Valley Metro bus service is a public transport system with local routes, commuter Express and RAPID service, neighborhood circulators, airport links, and transfer points. In Roanoke, many listed routes connect through Third Street Station, where buses depart at 15 minutes after every hour. In the Phoenix-area Valley Metro network, buses also connect with rail, streetcar, PHX Sky Train, Park-and-Ride locations, and major city transport hubs.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Roanoke hub | Third Street Station, 325 Salem Avenue, SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 |
| Regular bus operating hours | Monday through Saturday, 5:45 AM to 8:45 PM |
| MetroFLX timings | Monday through Saturday, 8:45 PM to 12:45 AM; Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Third Street Station departure pattern | Buses leave at 15 minutes after every hour |
| Basic local fare | $1.75 USD |
| Discount local fare | $0.85 USD with eligible ID |
| Customer help | 540-982-2222, Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Major no-service holidays | New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day |
Valley Metro Bus Map
The Valley Metro Bus map shows all available routes and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Valley Metro Bus map in PDF format.
Valley Metro Bus Routes and Stations
Valley Metro routes are organized by route number, direction, and destination. On the Roanoke route plan, odd-numbered routes travel away from downtown Roanoke, while even-numbered routes return toward downtown. Before boarding, check the route number and destination sign on the front of the bus.
The stations list below shows the main route pairs and destinations served from Third Street Station.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| 11 & 16 | To Valley View Mall from Third Street Station |
| 12 & 15 | To Valley View Mall from Third Street Station |
| 21 & 22 | To Valley Court from Third Street Station |
| 25 & 26 | To Roanoke Regional Airport from Third Street Station |
| 31 & 32 | To Blue Hills from Third Street Station |
| 35 & 36 | To Vinton from Third Street Station |
| 41 & 42 | To Southeast Roanoke from Third Street Station |
| 51 & 56 | To Tanglewood Mall from Third Street Station |
| 52 & 55 | To Third Street Station from Tanglewood Mall |
| 61 & 62 | To Brambleton & Red Rock from Third Street Station |
| 65 & 66 | To Carlton & Grandin from Third Street Station |
| 71 & 72 | To Lewis Gale Hospital from Third Street Station |
| 75 & 76 | To Veterans Hospital from Third Street Station |
| 85 & 86 | To Peters Creek Road from Third Street Station |
| 91 & 92 | To Salem from Third Street Station |
Some buses continue as another route without requiring a transfer. For example, Route 55 becomes Route 52 at Tanglewood Mall. If you are not sure which path train or bus connection fits your trip, ask the operator before boarding.
Local Bus Routes
Local bus routes from Third Street Station cover shopping areas, hospitals, airport service, and neighborhood destinations. Buses leave at 15 minutes after every hour, so the route timetable is easy to remember, though exact running time still depends on the route and traffic.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Valley View Mall | Routes 11 & 16 and 12 & 15 |
| Valley Court | Routes 21 & 22 |
| Roanoke Regional Airport | Routes 25 & 26 |
| Blue Hills | Routes 31 & 32 |
| Vinton | Routes 35 & 36 |
| Southeast Roanoke | Routes 41 & 42 |
| Tanglewood Mall | Routes 51 & 56 outbound; Routes 52 & 55 toward Third Street Station |
| Brambleton & Red Rock | Routes 61 & 62 |
| Carlton & Grandin | Routes 65 & 66 |
| Lewis Gale Hospital | Routes 71 & 72 |
| Veterans Hospital | Routes 75 & 76 |
| Peters Creek Road | Routes 85 & 86 |
| Salem | Routes 91 & 92 |
Snow routes follow the same route patterns listed above. For schedule help, call 540-982-2222 Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Express and RAPID Bus Routes
Express and RAPID routes are limited-stop commuter services in the Phoenix-area Valley Metro system. They are built for faster trips from Park-and-Ride lots and suburban pickup points to major destinations, including Downtown Phoenix and the Arizona State Capitol area.
RAPID routes generally run inbound toward downtown in the morning and outbound in the afternoon. Express routes follow a similar commuter pattern, use higher fares than local buses, and are numbered in the 500s.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| 51x | Scottsdale |
| 52x | Tempe |
| 53x | Mesa and Gilbert |
| 54x | Chandler |
| 56x | Southwest Valley, including Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, and Tolleson |
| 57x | Northwest Valley, including Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and Sun Cities |
Service levels, frequency, and opening times vary by route and by day. Current line times are available in the app in real time.
