Getting Around Asheville. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation ART

ART buses operate throughout Asheville, covering downtown, surrounding neighborhoods, and some commercial corridors. The system connects residents and visitors to various areas. While not as extensive as major city transit systems, it gives useful routes for getting to and from the city center.

The ART Station (161 Asheland Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) in downtown acts as the main transfer hub for most routes. Buses cover main arteries, connecting downtown to West Asheville, North Asheville, South Asheville, and Tunnel Road. Detailed route maps and schedules are on the Asheville Transit website.

Fares & Accessibility

Single Ride: $1.00 (exact cash or UMO Pass app).
Day Pass: $2.00 (unlimited rides for 24 hours), a good value for multiple trips.
UMO Pass App: Download for mobile ticketing, real-time bus tracking, and route planning.
Accessibility: All ART buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps and designated seating areas.

Hours of Operation

Generally operates from early morning (5:30 AM) to late evening (10:30 PM). Service reduces on weekends/holidays.

Frequency

Main routes typically run every 30 minutes; less busy routes every 60 minutes. Plan for transfers at the ART station.

Efficiency Tips

Use the UMO Pass app for real-time tracking. Carry exact change for cash payments. Be aware that the bus system may not be the most direct for scattered attractions.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Recognizable by roof-top signs and company branding (e.g., Yellow Cab of Asheville).
More common to call a taxi company for pickup rather than hailing on the street.
Fares are metered (based on distance and time); a short downtown ride is typically $7-15.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Lyft are widely available and popular in Asheville.
Request rides directly from your smartphone; download apps and set up payment beforehand.
Always verify driver's name, license plate, and car model match the app before entering.

Airport/Station Taxi Arrangements

AVL Availability

Taxis and ride-sharing are readily available at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).

Designated Pick-up

Look for designated pick-up areas outside the terminal.

Bus Station Access

At the Greyhound bus station, taxis and ride-shares can be called for pickup.

Direct Transport

These services provide direct transportation to your accommodation.

Rental Options for Flexibility

Renting a vehicle in Asheville gives maximum flexibility, especially for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding natural areas.

Car Rental

Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP suggested if not English), major credit card for deposit.
Age: Minimum age generally 21 (underage fee for 21-24).
Companies: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Thrifty at AVL and some downtown.
Recommendation: A car is highly suggested for exploring beyond downtown. Book in advance for better rates.

Motorcycle, Scooter, & Bicycle

Motorcycle/Scooter: Limited options. Some local businesses may offer motorcycle rentals for scenic rides. Scooters are not common for general city transport.
Bike Sharing (ART BikeShare): Small electric-assist bicycle sharing program for downtown/nearby areas.
Local Bike Shops: Offer daily/multi-day rentals (road, mountain, electric bikes) for hitting trails or exploring neighborhoods.
Bike Infrastructure: Growing network of greenways (French Broad River Greenway) and some on-street bike lanes.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Standard U.S. Driving laws apply: drive on the right, seatbelts for all.
Right turn on red after a full stop (unless signed otherwise).
Speed limits are posted and enforced.

Mountain roads can be winding, steep, and narrow. Exercise caution, especially in wet/icy conditions.
Winter snow/ice leads to hazardous conditions; check NCDOT website for closures.
Cell service can be spotty on parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Parking Information

Downtown Garages

Public parking garages (Civic Center, Wall St., Rankin Ave.) are available.

Parking Rates

Rates typically range from $1.50-$2.00/hour, with daily maximums around $12-$15.

Street & Other Parking

Street parking is limited/metered. Biltmore Estate offers ample free parking. River Arts District parking fills quickly.

Walking & Cycling

Asheville's compact downtown and growing network of greenways make walking and cycling appealing ways to explore certain areas.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Downtown Asheville: Highly walkable with sidewalks and crossings. Be aware of hills.
River Arts District (RAD): Walkable between studios; consider ride-share for longer stretches.
Biltmore Village: Compact and very walkable, with quaint streets, shops, and restaurants.
Numerous guided walking tours are available: History, Architecture, Ghost, Culinary.

Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety

Greenways: Growing network of paved multi-use paths, ideal for cycling (e.g., French Broad River Greenway).
On-Street Lanes: Some main roads feature designated bike lanes for improved safety.
Safety: Always wear a helmet. Be aware of traffic, use hand signals, and follow traffic laws.
No-go Areas: Main highways (Interstates) are unsuitable for pedestrians/cyclists. Some busy commercial roads lack sidewalks/bike lanes.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Gray Line Trolley Tours: Narrated hop-on-hop-off tours cover major attractions.

An excellent way to get an overview and access multiple sites.

Water/Cable Cars

N/A - Asheville is an inland city without boat taxis, cable cars, or funiculars.

Recreational river activities are common but not for transport.

Accessibility Services

Asheville seeks to provide access for travelers with mobility needs.

ART Buses are wheelchair accessible.
Many newer hotels comply with ADA standards.
Major attractions like Biltmore Estate offer accessible routes.

Planning Your Movement

Choosing Your Method

Car: Best for exploring beyond downtown, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway.
ART Bus: Good for downtown and immediate neighborhoods, budget-friendly.
Walking: Ideal for compact downtown and Biltmore Village exploration.

Optimize Your Time

Plan your downtown parking in advance by identifying public garages.
Utilize ride-shares (Uber/Lyft) for convenience when public transit is less direct.
Consider bicycle rentals for specific greenway exploration.

Cautions for Local Travel

Downtown traffic can be heavy, especially during peak seasons.
Some commercial roads outside downtown may lack pedestrian/bike infrastructure.
Winter weather can make mountain roads tricky; always check conditions.
Cell service can be unreliable in remote mountain areas, plan navigation accordingly.

Be aware of hilly terrain downtown, which can be challenging for some.
Avoid leaving valuables visible in rental cars to prevent break-ins.
Parking costs add up; factor them into your daily budget.
Driving outside the city often means winding roads, so take it slow.

Seamless Travel Summary

Whether arriving by air or land, and exploring by foot, bike, or car, Asheville offers various ways to navigate its unique landscapes and city. Planning ahead and using available resources makes for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Embrace the adventure, but remember to prioritize safety and efficiency in your travels around this beautiful mountain destination.

Getting Around Asheville