If you’ve ever skipped visiting downtown Raleigh or planning a fun local outing just to avoid the stress of traffic and parking, you’re not alone. We hear it all the time, and honestly, we’ve felt the same way too.
Before moving to Raleigh, we lived in places like Bangkok, London, Sydney, and Dublin where public transport was our lifeline. We didn’t even need a car. But after moving here, we suddenly needed two. We miss the ease of hopping on a train or tram to get anywhere. And while Raleigh doesn’t have a rail system, we do have something: buses.
Here’s the good news – Raleigh’s bus system is more user-friendly, affordable, and convenient than most people realize. We’ve been working with GoRaleigh this month to test it out, explore the routes, and incorporate bus travel into local adventures. Spoiler: we were pleasantly surprised. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to ride the bus in Raleigh using GoRaleigh and the Umo app, plus share real-life examples of three fun outings we did using the system.
Where Do GoRaleigh Buses Go?
GoRaleigh’s high-frequency network spans 10 major routes, covering 117 miles of service with 433 high-frequency bus stops across the city. If you live in downtown Raleigh, it’s incredibly easy to get just about anywhere by bus. Honestly, if we lived downtown, we’d use it all the time. GoRaleigh buses can also connect with GoTriangle buses to help you travel further across Wake County and the Triangle.
All GoRaleigh buses are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and low floors to assist those with mobility needs. They’re also equipped with talking bus technology, which announces upcoming stops through both internal and external speakers—super helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the route or have visual impairments.
Every bus that travels through downtown stops at GoRaleigh Station, located right across from Moore Square. We saw a few complaints on our Facebook page about the station itself, but in our experience, we didn’t encounter any issues. As long-time travelers who’ve used public transport in major cities on almost every continent, we found it easy to navigate and non-threatening. That said, we totally understand that comfort levels vary. If you’re not quite ready to visit the station, the good news is there are plenty of bus stops throughout downtown where you can hop on or off—no need to use the main terminal unless it suits your route.
Steps to Riding the GoRaleigh Buses
Step 1: Download the Umo App
The easiest way to plan your trip and ride the bus is by downloading the Umo Mobility App which is available on both iPhone and Android. It’s your all-in-one transit tool. With the Umo app, you can:
- Plan your route
- Track your bus in real-time (though we also recommend the Transit app—more on that below)
- Pay for your ride right from your phone
No more guessing arrival times or digging for loose change. It’s simple, streamlined, and easy to use, even if you’re new to public transit.
Step 2: Paying for Your Ride
A standard GoRaleigh bus fare is $1.25 per ride, and you’ve got a few payment options:
- Umo app: Load money into your wallet in advance. When it’s time to board, open your QR code and scan it on the reader next to the driver. Don’t worry if it’s your first time, the drivers are super helpful.
- Umo smartcard: A physical card you can load and scan. Register here.
- Cash: Pay exact change when boarding.
If you’re riding frequently, there are daily, weekly, and monthly pass options that can save you money. Even better? There’s a daily fare cap. You’ll never pay more than $2.50 per day, no matter how many rides you take. That’s cheaper than most parking garages, and definitely cheaper than gas.
Discounted Fares:
- Kids under 12 ride free with an adult
- Youth (13–18) can ride free by registering for a youth pass
- Seniors (65+) ride free with valid ID
- Passengers with disabilities qualify for reduced fares
To register for a youth pass, create a separate Umo account for each child and follow the instructions to receive their unique QR code.
Tracking Your Bus
Want to know when your ride’s arriving? The Transit app is our favorite for real-time bus tracking. It shows stop locations, live updates, and the full route, which is perfect if you’re on a new route or unsure where to get off. You can also use Google Maps to plan and track your ride. Another quick option: Text “Raleigh [your stop ID]” to 41411 for arrival times. (The stop ID is the four-digit number found on most GoRaleigh bus stop signs.)
Step 3: Bringing Your Bike? Even Better
Every GoRaleigh bus has a front-mounted bike rack, which is free to use and super simple. It takes less than 20 seconds to load or unload your bike, and the racks can hold up to two bikes. If you’re nervous, check out GoRaleigh’s how-to video before your first ride (we did!). You can load your bike at any bus stop—no need for a special station. If the rack happens to be full, just wait for the next bus. Most routes run frequently.
We tested this setup during our Walnut Creek Trail ride (see below) and it worked perfectly. It opens up so many more options for trail rides where you only want to bike one direction or want to avoid doubling back on a long ride. Our new plan: ride downhill, then let the bus do the uphill work.