Neighborhood Circulators
Neighborhood circulators support local transport by linking residential areas with nearby business districts. Examples in the network include Scottsdale Neighborhood Trolley, Tempe Orbit Jupiter, Phoenix SMART, ALEX Circulator, MARY Circulator, and SMRT Circulator.
Most community circulators are free. Avondale Zoom routes are an exception, with a fare of $0.50 USD. Former Glendale Urban Shuttle routes previously charged $0.25 USD, but that fare was dropped on October 23, 2017.
Rural and Special-Service Routes
Valley Metro operates more than 100 contracted bus routes, including regular bus routes, limited-stop routes, community circulators, and rural service. Frequency, operating hours, and working hours are not the same across the full system.
Some of the busiest routes run as often as every 10 minutes during peak periods and may operate until 1:00 AM. Less-used routes may run every 30 minutes off-peak and end service at midnight.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Route 50 | Runs east-west along Camelback Road, matching the 5000 block north on the street grid |
| Route 72 | Runs north-south along Scottsdale and Rural Roads, matching the 7200 block east on the street grid |
| Route 104 | Runs north-south along Alma School Road, matching the 10400 block east on the street grid, except in Mesa |
| Route 685 | Gila Bend Regional Connector between Maryvale Village Desert Sky Transit Center and Ajo Esperanza Ave & Telera St.; no Sunday service |
Routes marked with an asterisk are part of the Frequent Bus Network, with 15-minute-or-better headways on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Schedule and Frequency
The Valley Metro bus schedule depends on the route, day of week, and type of service. In Roanoke, buses leave Third Street Station at 15 minutes after each hour. For schedule today or timings today, use the app, the trip planner, or the nearest time point on the route map.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Regular bus opening hours | Monday through Saturday, 5:45 AM to 8:45 PM |
| Last train or last bus reference for regular service | Last buses leave Third Street Transfer Station at 8:15 PM and arrive at the end of the line at 8:45 PM |
| MetroFLX weekday and Saturday service | 8:45 PM to 12:45 AM |
| MetroFLX Sunday service | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Typical Third Street Station starting time pattern | Buses depart at 15 minutes after every hour |
| Peak frequency on busiest routes | As often as every 10 minutes |
| Off-peak frequency on less-used routes | About every 30 minutes |
| Closing time for regular Roanoke bus service | 8:45 PM, Monday through Saturday |
There is no regular service on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day.
Weekday, Weekend, and Holiday Service
Weekday and Saturday service runs from 5:45 AM to 8:45 PM on regular Roanoke buses. MetroFLX covers late-night travel Monday through Saturday from 8:45 PM to 12:45 AM and operates on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
No service is listed for New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Express and RAPID services also do not operate on several major holidays, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Veterans Day, Presidents Day, Christmas Eve, and the Friday after Thanksgiving.
First and Last Buses
Regular buses begin at 5:45 AM Monday through Saturday. The last buses leave Third Street Transfer Station at 8:15 PM and reach the end of the line at 8:45 PM. After that, MetroFLX is the late-night option on Monday through Saturday.
If you need the exact first bus or last bus for a specific route, check the timetable before you travel or call 540-982-2222 during customer service hours.
Rider Alerts and Service Changes
Rider alerts may cover holidays, construction, detours, route changes, and stop closures. Always check alerts before traveling, especially if your route uses Franklin Road, Garden City, Riverland Road, Apperson Drive, Wasena Bridge, Crystal Spring, or FBRI at VTC.
- Independence Day service: buses run as normal on Friday, July 3, while Saturday, July 4 has no bus service. Smart Way-Amtrak trips operate as normal.
- First Fridays detour: buses 35 and 36 use Williamson and Salem Ave when parts of Franklin Road are closed.
- Route 41 Garden City construction: riders should tell the driver which Garden City stop they need, or call 540-982-2222, option 41, when traveling from Garden City.
- Route 91 bridge replacement: bus 91 serves 7th Street at Colorado; some Colorado and Apperson stops are not served.
- Route 61/62 Wasena Bridge closure: buses do not serve Elm/8th and Main/Winona; new stops are placed at Marshall/8th.
- Crystal Spring trolley stop closure: the trolley stops on McClanahan Ave at Crystal Spring A.
