Rochester, NY offers several transportation options suitable for every type of traveler. Whether you're a local looking to explore or a visitor checking out the area, you can choose from driving, cycling, or public transit. Longer trips can start and end at the airport, train station or inter-city bus stops throughout the region. 

 

View and print a two-page summary of the travel modes serving Rochester, New York.  

thumbnail image of the front side of a two page handout listing travel options.

 

 

 

 

 

Cycling

BikeShare

You can rent a Veo E-scooter or E-bike for just $1 to unlock a ride and then pay per minute to explore the area. This service is generally available between April and October. Visit VeoRide.com for more information.

Bike Maps

Visit bikemap.gtcmpo.org for a digital discovery tool showing maps of biking facilities and amenities in the nine-county region.

Reconnect Rochester has also created a map of low-stress bike routes around the city, which can be found at bit.ly/roceasybike. The city is also accessible for cyclists traveling longer distances via the multi-use Empire State Trail along the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany, the Genesee Riverway Trail, and the Genesee Valley Greenway extending south.

Bus/Transit

Regional Transit Service (RTS) connects communities across the greater region. The Rochester Transit Center, located on Mortimer St. between North Clinton Ave. and St. Paul St, offers a comfortable hub for bus travelers starting at just $1 a ride. Downtown destinations are accessible through existing routes or a combination of fixed route service and On Demand service. For services and schedules by county, and payment information, call (585) 288-1700 or visit www.myrts.com. The Transit app is also available for download.

Visitors to the Rochester area who are already certified to use ADA paratransit service in another community and are unable to use the accessible RTS fixed route bus are eligible to use RTS Access paratransit service for a limited time. Visit www.myrts.com/Access for details.

RTS On Demand

RTS On Demand can take people anywhere within one of the seven On Demand Zones in the greater Rochester area. Use RTS On Demand for curb-to-curb service, or meet RTS Connect service and other transportation options at a Connection Hub or bus stop.

Air Travel

The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, located just three miles from downtown, offers various ground transportation options including car rentals, transit, taxi, Uber, Lyft, and shuttles. There are also ten public-use airports in the surrounding nine counties serving smaller aircraft. Visit rocairport.com for more information.

Passenger Rail Travel

The Rochester, NY Louise M. Slaughter Station, located in downtown Rochester, is a daily stop on popular passenger rail lines including Maple Leaf, Empire Service, and Lake Shore Limited. RTS provides transit service from the Central & Clinton stop to the Transit Center, which is a half mile away. Visit amtrak.com for more information.

Specialized Transportation Resources

Here2There.help connects people with transportation options tailored to their specific needs. Individuals enter trip parameters to discover a range of travel options, including public transportation routes, specialized services such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and door-to-door assistance, plus directions for walking, driving, or biking to their destination. The user then chooses the best option for them and contacts the provider to arrange transportation.

For non-emergency medical transportation services, multiple companies offer services for people who are ambulatory, use a wheelchair, or travel by stretcher to attend special family events such as weddings, funerals, or holiday gatherings. Pre-arrangements are strongly recommended.

Motor Coach/Bus

Independent motor coach operators Trailways, Greyhound, FlixBus and megabus run inter-city bus service throughout New York State with stops in Rochester and nearby communities

Trailways - trailways.com

Greyhound - greyhound.com

FLiXBUS - flixbus.com

megabus - us.megabus.com

GTC does not endorse these services. This information is provided as a courtesy.

Driving

511ny.org 511nyrideshare.org
For those who prefer driving, the website 511NY (511ny.org) provides information about traffic, road conditions, and park & ride information. You can listen to traffic reports during the morning and afternoon commutes on local radio stations or online navigation systems. For carpooling options, check out 511nyrideshare.org.

Active Transportation - Cycling, Walking

BikeShare

You can rent a Veo E-scooter or E-bike for just $1 to unlock a ride and then pay per minute to explore the area. This service is generally available between April and October. Visit VeoRide.com for more information.

Bike Maps

Visit bikemap.gtcmpo.org for a digital discovery tool showing maps of biking facilities and amenities in the nine-county region.

Reconnect Rochester has also created a map of low-stress bike routes around the city, which can be found at bit.ly/roceasybike. The city is also accessible for cyclists traveling longer distances via the multi-use Empire State Trail along the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany, the Genesee Riverway Trail, and the Genesee Valley Greenway extending south.