Rochester NY Bus Schedule Guide for RTS Routes, Maps, Stops & Live Times
Use this bus schedule Rochester NY guide to find RTS bus routes, official Monroe County schedules, live arrival tools, Transit app trip planning, Where’s My Bus texting, fare rules, RTS Go payment options, Transit Center information, airport service, On Demand zones and official Rochester transit links.
Rochester, New York bus service is mainly operated by RTS Regional Transit Service. For city and Monroe County fixed routes, start with RTS Monroe schedules. For live arrivals, use Transit app or Where’s My Bus. For surrounding RTS counties, check the correct county page because some services use different apps and request tools.
✅ Quick Answer: Best Way to Find a Rochester NY Bus Schedule
The fastest way to find a Rochester NY bus schedule is to use the official RTS Monroe Maps & Schedules page. RTS lists current Monroe County route schedules, an interactive system map, downloadable map resources, Transit app planning and Where’s My Bus arrival information.
For real-time help, use the Transit app in Monroe County or text your bus stop ID number to 20105 through RTS Where’s My Bus. For fare payment, RTS Connect adult fare is listed as $1.00, reduced fare as $0.50, and RTS Go fare capping can limit regular RTS Connect spending to $3 per day or $56 per month when used correctly.
Use RTS Monroe schedules for fixed-route RTS Connect service in Rochester and nearby Monroe County areas.
Route HelpUse RTS fares and passes pages for adult, reduced, RTS Go and On Demand fare rules.
Fare HelpDowntown RTS Transit Center entrances are listed at 60 St. Paul St. and 71 N. Clinton Ave.
Center HelpRochester NY Bus Schedule Overview for RTS Riders
A bus schedule Rochester NY search should start with RTS Monroe, because Rochester’s main fixed-route bus system is RTS Connect in Monroe County. RTS also operates services in nearby counties, but city riders usually need Monroe County maps, routes, Transit app tools and the RTS Transit Center.
RTS routes serve Downtown Rochester, residential neighborhoods, major corridors, colleges, shopping centers, medical destinations, employment areas, the airport and suburban connection points. Many routes feed into the RTS Transit Center in Downtown Rochester, while crosstown and On Demand services may work differently.
RTS posts route schedules, PDF maps, an interactive system map, live arrival tools and trip-planning options online. The main thing is not to guess from an old PDF or a third-party app alone. Use official RTS pages first, then use Transit app or Where’s My Bus to check real-time arrivals at your stop.
RTS Rochester NY Bus Routes, Maps and Current Schedule Types
RTS Monroe schedule pages list multiple types of service. Regular RTS Connect routes cover the fixed-route city bus network. Neighborhood Direct routes serve school-related and direct neighborhood needs. RTS On Demand covers request-based zones. ROC-it routes are limited routes. University service pages are also listed for specific campus travel.
RTS Connect Fixed Routes in Rochester NY
RTS Connect is the core fixed-route bus service. The official schedule list includes Rochester corridors such as St. Paul, North Clinton, Joseph, Hudson, Portland, North Goodman, Clifford/Empire, East Main, University, Park, Monroe, South Clinton, South Ave., Marketplace, Plymouth, Genesee, Jefferson/19th Ward, Chili, Buffalo Road, Lyell, Dewey, Lake, West Ave./Airport, Bay Street, Ridge Crosstown, Culver/Goodman Crosstown, Fairport/Penfield, Seabreeze, Newark/Lyons Commuter and Elmwood Commuter.
Seasonal, Commuter and Paused Route Notes
RTS notes that some schedules have minor timepoint changes and that riders should review their schedule before travel. The RTS Monroe page also shows Route 42 Lyell/Upper Falls Crosstown as paused until further notice, Route 70 Seabreeze as a seasonal route starting again May 1, 2026, and commuter routes such as 91 Newark/Lyons and 97 Elmwood.
RTS Neighborhood Direct and ROC-it Routes
The schedule page includes Neighborhood Direct service for school or campus-related travel, plus ROC-it routes such as Marketplace, Hudson, South Ave., Dewey and Lyell. These routes should be checked carefully because they may not behave like a simple all-day local route.
🚌 RTS Connect
Main fixed-route bus service for Rochester and Monroe County riders.
🚐 RTS On Demand
Request-based service in listed zones such as Brockport, Greece, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Lexington, Pittsford/Eastview and Webster.
⚡ ROC-it & Special Routes
Limited, school, university and special route patterns need official schedule verification.
RTS Live Times, Transit App and Where’s My Bus in Rochester NY
For live Rochester bus arrivals, RTS points riders to the Transit app and Where’s My Bus. The Transit app can plan trips, show upcoming departures, save favorite trips and access RTS Go mobile fare payment in Monroe County. Where’s My Bus lets riders text a stop ID to get arrival information.