- FBRI at VTC: the Star Line Trolley stops at the Smart Way Express stop under the pedestrian bridge.
Fares, Tickets and Payment
Valley Metro fare options include cash fare, single ride ticket choices, passes, reduced fares, Copper Card, and mobile payment. Ticket price and cost depend on the service type, and Express/RAPID fares are higher than local bus fares.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Basic local cash fare | $1.75 USD |
| Discount local fare | $0.85 USD |
| Basic Smart Way ticket | $4.00 USD |
| Discount Smart Way ticket | $2.00 USD |
| S.T.A.R. ticket | $3.50 USD |
| RCPS student fare | $0.85 USD |
| Local bus, light rail, and LINK 1-Ride fare | $2.00 USD |
| Express/RAPID 1-Ride fare | $3.25 USD |
| Express/RAPID smart fare daily cap | $6.50 USD per day |
| Express/RAPID smart fare monthly cap | $104.00 USD per calendar month |
Cards are accepted for ticket purchases at the Third Street Station Ticket Office or Administrative Office with a minimum purchase of $5.00 USD. Cards are not accepted on buses, and tickets cannot be purchased onboard. A 3% convenience fee applies to debit or credit card payments.
Local Bus Fare Options
The basic local fare is $1.75 USD. Discount fare is $0.85 USD for Medicare card holders, riders age 65 or older, and individuals with disabilities who present eligible identification, including a Valley Metro Photo ID.
Children age ten and younger ride free with a paying adult, limited to four children per adult. Middle and high school students pay $0.85 USD each way with proper ID. A Valley Metro Discount ID costs $5.00 USD.
V-Pass options include a 24 Hour Pass at $3.50 USD basic or $1.70 USD discount, a 7 Day Pass at $16.00 USD basic or $8.00 USD discount, and a 15 Ride Pass at $20.00 USD basic. The Smart Way 24 Hour Pass costs $10.00 USD basic or $5.00 USD discount.
Express and RAPID Fare Options
Express and RAPID service uses higher fares because these routes are limited-stop commuter services. A 1-Ride Express/RAPID fare is $3.25 USD. Under Smart Fare, Express/RAPID rides are capped at $6.50 USD per day or $104.00 USD per calendar month.
Reduced 1-Ride fare for local bus, light rail, and LINK is $1.00 USD with proof of eligibility. Eligible riders include youth ages 6 through 18, seniors 65 and older, persons with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders.
Reduced Fares
Reduced fares are available to Medicare card holders, persons age 65 or older, and individuals with disabilities. A valid Valley Metro Discount Identification Card is required for discounted fares, discount passes, or senior and disability reduced fare privileges.
To apply, visit the Customer Service Center at 307 Salem Ave, S.W. with a valid state-issued photo ID and proof of eligibility. Acceptable proof includes a Medicare card, Easter Seal card, Social Security Administration SSI or SSDI documentation, a physician’s letter confirming permanent disability, or proof of age 65 or older.
Smart Fare, Copper Card, and Mobile Payment
The Copper Card is a reloadable smartcard for Valley Metro Bus, Valley Metro Rail, and Valley Metro Streetcar. Mobile payment is also available through the app, but riders should choose one payment method to get the full benefit of Smart Fare caps.
- Tap the Copper Card on the purple fare reader onboard buses and at light rail stations.
- Reload online, at retail locations, or at fare vending machines.
- Set up autoload when the card balance is low.
- View balance, transaction history, and trip history online.
- Deactivate a lost or stolen card through the account tools.
A fare calculator is useful when comparing cash fare, passes, and Smart Fare caps, especially for riders who travel several times per week.
Transfers and Connections
Third Street Station is the main Roanoke transfer point for Valley Metro. Free transfer passes are available when more than one bus is needed to complete a trip. Ask the operator for a transfer as you board and pay your fare.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Third Street Station | Main transfer point at 325 Salem Avenue, SW, Roanoke |
| Tanglewood Mall | Route 55 becomes Route 52 without requiring a transfer |
| Smart Way Bus connection | Links downtown Roanoke with Virginia Tech Transit Center, Roanoke Amtrak platform, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, and Interstate 81 park-and-rides |
Transfers are valid for 30 minutes at designated transfer points. Since buses leave Third Street Station at 15 minutes after every hour, it is worth checking the timetable before making a tight connection.
