Cincinnati Ohio, USA Travel Guide
Metro Buses: Managed by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), Metro buses provide 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 joins 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 plus aread every few blocks.
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.
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.
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 numerous bus rides.
Requires valid license, credit card, typically age 21+. Reserve through DiscoverCars.com.
Electric scooter sharing (Bird, Lime) available downtown/OTR, rented via apps for your phone.
Cincinnati Red Bike program has numerous stations the central area and in OTR for easy bike rentals.
Ohio driving laws apply (drive on right, seatbelts mandatory, cell phone use restricted).
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, specifically along the riverfront. The Little Miami Scenic Trail, one of the longest paved multi-use paths in the U.S., is accessible north of Cincinnati.
Cincinnati lacks a formal hop-on-hop-off bus. Private tour companies offer guided bus tours covering city highlights, a comfortable way to see numerous attractions.
No formal boat taxi service. Riverboat companies (e.g., BB Riverboats) offer scenic, dinner, or special event cruises. These provide beautiful skyline views.
Cincinnati complies with ADA standards. Metro buses and the streetcar are accessible. Check attractions/accommodations for specific needs in advance.
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.
