Using the RTS Bus System in Gainesville
Throughout the Gainesville area there are 48 bus routes provided by RTS , the Regional Transportation System. There are 11 UF campus bus routes and 37 off campus bus routes available near most apartments.
Start Your Search for Apartments in Gainesville Near Bus RoutesWe recommend visiting the Gainesville RTS website each season or semester to see the updated bus route schedule. Due to changes in ridership patterns, new construction, etc, routes are updated to best serve the community.
Find your bus here and discover the most up to date RTS bus schedule here.
Riding the Bus:
- Riding the bus is free with a Gator1 ID. A regular adult fare is $1.50 one way. Bring exact change. However, RTS has a fee schedule for seniors, other college students, students K-12, etc. See fares on their website for the most up to date pricing.
- Most buses run every 15 minutes during normal weekdays.
- All buses are wheelchair accessible.
- Bikes can be mounted to the front of all buses to accommodate all bikers.
- Gainesville’s RTS provides a great GPS tracking service so you can time your bus perfectly.
At Swamprentals.com we have divided Gainesville into seven different areas based on our Neighborhood Guide. Check out the guide, for detailed information on the areas. Many of the apartment options on Swamp Rentals are located on or near campus bus routes as well as city routes and will take you in and around your area. Several bus stops are located right outside your apartment, making it quick and easy to hop on the bus and get to campus or wherever you’re headed.
Neighborhood Guides and Bus Routes
Archer Road
Archer Road, is one of the main roads bordering the UF campus. Many students who live just south of campus ride their bike or simply walk across the street. Archer Road is a very popular place for students to live making the bus system very efficient moving to and from campus. Routes in this area to possibly use include the 1, 9, 12, 22, 34, 35, 36, 38, 75
Downtown Gainesville
Downtown Gainesville is along University Avenue, also bordering the UF campus. Most students ride bikes or walk. Located in this area is the Rosa Parks Downtown Station where you can generally find a direct bus route to most places you’d need to go. Routes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 15, 17, 24, 43 all stop downtown.
Midtown
Midtown is considered right across from the main UF campus on University Avenue. A number of buses service only the UF campus (like the 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 125, 126) and other city routes have stops on or near campus (1, 8, 13, 16, 17, 29, 34. 43 and more). Popular routes include the 5, which runs east and west on University from the mall to downtown and the 8, which runs up and down 13th Street.
Northwest Gainesville
Living in Northwest Gainesville, most people heading to UF or Santa Fe College would likely take a car or bike to school. However, RTS does serve the area with bus routes. Specifically, the 10 and 43 run through Northwest Gainesville from SFC to UF. Other routes are the 6, 8, 15, 29.
UF Sorority Row and South Gainesville
UF Sorority Row and South Gainesville is very close to campus allowing most students either a walk across 13th Street, or a short ride on 13th Street to the UF campus. Buses that service this area are the 43, 13, 17, 16, and in some places, the 29.
West Gainesville
In West Gainesville, many students ride their bike or the bus (or both) to campus, but some have a car or scooter, depending where they live. Bus routes that service this area include the 20, 21, 22, 5 and 75.
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