Transfers Between Bus Routes
Most transfers are made at Third Street Station, where Valley Metro routes meet. Route numbers help show direction: odd-numbered routes travel away from downtown Roanoke, while even-numbered routes return toward downtown.
If the transfer is not obvious, ask the operator. This is especially helpful on routes that continue as another route, such as Route 55 becoming Route 52 at Tanglewood Mall.
Connections with Valley Metro Rail and Streetcar
Valley Metro buses connect with Valley Metro Rail and Streetcar services, giving riders access to a larger local transport network. The streetcar also functions as the system’s tramway-style city transport link in the Phoenix-area network.
For planning, use the app to check the bus schedule, rail timetable, and streetcar timings in one place. Tap the Copper Card or scan the mobile fare every time you ride.
Major Transit Centers and Transfer Points
Third Street Station is the main transit center listed for Roanoke Valley Metro routes. It is located at 325 Salem Avenue, SW and offers weekly and monthly passes for purchase.
Major Phoenix-area transfer points mentioned in the service details include Park-and-Ride lots for RAPID and Express service, the Downtown Phoenix Hub, Greg Stanton Central Station, Paradise Valley Transit Center, and PHX Sky Train stations at 24th Street and 44th Street.
Airport Connections
Valley Metro airport connections include Roanoke Regional Airport on Routes 25 & 26 from Third Street Station and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport via bus routes that connect to PHX Sky Train stations.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Roanoke Regional Airport | Routes 25 & 26 from Third Street Station |
| 24th Street PHX Sky Train Station | Served by Valley Metro Bus Route 13 near Passenger Pick-Up #9 |
| 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station | Served by Valley Metro Bus Route 44 with connection to PHX Sky Train |
Getting to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
For Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Route 13 stops at the 24th Street PHX Sky Train Station near Passenger Pick-Up #9. Route 44 connects at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. The free PHX Sky Train runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects passengers to the terminals.
From Terminal 3 or Terminal 4, riders can take PHX Sky Train to the 44th Street station and continue to Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street and Washington. The bus station is near 24th Street and Buckeye Road.
Airport fare options listed include a 1-Ride fare of $2.00 USD, a 1-day ticket for $4.00 USD, a 7-day ticket for $20.00 USD, and a 31-day ticket for $64.00 USD.
Bus Connections to PHX Sky Train
Bus Route 13 serves the 24th Street PHX Sky Train Station, while Bus Route 44 serves the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. At 44th Street, staged busing is available nightly from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM on the south side of the station.
Those buses provide direct transport to Terminal 3 outer curb by door 8 and Terminal 4 Level 2 outside door 22. The PHX Sky Train continues running during these hours, so travelers have both Sky Train and staged bus options.
Park-and-Ride and Transit Centers
Third Street Station is the main transit center listed for Roanoke service. It is the central boarding point for many routes, and weekly and monthly passes are available there.
In the Phoenix-area network, RAPID and Express routes serve Park-and-Ride lots and suburban pickup points. These routes are designed for commuter travel into Downtown Phoenix and the Arizona State Capitol area.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Third Street Station | Main Roanoke transit center; buses depart at 15 minutes after every hour |
| Park-and-Ride lots | Used by RAPID and Express routes for commuter service |
| Paradise Valley Transit Center | Listed for relocation affecting Routes 44 and 138 |
| Greg Stanton Central Station | Planned connection point for Routes 0, 1, 3, 7, 10, and DASH |
The supplied service details do not list station parking charges or parking charges per day. Check current transit center information before driving to a Park-and-Ride location.
Rules, Safety, and Rider Etiquette
To keep the bus safe and on schedule, arrive at your stop at least five minutes early, have your fare or ticket ready, and let exiting passengers leave first. Use the handrails when boarding, and never step in front of a bus.
Valley Metro buses stop only at designated stops. Once a bus pulls out, it will not stop again. When you want to get off, pull the yellow bell cord about one block before your destination.
- Check the route number and destination sign before boarding.
- Ask the operator if you are unsure about the route or transfer.
- Use headphones at a reasonable volume.
- Do not bring open containers or consume food or beverages onboard.
- Service animals are allowed but must remain under control and off seats.
- Non-service animals must be in carriers.
- Follow operator instructions at all times.
