Getting Around Cincinnati
Cincinnati's transportation system relies primarily on buses, with the region split between two separate transit authorities. Most visitors and residents navigate the city using public buses, though taxis, ride-hailing services, and personal vehicles are also available. The city's hilly terrain has shaped its street layout, with irregular grids outside the downtown area, so understanding your route options before traveling is helpful.
Public Transit: Buses
The main form of public transportation is by bus. Two separate transit systems serve the region: SORTA (Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority) operates Metro buses on the Ohio side, while TANK (Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky) serves Northern Kentucky and cross-river routes. SORTA is significantly larger, operating more lines at higher frequencies than TANK.
The transit system is largely radial, with almost all bus lines terminating in Downtown Cincinnati. This design means that to travel between different neighborhoods, you often need to pass through downtown or make a transfer. Some lines ending in '1' (such as 31, 51, and 41) avoid downtown entirely and provide connections between the radial arms created by other routes.
Both SORTA and TANK require exact fare payment with no change given. Fares differ between the two systems, so check your specific route. Express routes marked with an "X" make fewer stops than standard routes. Before boarding, confirm that the bus stops at your destination, as not all routes serve all areas equally.
For sightseeing, the Metro 1 bus is recommended, looping through key cultural destinations including Union Terminal Museum Center, downtown theaters and museums, riverfront sports stadiums and parks, the Mount Adams neighborhood, and Eden Park. This route costs $1.75 per ride, with passes available.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is located on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, so you will need to cross the river to reach Cincinnati proper. The airport serves numerous domestic destinations and offers international flights to Canada, Mexico, France, and the Caribbean.
From the airport, you can reach downtown Cincinnati by taxi or ride-hailing service. If arriving by Amtrak train at Union Terminal/Cincinnati Museum Center, note that all trains arrive before public transportation is operating, so a taxi may be necessary to complete your journey to your final destination.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout the city, including from the airport and train stations. Ride-hailing services provide an alternative to traditional taxis for getting around the city.
Walking and Bicycles
Sidewalks exist throughout Cincinnati for pedestrian travel. The city operates a public bicycle-sharing system called Red Bike, which opened in 2014 and provides another option for short trips around the city. The University of Cincinnati also operates a smaller bike-share program for its community members.
Regional Train Service
Amtrak serves Cincinnati with the Cardinal route, which operates three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City, with stops in Cincinnati. Trains arrive and depart during nighttime hours. The station is located at Union Terminal/Cincinnati Museum Center, about one mile from downtown.
Regional Bus Service
Long-distance bus services connect Cincinnati to other cities. Greyhound operates from a downtown station with 24-hour service, while budget carriers like Megabus offer service to Chicago and Indianapolis with stops in both downtown and at the University of Cincinnati.
Getting Around by Car
Most trips in Cincinnati are made by car. The city is served by three major interstate highways—I-71, I-74, and I-75—along with I-471 (a spur connecting northern Kentucky to downtown) and I-275 (the outer beltway circling the metropolitan area). Several U.S. highways and state routes also serve the region. If driving, be aware that traffic on the Brent Spence Bridge, which carries I-71 and I-75 into downtown, can back up during rush hours. Columbia Parkway offers scenic Ohio River views for those preferring a more scenic route east of the city.