How to Use Transit App for RTS Monroe
Use Transit app when you want a trip plan, departure time, live bus location, favorite route or fare payment through RTS Go mobile. RTS states that Transit app and RTS Go are valid in Monroe County. For Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Wyoming Counties, RTS points riders to the Pingo app instead.
How to Use Where’s My Bus Texting
Where’s My Bus lets riders text a bus stop ID number to 20105 for arrival information. The stop ID is usually found on the bus stop sign. If you cannot find it, use RTS tools or call customer service for help.
Why Live Times Can Still Change
Live arrivals can change because of traffic, weather, detours, construction, events, bus spacing, winter road conditions or missing real-time data. RTS also advises riders to arrive early because scheduled bus times are approximate and buses can get stuck in traffic.
Rochester Bus Stops, RTS Transit Center, Airport Service and Direction Checks
Bus stops matter because the same route can have different inbound and outbound stops. A stop across the street may serve the opposite direction. Before waiting, confirm the route number, direction, destination and stop ID.
RTS Transit Center in Downtown Rochester
The RTS Transit Center is the key downtown transfer point for many RTS routes. RTS lists Transit Center entrances at 60 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14604 and 71 N. Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14604. If you are transferring downtown, check your bay, route direction and departure time before leaving the platform area.
Rochester Airport Bus Service
For Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport service, check RTS Route 23 West Ave./Airport. Airport riders should always confirm current route times, stop location and direction because airport trips are time-sensitive and late arrivals can affect flight check-in.
Stop ID and Nearby Stop Search
If you are near a bus stop, use the posted stop ID with Where’s My Bus or the Transit app. If you are not at a stop yet, use the RTS trip planner, Transit app or map search to find the nearest official stop. Do not wait at an old sign or unofficial curb without checking the current stop.
- Use the official RTS Monroe schedule for your route number.
- Confirm inbound or outbound direction before reading the time.
- Use the posted bus stop ID for Where’s My Bus when available.
- Check Transit Center bay or platform information for downtown transfers.
- For ROC airport trips, verify Route 23 times before travel.
RTS Rochester NY Bus Fares, RTS Go, Passes and Reduced Fare Rules
RTS fare information lists RTS Connect adult fare at $1.00 and reduced fare at $0.50 for eligible children age 6–11, seniors age 65 and above, and people with disabilities. Customers using reduced fare should be ready to show required ID, such as a government-issued ID or Medicare card.
RTS Go Fare Capping
RTS Go is available in Monroe County as a mobile account or reloadable smart card. RTS Go fare capping means regular RTS Connect riders pay as they ride and do not pay more than $3 per day or $56 per month when the fare-capping rules apply. Reduced fare caps are lower.
Cash, Contactless and Passes
RTS fare pages list exact-change cash, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, chip-enabled credit/debit cards, RTS Go, blue passes and other fare media. If you are buying a pass on the bus, RTS says to tell the bus operator before putting money into the farebox and to have exact change.
Free Fare Groups
RTS lists free fare rules for children age 5 and under with an adult limit, RTS Access customers with RTS Access ID, personal care attendants traveling with RTS Access customers, qualifying veterans with a Veterans Outreach Center-issued bus pass and some qualifying EBT card holders through Monroe County Department of Human Services rules.
✅ Usually Free to Check
Schedules, route maps, Transit app planning, Where’s My Bus arrival checks and service information are normally free to view.
💳 Usually Paid to Ride
RTS Connect, RTS On Demand and special services may require fare payment, pass use, smart card, mobile account or eligibility documentation.
RTS On Demand, Pingo and Service Outside Central Rochester
Not every Rochester-area trip is a fixed-route bus trip. RTS On Demand provides request-based service in listed zones, including Brockport, Greece, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Lexington Avenue, Pittsford/Eastview and Webster. RTS also lists service to the VA Clinic on Calkins Road.
RTS On Demand Zones
RTS On Demand is different from RTS Connect fixed-route buses. Riders may need to request a trip, use the appropriate app, travel within a specific zone and follow On Demand fare rules. As of the official fare page, RTS On Demand adult fare is listed separately from RTS Connect.
Transit App vs Pingo App
RTS states that RTS Go and the Transit app are valid in Monroe County. For Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Wyoming Counties, RTS directs riders to use Pingo. This matters because a Rochester-area search can show nearby county services that do not use the same rider workflow as Monroe fixed routes.
When On Demand Is Better Than Fixed Route
On Demand may help when a regular bus route does not serve your exact neighborhood, shopping center, job site, medical location or suburban connection. Still, you should verify the service zone, booking method, fare and pickup window before relying on it for work, medical or airport trips.
Rochester NY Bus Schedule Confusion: Wrong City, Old PDF and App Mismatch
There are three big mistakes in Rochester bus searches: using Rochester, Minnesota results, using an old RTS PDF, or mixing Monroe County RTS Connect with another county’s app and fare rules.
Rochester NY vs Rochester MN
Rochester, Minnesota has its own public transit system and routes. This page is for Rochester, New York. If a search result mentions Mayo Clinic, Central Park Stand 5 or Rochester Public Transit, it may be Minnesota, not RTS Monroe.