Bicycles may be brought onboard only if the driver agrees and the bike does not block the aisle. Children under 12 should not load or unload bicycles unless accompanied by an adult. Always approach the bike rack from the curbside, not the street side.
Brief History
Valley Metro began operating under its own brand identity in 1993, when Phoenix Transit System and Mesa Sunrunner were merged into the regional network. The system grew out of the Regional Public Transportation Authority, formed in 1985 after Phoenix-area voters approved a one-half percent sales tax increase to expand local freeway and mass transit systems.
In the mid-1980s, routes were reorganized into a point-to-point network rather than a hub-and-spoke system centered on downtown Phoenix. Routes that ran along multiple streets were split, and route numbers were simplified to match the block number of the corridor served. Express routes were later renumbered into the 500-series.
Sunday service was added in Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale in 2001, while Tempe had already had Sunday service since 1999. LINK limited-stop routes were discontinued in 2016 and replaced by enhanced local service on Routes 40 and 112.
Today, Valley Metro operates more than 100 bus routes through private companies across Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, and other parts of Maricopa County.
Future Service Changes and Improvements
Valley Metro is planning service changes and longer-term improvements to strengthen the bus network and better match travel demand.
Beginning Monday, October 27, 2025, Phoenix riders are expected to see changes tied to the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub and Greg Stanton Central Station projects.
- RAPID and Express routes serving Downtown Phoenix will be rerouted to the Downtown Phoenix Hub.
- Greg Stanton Central Station will open and connect Routes 0, 1, 3, 7, 10, and DASH.
- Several Downtown Phoenix bus stops will be relocated.
- The Washington/Central Ave light rail station will reopen during all service hours.
- The Paradise Valley Transit Center will move to a new location, affecting Routes 44 and 138.
Valley Metro is also studying transit services across Maricopa County. The review includes route-by-route ridership and performance analysis and may lead to changes in alignments, frequency, and service spans.
Longer-term priorities include expanded MetroFLX service in the early morning, a return to 30-minute frequency on the highest productivity routes, possible new routes such as the Brandon Avenue Connector and Route 93 – Salem, new bus stop signs, shelters, pedestrian improvements, website upgrades, and mobile ticketing.
Best Routes for Visitors and Key Destinations
For visitors, the best route depends on whether the trip starts in Roanoke at Third Street Station or in the Phoenix-area Valley Metro network. Use the stations map, route plan, and real-time app information before you go.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Valley View Mall | Routes 11 & 16 and 12 & 15 |
| Valley Court | Routes 21 & 22 |
| Roanoke Regional Airport | Routes 25 & 26 |
| Tanglewood Mall | Routes 51 & 56 outbound; Routes 52 & 55 toward Third Street Station |
| Lewis Gale Hospital | Routes 71 & 72 |
| Veterans Hospital | Routes 75 & 76 |
| Salem | Routes 91 & 92 |
Regular buses run Monday through Saturday from 5:45 AM to 8:45 PM. MetroFLX provides later service Monday through Saturday from 8:45 PM to 12:45 AM and Sunday service from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale
For Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale, useful routes include Route 50 along Camelback Road, Route 72 along Scottsdale and Rural Roads, and Route 104 along Alma School Road. Mesa uses a different street numbering origin than Phoenix.
RAPID routes help commuters reach the downtown business core and the Arizona State Capitol area from Park-and-Ride lots. Express routes in the 500s serve Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert, Chandler, the Southwest Valley, and the Northwest Valley.
Stadiums, Universities, Museums, and Shopping Areas
For shopping areas in the Roanoke list, Routes 11 & 16 and 12 & 15 serve Valley View Mall, while Routes 51 & 56 serve Tanglewood Mall. Routes 21 & 22 serve Valley Court, and Routes 25 & 26 connect to Roanoke Regional Airport.
For universities and regional transport, Third Street Station connects with Smart Way Bus service to the Virginia Tech Transit Center, the Roanoke Amtrak platform, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, and Interstate 81 park-and-rides.
Planning Trips to Popular Destinations
Start by checking the route number, destination sign, schedule, and timetable. If you need a transfer, ask the operator when you board the first bus. Free transfers are valid for 30 minutes at designated transfer points.
For help with route planning, call 540-982-2222 Monday through Friday between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM, visit the Third Street Station Information Office, or use the app for real-time bus schedule today, timings today, and service alerts.