Getting around Detroit by bus is easier and more affordable than many people realize. The region’s two main bus systems — the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) — connect neighborhoods, downtown Detroit, major job centers, shopping districts, schools, and surrounding suburbs.

Whether you’re commuting to work, heading downtown, or traveling across Southeast Michigan, here’s what you need to know about using Detroit’s bus system.

Also see: How to use public transit in City of Detroit

Understanding the Two Bus Systems

DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation)

DDOT operates bus service throughout the city of Detroit, with dozens of routes running daily across major corridors and neighborhoods. Multiple DDOT routes operate 24 hours a day.

DDOT buses connect riders to:

• Downtown Detroit
• Neighborhood business districts
• Schools and colleges
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Recreation centers and parks
• Other transit systems, including SMART, the QLINE, and People Mover

Popular DDOT routes include:

• Woodward
• Gratiot
• Grand River
• Michigan
• Jefferson
• Seven Mile
• Livernois

View DDOT Bus schedules here.

View DDOT System Map here.

View DDOT fares and payment info here.

How to ride DDOT:

1. Find your route and stop using apps like the Transit app (free to download) or the DDOT website
2. Wait at a marked bus stop
3. Pay your fare when boarding (cash or pass)

As of April 6, all Public, Private, Charter school students can “show their ID to ride for free" anytime to any place DDOT services.

SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation)

SMART primarily serves communities outside Detroit, connecting the city to suburbs throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

SMART buses are commonly used for:

• Regional commuting
• Airport-area travel
• Connecting suburban communities to downtown Detroit
• Traveling between cities without a car

SMART also operates:

• FAST buses — limited-stop express routes on major corridors like Woodward, Gratiot, and Michigan Avenue
• Select connector and community routes
• Specialized mobility services

Find SMART Bus schedules and tools here.

How much does it cost to ride?

Fares vary depending on the type of ride or pass you purchase.

Options may include:

• Single rides
• Day passes
• Weekly or monthly passes
• Reduced fares for eligible riders

Check the DDOT or SMART websites for current fare information.

Are buses tracked in real time?

Yes. Many routes can be tracked live using transit apps and online bus trackers, allowing riders to see estimated arrival times.

Do DDOT and SMART buses run 24 hours a day?

Some DDOT routes operate 24 hours a day, while others have limited service depending on the route and time of day.

SMART schedules vary by route.

Always check schedules before traveling late at night or early in the morning.

What is a FAST bus?

SMART FAST buses are limited-stop routes designed to provide faster travel along major corridors like:

• Woodward
• Gratiot
• Michigan Avenue

They make fewer stops than standard routes.

Can visitors and tourists use DDOT and SMART?

Absolutely. Public transit is open to everyone and can be a convenient way to explore Detroit, downtown attractions, sports venues, neighborhoods, and nearby communities.

Can I transfer between DDOT and SMART buses?

Yes. Regional transit passes can be used across both DDOT and SMART systems, making it easier to transfer between routes.

Other regional bus transit options:

• D2A2 Bus: The D2A2 is a regional express bus that connects downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor, making it one of the easiest ways to travel between the two cities without a car.
• Detroit Air Express (DAX): The Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) provides direct service between downtown Detroit and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), with scheduled trips throughout the day.