in winter, by checking the North Dakota Department of Transportation website for real-time road conditions.

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