How To Ride A Public Transportation Bus: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Ride a Public Transportation Bus PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

Last Updated: February 23, 2026 Fact Checked

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  • Finding Your Route
    • |
  • Boarding the Bus and Paying the Fare
    • |
  • Riding and Getting Off of the Bus
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS. Archana Ramamoorthy is a Tech Executive based in Sunnyvale, California. She currently serves as Senior Director of Google’s Cloud Security Product Management division. Prior to her current role, Archana held leadership roles at multiple technology companies and has over 15 years of experience in the industry. Prior to her role at Google, she was at Workday for 8 years, culminating her time there in the role of Chief Technology Officer, North America. She is a product ninja and online security advocate. She also actively works to enable more diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. In 2021, she was a founder partner in Neythri Futures Fund, the first fund with a mission to increase the diversity quotient in the venture capital ecosystem. In particular, Neythri Futures Fund positions South Asian women to be key investors and stakeholders in the industry. Archana received a BS in Electronics and Communication Engineering from SRM University and an MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Duke University. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 561,087 times.

While learning how to ride the bus to get from point A to point B may seem overwhelming, it’s usually relatively simple. After taking a couple of trips on the bus, you’ll be riding it like a pro.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Finding Your Route

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  1. Step 1 Look at a bus route map. 1 Look at a bus route map. Nearly every public transportation bus has a set route that they travel on. To find out how to get to where you need to go, get a bus route map. These typically have different colored lines with dots along them that represent the different busses and stops. The bus route map should also have a timetable on it that displays when each bus will be where.
    • You can typically find these bus route maps online at the city’s transportation website, or at local schools, shopping centers, and businesses along the bus routes.
    • Also check for an additional route map that’s for weekends and holidays, as the city you’re in may have different schedules or routes on these days.
  2. Step 2 Refer to the route map’s timetable for arrival and departure times. 2 Refer to the route map’s timetable for arrival and departure times. While each bus route map is a little different, they usually all have a timetable included. The timetable should display the times when the busses that travel along each particular route arrive at and depart from each stop. Find the section of the timetable that specifies your route and write down the arrival time for the stop that’s closest to your location.[1]
    • Often, bus timetables are colored-coded to represent each route. For example, If you look at the map and discover that you’ll need to take the yellow route, look for the a section of the timetable that’s highlighted in yellow.
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  3. Step 3 Look for intersecting routes if you think you’ll need to transfer. 3 Look for intersecting routes if you think you’ll need to transfer. If no routes take you directly to where you need to go, look on the map at the different routes that stop near your starting location. Then, see if those routes intersect with any other routes that lead to your destination.[2]
    • If you find a place where the routes intersect, identify the stop and refer to the timetable to figure out what time you’ll need to get off of your original bus and get onto a different bus that travels the second route.
    • Look in the map key for phrases like “transfer point” and “transit center,” as these may be labeled on the map.
  4. Step 4 Use an online trip planning feature if your city has one. 4 Use an online trip planning feature if your city has one. Go online to your city’s public transportation website. Look for a public transportation trip planning feature that allows you to type in your starting location, your destination, and possibly also the time of day that you want to travel. When you submit this information, the feature will likely show you what route you should take.[3]
    • If you aren’t sure how to get to your city’s public transportation website, try Googling the name of your city followed by the words “public transportation.”
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Boarding the Bus and Paying the Fare