Step 4: Look for the Frequent 15 Routes
GoRaleigh has 10 routes that run every 15 minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous adventures and stress-free planning. Here are GoRaleigh’s High-Frequency routes:
- Route 1: Capital Blvd
- Route 5: Biltmore Hills
- Route 6: Glenwood
- Route 7: South Saunders
- Route 9: Hillsborough
- Route 11: Avent Ferry
- Route 15: WakeMed
- Route 19: MLK Sunnybrook
- Route 21: Caraleigh
- RLine: The handy circulator route that loops around downtown
Check live arrival times on the Umo app, or if you prefer desktop planning (we see you!), GoRaleigh’s Trip Planner page is a great resource too.
What It’s Like to Ride the GoRaleigh Bus
After trying out several routes, we can honestly say the GoRaleigh experience surprised us – in a good way. The buses were clean, efficient, and most importantly, on time. Drivers were friendly, and we even chatted with a few fellow passengers who shared local tips and good energy. One of the things we love most about public transport is the way it opens your eyes to new neighborhoods. On our rides, we passed through parts of Raleigh we’d never seen before—places you’d probably miss if you were driving. It’s one of those underrated joys: staring out the window, taking in the sights, and feeling connected to your city in a new way.
Bus stops were spaced out nicely. We never had to walk far to catch our route, and the Umo App (along with the Transit App) made everything feel simple. Being able to see exactly where the bus was in real time meant we could plan things down to the last sip of our pint at Trophy Brewing or use our waiting time to explore the art inside Raleigh Union Station before hopping on the R-Line.
Getting on and off the bus was easy. Just pull the cord – or the strip at the window – when you’re nearing your stop, and the driver will let you off. If you’re not sure where to get off, the Transit App shows your live location and upcoming stops so you won’t miss it. (No more rookie mistakes like we used to make with a paper map in hand back in our backpacking days.) Pro tip: Don’t hesitate to tell the driver where you’re headed when you board. They’re often happy to help and may even give you a heads-up when your stop is coming.
We felt completely safe during every ride. As long-time public transport users – I, Caroline rode the Tube solo in London at all hours -city buses don’t make us nervous, especially in Raleigh.
We only tried a few shorter, high-frequency routes inside the Beltline this time, but it was such a smooth experience that we’re already planning to use it again. It’s especially great for events and festivals where parking can be limited, expensive, or just plain stressful. And let’s be honest: sometimes you want to enjoy a couple of drinks with friends and not worry about how you’re getting home. GoRaleigh makes that easy, safe, and way more affordable than an Uber.
Looking back, we’re kind of kicking ourselves for not using the bus system sooner. Like so many people, we fell into the habit of car culture and didn’t realize how easy—and cheap—it actually is to ride the bus in Raleigh. Now that we’ve tried it, we’re all in. We’re excited to help more people see GoRaleigh as a real option. Not just for commuting, but for fun, for connection, and for a more relaxed way to experience our city.
3 Fun Outings You Can Try with GoRaleigh
We put the system to the test on three different routes. You can see the related Reel we did for each as well! Here’s what we did:
1. Ride, Roll, Refuel (Route 11: Avent Ferry)
- Start: Lake Johnson
- Route: Bus 11 from Downtown Raleigh back to Lake Johnson
Start your adventure by parking at the Lake Johnson Park kiosk and riding your bike along the lakeside trail. Head left around the lake until you connect with the Walnut Creek Greenway Trail, just off Lake Dam Road (map below if you’re reading on our blog). Follow the Walnut Creek Trail past Lake Raleigh and all the way to the Walnut Creek Wetland Center—a great spot to stop and stretch your legs with a short nature walk. From there, cross the street to pick up the Little Rock Greenway Trail, which continues into Downtown Raleigh, ending right near Moore Square.
The total ride is just under 9 miles, and it’s mostly flat, scenic, and peaceful. You’ll pass through a mix of wooded trails, open parks, and a few tucked-away pockets of Raleigh most people never see unless they’re biking or walking. Once you roll into downtown, you have options: You can jump on Route 11 at the Moore Square Bus Station and ride back to your car, or—if you’re anything like us—you’ll want to make one final stop at the legendary Raleigh bike brewery, Crank Arm Brewing. It’s a post-ride tradition around here.
Crank Arm has a great lineup of craft beers, seltzers, and cocktails (the margarita is a favorite after a hot ride). There’s often a food truck on-site if you’re hungry, and their indoor-outdoor space has major community vibes.
Just around the corner, there’s a Route 11 stop right in front of Sam Jones BBQ. You can even grab some slow-cooked Carolina ‘cue to take home. From there, we loaded our bikes onto the bus for the ride back. The bus dropped us off near Gorman Street, just a few minutes from where we started. We hopped back on the Walnut Creek Trail and cruised the final stretch back to Lake Johnson—easy, breezy, and no need to double back.