Old PDFs and Schedule Changes
RTS posts effective dates and notes that some schedules may have timepoint changes. Always check the current official RTS Monroe schedule page before relying on a downloaded or saved PDF.
Third-Party Apps Are Useful but Not Final
Third-party map apps can help with discovery, walking directions and nearby stops. But final schedule, route, fare, stop closure, On Demand and service-alert decisions should come from RTS official pages and RTS-supported tools.
Step-by-Step: How to Check a Rochester NY Bus Schedule Correctly
- Confirm you are looking at Rochester, New York Make sure the page says RTS, myRTS, Monroe County or Rochester NY, not Rochester MN.
- Open the official RTS Monroe schedule page Use RTS Maps & Schedules for current route PDFs, system maps and effective dates.
- Choose the correct route and direction Check route number, destination, inbound/outbound direction and any route notes.
- Find your exact stop Use stop ID, intersection, Transit Center bay, airport stop, connection hub or official map.
- Check live arrivals Use Transit app in Monroe County or text the stop ID to 20105 through Where’s My Bus.
- Review fare and pass rules Check RTS Connect, RTS Go, reduced fare, free fare and On Demand fare rules before riding.
- Read alerts and leave early Check for detours, holiday service, timepoint changes and traffic delays. Arrive at the stop early.
Official Rochester NY Bus Schedule Links and Trusted RTS Resources
Use these official RTS links to verify Rochester NY bus schedules, maps, fares, live arrivals, trip planning, On Demand and customer-service information.
Rochester NY Bus Schedule Map for Routes, Stops and Live Times
This map uses a safe Google Maps search for bus schedule Rochester NY. Use it to find nearby RTS stops, downtown transit points and route options. Then verify the exact stop, route, live arrival and fare through RTS official tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester NY Bus Schedule
🚌 How do I find the Rochester NY bus schedule?
Use the official RTS Monroe Maps & Schedules page for current route schedules, system maps and route PDFs. For live arrivals, use the Transit app or RTS Where’s My Bus.
⏱️ How do I check live RTS bus times in Rochester?
Use the Transit app for RTS in Monroe County or text your bus stop ID number to 20105 through Where’s My Bus. The stop ID is usually posted on the bus stop sign.
📍 Where is the RTS Transit Center in Rochester NY?
RTS lists Transit Center entrances at 60 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14604 and 71 N. Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14604. Many Rochester routes connect through the downtown Transit Center.
✈️ Which RTS route goes to Rochester airport?
Check RTS Route 23 West Ave./Airport for service to Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. Always verify the current schedule before airport travel.
💳 How much is the RTS bus fare in Rochester NY?
RTS Connect adult fare is listed as $1.00, reduced fare as $0.50, and RTS Go fare capping can limit regular RTS Connect spending when used correctly. Check the official fare page before riding because fare rules can change.
📱 Does Rochester RTS use the Transit app?
Yes. RTS says the Transit app can be used to plan trips, track rides and access RTS Go mobile payment in Monroe County. For other RTS counties, RTS points riders to Pingo.
🚐 What is RTS On Demand?
RTS On Demand is request-based service in listed zones such as Brockport, Greece, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Lexington, Pittsford/Eastview and Webster. It is different from fixed-route RTS Connect bus service.
📅 Does RTS run a holiday schedule?
RTS Monroe notes that RTS Connect runs on a Holiday/Sunday schedule on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Check the route page before holiday travel.
⚠️ Why is my Rochester bus not showing in the live tracker?
The stop may be wrong, the direction may be wrong, the route may be detoured, the schedule may be different on weekends or holidays, or live data may be unavailable. Check RTS schedules, Where’s My Bus and customer service if needed.
ℹ️ Is BusSchedules.org the official RTS website?
No. BusSchedules.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify exact routes, fares, live arrivals, stops, accessibility details and alerts directly with RTS.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not RTS, RGRTA, Monroe County, the City of Rochester or any official transit operator. Rochester NY bus routes, schedules, fares, stop locations, live tracking, On Demand zones, accessibility rules and service alerts can change. Always verify directly with RTS before commuting, making a transfer, buying a pass or planning a time-sensitive trip.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use a Rochester NY Bus Schedule
The best way to use a bus schedule Rochester NY page is to start with RTS Monroe official schedules, then check your exact stop and live arrival through Transit app or Where’s My Bus. Do not rely only on an old PDF, screenshot or generic map result.
For most Rochester city trips, you will use RTS Connect fixed routes. For suburban zones, check RTS On Demand. For nearby counties, verify whether you need Pingo instead of Transit app. For airport trips, start with Route 23 West Ave./Airport and confirm the latest time before travel.
If a map app, PDF and live tracker disagree, trust RTS official pages and current alerts first. Leave early for work, school, airport, medical and transfer trips because scheduled times are approximate and traffic can affect arrivals.