VIA Metropolitan Transit, often called VIA Metro or simply VIA, is the public transport agency serving San Antonio, Texas, and surrounding municipalities in Bexar County. Created in 1977 and operating since March 1978, VIA replaced the San Antonio Transit System and now runs a bus-based city transport system with regular routes, Prímo high-frequency service, VIA Link on-demand zones, and VIAtrans paratransit.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Service area | San Antonio and most of Bexar County |
| System type | Bus, on-demand transit, Park & Ride, vanpool, and paratransit |
| Routes and stops | 95 total routes and 5,984 stops |
| Transit hubs | 10 Park & Ride hubs and 9 transit centers |
| Fleet | 511 buses and 138 paratransit vehicles, including CNG and electric vehicles |
| Headquarters | 123 N. Medina St., San Antonio |
| Ridership | 30,665,700 reported in 2025, with about 99,000 weekday riders in the first quarter of 2026 |
VIA Metropolitan Transit Map
The VIA Metropolitan Transit map shows all available routes and stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the VIA Metropolitan Transit map in PDF format.
Routes, Stops, and Transit Centers
VIA Metropolitan Transit operates a large local transport network across Greater San Antonio. The route plan includes 95 routes, 5,984 stops, 10 Park & Ride hubs, and 9 transit centers, so riders can move between neighborhoods, downtown, the airport, medical districts, campuses, and event venues without relying on a car.
The system includes 3 Prímo routes, 21 Frequent routes, and 70 Standard routes. Radial routes numbered 1–99 generally connect major streets with Downtown San Antonio. Lineup routes, numbered 200–299, help riders leave downtown late at night. For planning, riders can use the route timetable, trip-planning tools, real-time arrivals, and a stations map or stops view in mapping apps.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Total routes | 95 |
| Prímo routes | 3 |
| Frequent routes | 21 |
| Standard routes | 70 |
| Stops | 5,984 |
| Hubs | 10 Park & Ride hubs and 9 transit centers |
Regular Bus Routes
Regular VIA bus routes form the backbone of transportation in San Antonio. VIA operates more than 500 wheelchair-accessible buses on 75 bus routes, with service across the city and most of Bexar County.
Frequent routes usually run every 15–20 minutes, while Standard routes run every 30 minutes or every 40–60 minutes, depending on the corridor and time of day. Some routes also have segments with different working hours or peak-only service.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| North Star Transit Center | Served by routes such as 3, 4, and 5; useful for airport-area and north-side connections. |
| Centro Plaza | Major downtown transfer point served by many routes, including 3, 10, 14, 20, 46, 66, 68, 75, 76, 89, 92, 93, and 100. |
| Naco Pass | Served by routes such as 9 and 10, with links toward Alamo Heights and downtown. |
| Brooks Transit Center | Served by routes including 20 and Southeast zone connections. |
| Madla Transit Center | Served by routes including 46, 51, 103, and 524. |
Examples of regular routes include Route 4 San Pedro Frequent, Route 5 McCullough to San Antonio International Airport, Route 9 Broadway, Route 10 Nacogdoches Skip, Route 14 Perrin Beitel Skip, Route 20 New Braunfels Frequent, and Route 21 Kirby/Ventura Frequent.
To check a route today, use the route dropdown, Google Transit, Transit App, VIA goMobile+, or text the 5-digit bus stop number to 52020 for real-time bus information.
Prímo High-Frequency Routes
Prímo is VIA’s high-frequency, limited-stop bus service for heavy-ridership corridors. It began on December 17, 2012, on the Fredericksburg Road corridor and was designed to give riders faster service with fewer stops and better frequency.
Prímo routes typically operate every 12–15 minutes. The fare is the same as regular VIA bus service, and daily and monthly passes are accepted.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Route 100 | Connects Centro Plaza and Ellis Alley Park & Ride with Medical Center Transit Center via Fredericksburg Road and Medical Drive. |
| Route 102 | Runs between Kel-Lac Transit Center and Brooks Transit Center along Military Drive. |
| Route 103 | Connects Crossroads Park & Ride with Madla Transit Center via Fredericksburg Road and Zarzamora Street. |
Prímo expanded to Zarzamora Street in January 2019 and to Military Drive later in 2019. VIA has continued to review other corridors for future bus service improvements and expansion.
Express and Downtown Service
VIA express service is built for faster trips between downtown and other parts of San Antonio. These routes reduce parking hassles and are especially useful during morning and afternoon rush hours.
