Getting Around Durham
Durham, North Carolina — often called the "Bull City" — is served by a public transit system that makes it possible to get around without a car, though a mix of buses, walking, biking, and ride-hailing will serve most visitors best. Here is a practical overview of your options.
Public Buses
The city's bus network, GoDurham, runs more than twenty routes across Durham. A useful thing to know is that all buses serving the city stop at Durham Station, the central hub, which makes transferring between routes across town straightforward.
- Fares and passes: Fares were suspended for a period, and youth riders aged 13–18 can ride any GoDurham or GoTriangle bus free (normally via a Youth GoPass). Check current fare policy before you travel, as these arrangements can change.
- Onboard amenities: All local buses offer free Wi-Fi.
- Planning your trip: A free real-time bus tracking app (myStop) and the TransLoc Rider app are available, along with an online trip planner.
- Accessibility: GoDurham ACCESS provides curb-to-curb ADA paratransit service for qualifying riders, covering the City of Durham and Durham County.
Rail, Metro and Trams
Durham is not served by a metro or tram system. Rail connections in the region are provided through the broader intercity and commuter rail network, and Durham Station functions as the central hub where local buses converge, making it the key transfer point for onward travel.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
For door-to-door trips, taxis and ride-hailing services are an option, and carsharing is also available in the city. ZipCar and Enterprise CarShare operate vehicles around Durham that can be rented by the hour or day, with rates starting at around $9 per hour and parking, gas, and insurance included. This can be a practical choice for visitors who want occasional use of a car without renting one for a full trip.
Walking and Biking
Durham is a reasonably walkable city in its central areas, and it is well set up for cycling. There are over 50 miles of bike lanes in Durham, plus numerous walking trails. A Durham Bike & Hike map is available to help you find convenient trails and routes.
Getting from the Airport into the City
For visitors arriving by air, the practical options for reaching the city are taxis, ride-hailing services, and carsharing vehicles available around the city. Once in Durham, the GoDurham bus network — with all routes converging at Durham Station — provides the main way to move around without a car.
Practical Tips
- Use Durham Station as your anchor point: because all local buses stop there, it is the easiest place to transfer between routes.
- Download the myStop app for real-time bus tracking, or use the TransLoc Rider app and online trip planner to map out your journey.
- If you plan to cycle, pick up a Durham Bike & Hike map to find trails and bike-friendly routes.
- Consider carsharing by the hour or day if you only need a car occasionally — parking, gas, and insurance are included in the rate.