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  1. Step 1 Get a bus pass 1 Get a bus pass or cash to pay the fare. If you want to ride the bus, you must pay a fare. Most people who use the bus frequently buy a pass and use it for efficiency and ease. You can usually purchase a bus pass at the city’s public transportation website and/or office. If you aren’t interested in getting a bus pass, you can also just pay in cash each time you ride the bus. Just make sure to bring exact change, as most city bus drivers aren’t authorized to make change for you.[4]
    • Some public transportation systems offer a discounted rate for seniors and/or people with disabilities. You can apply for this discounted rate at your city’s public transportation website and/or office and then potentially receive a special bus pass that allows you to use the bus for a lower fare.
  2. Step 2 Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes prior to arrival. 2 Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes prior to arrival. Most public transportation systems run smoothly so that they’re reliable and predictable. Because of this, being late to the bus stop by just 1-2 minutes could mean missing your bus. To avoid this, make sure to get to the stop a least a few minutes before the bus is supposed to be arriving.[5]
  3. Step 3 Look at the banner to make sure it’s the right bus. 3 Look at the banner to make sure it’s the right bus. Most public transportation buses have a digital banner on the front and/or side of the bus that displays the destination of the bus and/or the particular route name or number that the bus takes. As the bus approaches, make sure to read the banner to make sure that it’s the right bus.
  4. Step 4 Wait for passengers to get off before you get on. 4 Wait for passengers to get off before you get on. Continue standing at the bus stop, even once the bus has come to a complete stop. Back up away from the door if necessary, and allow passengers to get off of the bus. Once it seems like everyone who is getting off at the stop is off of the bus, walk through the door that’s located towards the front of the bus.[6]
    • If you need to, ask the bus driver to lower the bus to make getting on easier for you.
  5. Step 5 Pay for the bus. 5 Pay for the bus. After you’ve stepped onto the bus, you’ll need to pay the required fare. If you have a bus pass, show it to the bus driver and/or scan it, if there’s a place to do so.[7] If you don’t have a pass, simply put your cash through the slit in the farebox.[8]
    • If you aren’t sure what amount of cash to pay, check the farebox for a sign that displays the amount that’s required.[9]
  6. Step 6 Ask for a transfer slip if you need one. 6 Ask for a transfer slip if you need one. You may need to transfer to a different bus in order to get where you need to go. Often times, if this is the case, you won’t be charged again when you get on the second bus, as long as you have a transit slip to show the second bus driver. If you think you may need to transfer to a different bus later, ask the bus driver for a transit slip just after you get on and pay.[10]
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Riding and Getting Off of the Bus

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  1. Step 1 Sit in a seat and/or hold on. 1 Sit in a seat and/or hold on. Once you’ve paid, look for an open seat and sit in it. If you can’t find one, stand somewhere that’s as out of the way as possible. Be sure to hold onto a pole or a handle so that you don’t fall and hurt yourself or someone else once the bus starts moving.[11]
    • Seniors and people who are disabled get first priority of the seats that are located at the front of the bus. If a person who is elderly or disabled gets on the bus and you’re sitting in the front, stand up and offer them your seat.
  2. Step 2 Try to minimize the amount of space you take up. 2 Try to minimize the amount of space you take up. Buses are often crowded, so it’s best to be considerate and accommodating while riding. If you’re sitting, try to only use one seat, and don’t put your purse, jacket, or anything else in the seat next to you. If you’re standing, take your backpack off and hold it by your side so that there’s more room for others.[12]
    • To get away from the crowd, you can try sitting or standing towards the back of the bus.
  3. Step 3 Pull the signal cord when your stop is close. 3 Pull the signal cord when your stop is close. For efficiency, buses sometimes won’t stop at stops that no passengers are getting off at. To communicate your stop to the bus driver, be sure to pull the signal cord that’s located just above the bus windows. Do this about 1 block before your stop.[13]
    • In the United Kingdom, buses usually have coloured 'stop' buttons located on the poles instead of signal cords. When pressed, you will hear a beep or bell sound and a panel at the front of the bus will light up to read 'bus stopping'.
    • Only pull a signal cord or press a 'stop' button once. Doing so again and again for one stop is disrespectful to the driver and can even distract them.
  4. Step 4 Exit through the back door. 4 Exit through the back door. Typically, passengers get on through the front door and get off through the back door. This makes getting on and off easier and smoother for everyone. Be sure to head to the back door once the bus has stopped at your stop.[14]
    • You can exit through the front door if you’re disabled, elderly, or need to remove your bike from the bike rack.
  5. Step 5 Wait until the bus is gone to cross the street. 5 Wait until the bus is gone to cross the street. City buses can’t stop traffic. Once you’ve exited the bus, wait safely on the side of the road until the bus has departed. Then, you can either look both ways and cross the street or press the crosswalk button and wait until you’re signaled to cross the street, depending on how busy the area is.[15]
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Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I get on a bus in the US? Community Answer Community Answer You wait at a bus stop for your bus, then make eye contact with the driver so he stops, then get on the bus and pay. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 65
  • Question Will the bus stop anywhere on the route that I want? Community Answer Community Answer No. The bus will only stop at designated bus stop locations. If you request a stop, the bus driver will stop at the next official stop. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 63
  • Question How can I find out what time the bus comes? Community Answer Community Answer Use a search engine to look up your local public transportation system (e.g., if you're in Chicago, you'd search for CTA). Click on their website and there, you can find maps and schedules, including . Some also have a tool that lets you see what time the next few buses are coming to your bus stop. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 33
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Make sure to follow all bus rules, such as staying clear of the aisle and not eating or drinking on the bus. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Whenever you first start riding on a public bus, consider sitting toward the front, where you can see the different places you pass. This may help you to become more familiar with the route. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Most North American transit systems will have an automatic announcer that calls out the stops, and will sometimes also be accompanied by a digital sign to do the same. When riding the bus, make sure to wait for your stop to be announced before ringing the bell to avoid requesting the wrong stop. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Entering through the rear door of a bus is often illegal and, if caught, can subject you to a citation, regardless of whether or not you have a valid ticket or pass. Thanks Helpful 39 Not Helpful 2
  • Watch your pockets when you're standing close to someone - it's easy to get pick-pocketed on a bus![16] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about traveling, check out our in-depth interview with Archana Ramamoorthy, MS.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.mta.info/guides/riding-the-bus
  2. ↑ https://www.rtd-denver.com/how-to-ride/bus-rail-system/bus
  3. ↑ https://www.metro.net/riding/trip-planner/
  4. ↑ https://www.mta.info/guides/riding-the-bus
  5. ↑ https://www.metro.net/riding/guide/how-ride-bus/
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gSkwbXbWdU&feature=youtu.be&t=3m26s
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gSkwbXbWdU&feature=youtu.be&t=3m53s
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gSkwbXbWdU&feature=youtu.be&t=3m57s
  9. ↑ https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/rider-tools/how-to-ride
More References (7)
  1. ↑ https://www.ny.com/transportation/buses/ridebuses.html
  2. ↑ https://www.metro.net/riding/guide/how-ride-bus/
  3. ↑ https://www.rideprt.org/inside-Pittsburgh-Regional-Transit/rider-info/how-to-ride/how-to-ride-the-bus/
  4. ↑ https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/rider-tools/how-to-ride
  5. ↑ https://www.metro.net/riding/guide/how-ride-bus/
  6. ↑ https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/how-ride-muni-quick-start-guide
  7. ↑ Archana Ramamoorthy, MS. Tech Executive. Expert Interview

