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Set on the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton is a beautiful prairie city known for its festivals, river valley parks, and nature hotspots. As Alberta’s capital, Edmonton balances vibrant urban life with plentiful natural areas.

To help you navigate and explore the city,  we will break down the basics of using Edmonton’s Transit System (ETS), covering topics like fare payments, commuting tips and accessibility needs. Whether on the train or bus, this guide will ensure you have a confident and smooth journey!

Light Rail Transit

A fast and reliable way to travel across the city is through Edmonton’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. The LRT currently has three main lines: 

  • Capital Line: Runs from Clareview station (Northeast) through downtown to Century Park station (South).
  • Metro Line: Connects the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in the North with downtown and Health Sciences/Jubilee station in the South.
  • Valley Line: Runs from Mill Woods (Southeast) to 102 Street station (located downtown).

Trains operate from 6:00AM until around 1:00AM (depending on the day, line and station), with departure frequency adjusting throughout the day. Click the following link for more information on LRT schedules.

Bus Network

The ETS also has a well-integrated bus service, allowing travelers to conveniently reach local attractions, public libraries, shopping centres, hospitals, schools, and more. These include:

  • Regular buses: These routes operate between 4:30AM to 1:00AM (depending on the route and day).
  • Frequent Bus Network (FBN): High-frequency routes connect major destinations every 15 minutes or less on weekdays, as well as 20 minutes or less on weekends.
  • Express or Rapid buses: Marked with an ‘X’, these routes make fewer stops to allow for faster travel times.
  • Late Night Owl Service: Marked ‘OWL’, these serve travelers between 11:30PM to 3:00AM (depending on the route).
  • On Demand Transit: This bus service picks up and drops off travelers from select neighbourhoods, senior residences, and large city attractions. To use this service, you must pre-book your trip through the app or by calling the help centre. Watch this video for instructions on booking a trip through the app.

All programs operate seven days a week, with some exceptions. Click here to view bus routes, and check out ETS’ guide for reading bus schedules. Alternatively, printed brochures can be found in Edmonton Public Libraries, the West Edmonton Mall, and the Grey Nuns Community Hospital. 

Looking for more resources? An easy way to navigate ETS is by using their trip planner, which provides information on departure times and delays, and calculates the most efficient travel route.

You can also receive text notifications for bus/LRT departure times by texting 3100. For more information on their Text & Ride program, click here. 

Fares and Payments

ETS fares work across the LRT and the bus system, allowing for easy and affordable transfers. 

You can purchase a paper ticket using cash, credit, or debit from bus operators, ETS vending machines, or transit centres. However, buses only accept exact change.

The most convenient way to pay is by joining Arc – Edmonton’s electronic fare payment system. After purchasing an Arc card, riders can tap on/off at reduced fares, as well as reload money and track their purchase history. You can buy an Arc card online, at select ETS locations, from participating retailers, or through their call centre (1-888-302-0001). Click here to see a map of purchase locations and here for more information on using Arc.

Once paid, your ticket is valid for 90 minutes. Alternatively, Arc offers 24-hour, 3-day, and 5-day unlimited transit passes. Click here for the most up-to-date information on fare pricing.

Edmonton also has reduced fare programs, including:

  • ETS @ Work: companies can partner with ETS to give their employees up to 24% off of Arc adult fares. Check with your employer to see if they participate.
  • Providing Accessible Transit Here (PATH): ETS offers free and pre-loaded Arc cards to unhoused individuals.
  • Ride Transit: Low-income residents in Edmonton can receive reduced fares.
  • Senior Annual Pass: Travelers over 65 can ride at a discount.
  • Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass): Students at MacEwan University, Norquest College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the University of Alberta can purchase discounted passes that offer unlimited travel over the school semester.
  • Children 12 and under can ride for free when accompanied by a fare-rider.

Bringing Your Bike On Transit

Looking for multiple ways to get around the city? The ETA lets you bring your bike on any LRT train and is equipped with bike racks on their buses (up to 2 bikes per bus, some exceptions apply). Watch this video for how to load/unload your bike.

They also have free bike lockers at Century Park and Belvedere transit hubs. To use the 24/7 facility, cyclists must pay a $10 deposit to obtain a scan card, and will be reimbursed once the card is returned. Additionally, cyclists must bring their own lock. For more information, click here. 

Accessibility

The City of Edmonton is committed to accessible and inclusive transit, offering low-floor buses with ramps and priority seating. Similarly, trains have automatic doors, ramps, and priority waiting areas on train platforms. Lastly, transit stations have elevators, high-contrast floor markers, automatic doors, and offer audible and visual service announcements.

The Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS) serves individuals who cannot use regular transit due to a cognitive or physical disability. This shared-ride service can pick up or drop off riders to their desired destination. For more information about eligibility and how to book a trip, check out their user guide or call client services at (780) 496 -4567.

Whether you’re commuting to work, school, or exploring the city’s art and culinary scene, ETS can make your travel experience enjoyable and sustainable. Welcome to Edmonton!

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