Trip Duration: 9 miles greenway trail riding – it took us about 90 minutes, but we stopped to take photos/ videos. The Route 11 bus to Gorman St took about 20 minutes.
Why it’s great: You get the best of both worlds. Ride the trail one way, relax on the way back.
2. Farm, Feast, and Brew (Route 21: Caraleigh)
- Start: Downtown Raleigh
- Route: Bus 21 to NC State Farmers Market
This one’s an easy and delicious adventure to one of Raleigh’s best local attractions. We hopped on Route 21 from downtown and rode straight to the NC State Farmers Market—there’s a bus stop right out front. First stop? Breakfast at the State Farmers Market Restaurant. Their hearty southern omelets hit the spot. After fueling up, we wandered the market stalls, sampling sweet local peaches (and taking a few home), browsing fresh produce, and admiring the blooms at Logan’s Garden Shop, which recently opened a location inside the market.
From there, we walked over to Trophy Brewing on Maywood Avenue, just a short walk away, where we grabbed hibiscus seltzers and food truck bites. (Check their schedule—there’s usually a truck or two parked out front, and sometimes events happening.) The shady patio is perfect for a relaxed afternoon, especially if you’re not in a rush.
When it was time to head back, we flagged down the same Route 21 bus from the stop right outside Trophy Brewing. In about 10 minutes, we were back downtown—easy, breezy, and no parking drama. Trip Duration: About 10–15 minutes each way on the bus. This was a fun half-day outing for us.
Why it’s great: No parking stress at the Farmers Market, plus you get a full morning or afternoon of local eats, drinks, and browsing for just $2.50 round trip. Here is our guide to the State Farmers Market in Raleigh.
3. First Friday Art Hop (Various Routes Downtown)
- Start: Park & Ride near your home, or take any GoRaleigh route into downtown
- Route: R-Line circulator
On the first Friday of every month, downtown Raleigh comes alive with art, music, pop-ups, and community events—and GoRaleigh is the perfect way to experience it all without worrying about parking or traffic. For our First Friday outing, we brought my sister (who was visiting from Australia) along for the ride. We started in the Warehouse District at Commerce Place, where there were Pride-themed activities, pop-up vendors, and local artists showcasing their work.
After that, we hopped on the R-Line to zip over to Moore Square. There, we found an outdoor market, live music, and even a pop-up movie screening in the square (which we skipped in favor of more exploring). From there, we wandered over to Artspace in City Market, where we watched artists work in their studios and browsed unique pieces for sale.
Our final First Friday stop was The Raleigh Times street party, complete with food stalls, market vendors, and puppies to cuddle (yes, really). And because we didn’t have to worry about driving, we wrapped up the night at Taverna Agora, enjoying dinner on the rooftop patio with belly dancing, Greek food, and great conversation.
When it was time to go home, we simply caught the bus back from where we started. The entire night felt relaxed and easy, and we were able to cover more ground—and enjoy a few drinks—without the usual parking stress. Trip Duration: 5–10 minutes per R-Line ride depending on traffic. We made a whole evening of it—about 3 to 4 hours.
Why it’s great: You get to experience more of Raleigh’s First Friday events without skipping the good stuff, and you won’t have to limit yourself to one spot or worry about getting home after a cocktail or two.
Final Thoughts
Riding the bus in Raleigh isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about exploring more of your city, making spontaneous plans, and connecting with your community in ways that cars just don’t allow. Whether you’re commuting, planning a weekend outing, or just looking to cut back on gas and parking costs, GoRaleigh offers an easy, affordable, and surprisingly fun option. So grab a friend, download the Umo app, and let GoRaleigh take the wheel.
Have a favorite GoRaleigh route or adventure? Tag us on Instagram @thisisraleigh—we’d love to feature your story and inspire more locals to give the bus a go.
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I’m car-free and a frequent GoRaleigh rider, and I’ve also depended on public transport everywhere I’ve lived. I agree: I have very seldom felt personally unsafe on a bus or at the station. The problem is that the system is functioning as a de facto social service agency. And this means that the environment ranges from unpleasant to unhealthy. As an example, one person who typically stays around the Market bus shelter in your picture had a medical emergency last week, leaving it covered in bodily fluids. The EMT warned me not to sit on the bench where you’re sitting.
GoRaleigh can do better. Check out the GoDurham station as a comparison. They enforce the no loitering rule, invest in cleaning, and have thought through the bus organization. That should be the expectation for Raleigh as well.
thank you for sharing your insights and experiences Jean – it’s very helpful. I’m glad you have not felt unsafe either and yes, improvements can always be made. You have given some good examples and I hope steps can be taken!