About This Article

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS Co-authored by: Archana Ramamoorthy, MS Experienced Solo Traveler This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS. Archana Ramamoorthy is a Tech Executive based in Sunnyvale, California. She currently serves as Senior Director of Google’s Cloud Security Product Management division. Prior to her current role, Archana held leadership roles at multiple technology companies and has over 15 years of experience in the industry. Prior to her role at Google, she was at Workday for 8 years, culminating her time there in the role of Chief Technology Officer, North America. She is a product ninja and online security advocate. She also actively works to enable more diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. In 2021, she was a founder partner in Neythri Futures Fund, the first fund with a mission to increase the diversity quotient in the venture capital ecosystem. In particular, Neythri Futures Fund positions South Asian women to be key investors and stakeholders in the industry. Archana received a BS in Electronics and Communication Engineering from SRM University and an MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Duke University. This article has been viewed 561,087 times. 20 votes - 85% Co-authors: 47 Updated: February 23, 2026 Views: 561,087 Categories: Bus Travel Article SummaryX

Before catching your bus, check a bus route map for a route and departure time that fit your schedule. If you can’t find a map, Google the name of the city you’re traveling in and “public transportation.” Get a bus pass or withdraw exact change to pay the fare. Make sure you arrive at the stop a few minutes early, and have your fare pass or money in-hand as you board. As you approach your stop, pull the signal cord and exit through the back door. To learn about using online trip planning features and applying for discounted rates, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Chris Ridley

    Chris Ridley

    Apr 24, 2019

    "I never knew how to get on a bus before, so this really helped me. Never knew you had to scan money or pull the..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Archana Ramamoorthy, MS Co-authored by: Archana Ramamoorthy, MS Experienced Solo Traveler Co-authors: 47 Updated: February 23, 2026 Views: 561,087 85% of readers found this article helpful. 20 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote Chris Ridley

Chris Ridley

Apr 24, 2019

"I never knew how to get on a bus before, so this really helped me. Never knew you had to scan money or pull the..." more Altjon Hametaj

Altjon Hametaj

Oct 13, 2017

"It helped me learn more about what to do and what not to do on a bus." Emmanuel Nkunzi

Emmanuel Nkunzi

Nov 16, 2020

"Just thanks and god bless you for a good inspiration." Ruari Black

Ruari Black

Aug 11, 2017

"I now know how to ride a bus, thank you!" Zoe Teeling

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Jul 15, 2017

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