Downtown service runs from early morning to late night on many routes. Prímo 100 operates from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily, and downtown lineup service gives riders late connections at 10:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m. For the 12:30 a.m. lineup, buses wait until all lineup buses have arrived and riders have had time to transfer.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Prímo frequency | Every 12–15 minutes |
| Frequent route frequency | Every 15–20 minutes |
| Standard route frequency | Every 30 minutes, or every 40–60 minutes on some routes |
| Downtown lineup | 10:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m. |
| General bus operating hours | About 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., depending on route |
As of January 1, 2016, the regular bus fare is US$1.30, and the express fare is US$2.60. Transfers are free, but riders transferring from local service to Express Service must pay the fare difference.
Major Transit Centers and Transfer Points
Transit centers and transfer points are essential for building a practical path train-style bus trip across the VIA system. Many routes change direction, continue under a different number, or connect to VIA Link at these hubs.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Brooks Transit Center | Staffed transit center with enclosed waiting areas, restrooms, vending machines, and customer assistance. |
| Centro Plaza Transit Center | Major downtown hub for many local, Prímo, and transfer routes. |
| Eastside Transit Center | Staffed transfer point in the VIA network. |
| Ingram Transit Center | Major transfer point with route and parking connections. |
| Kel-Lac Transit Center | Important connection for Route 102 and west-side service. |
| Madla Transit Center | Serves routes including 46, 51, 103, and 524, plus VIA Link connections. |
| Medical Center Transit Center | Key hub for the South Texas Medical Center area and Prímo 100. |
| North Star Transit Center | Useful for north-side routes and airport-area service. |
| Randolph Transit Center | Transfer point for Route 8 and VIA Link service. |
VIA Link transfer points include Naco Pass, Randolph Transit Center, Madla Transit Center, Centro Plaza, Ellis Alley, Mainland, UTSA, and Northwest Vista College. These stops help riders connect between on-demand service and the regular bus network.
Schedule, Frequency, and Real-Time Arrivals
VIA schedules vary by route, service type, day of week, and holidays. For the most accurate schedule today, riders should check live arrivals before heading to the stop, especially if using a saved timetable.
Real-time bus information is available by texting the 5-digit stop number to 52020. Riders can also use VIA goMobile+, Transit App, Google Maps transit directions, Next Bus tools, or the official route dropdown. For questions, the VIA goLine is 210-362-2020.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Prímo routes | Every 12–15 minutes |
| Frequent routes | Every 15–20 minutes |
| Standard routes | Every 30 minutes, or every 40–60 minutes depending on the route |
| General bus running time | Service commonly runs from about 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., depending on route |
| Downtown late-night lineup | 10:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m. |
| Customer service office hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Holiday service may follow Saturday, Sunday, or Fiesta schedules. Because opening times, closing time, and last train-style last bus departures can change by route, always check the current timetable and service alerts.
Weekday, Weekend, and Holiday Service
VIA service changes are scheduled to begin on August 24, with updated routes and schedules posted through VIA service-change information. Riders should check the latest route timetable before traveling because timings can shift.
The Better Bus Plan includes weekday, weekend, and late-night improvements. Examples include Route 62 increasing weekday frequency from 60 to 30 minutes, Route 89 improving weekday arrivals from every 60 minutes to every 30 minutes, and Route 21 improving weekday service from 30 to 20 minutes.
Weekend improvements include Route 21 increasing from 60 to 30 minutes on weekends and higher weekend frequency on Route 68. Route 7 adds new weekend service from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 30-minute frequency.
Late Night Service
VIA’s late-night lineup helps riders leave downtown after regular peak service has ended. Buses depart from various downtown locations at 10:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m.
For the 12:30 a.m. lineup, buses do not leave until all lineup buses have arrived and passengers have had a chance to transfer. If several buses line up on the same block, look for your route along the full line; operators and supervisors can help you find the right bus.
Late-night information can change, so use live arrivals or call 210-362-2020 before relying on a final trip.
Fares, Tickets, Passes, and Cards
VIA fare options include cash fare, mobile ticket, reloadable goCard, goCard lite, daily and multi-day passes, semester passes, annual passes, VIA Link fare, VIAtrans tickets, and Park & Ride Service fare. Riders can buy many tickets and passes through VIA goMobile+, a VIA Customer Service Center, or retail outlets including most H-E-B stores.
All prices below are in local currency, U.S. dollars (US$). VIA does not publish a fare calculator in the provided material, but the tables below make the basic ticket price and pass cost clear.
Regular Bus, Express, VIA Link, and VIAtrans Fares
| Fare type | Full fare | Reduced fare |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Bus | US$1.30 | US$0.65 |
| Express Bus Service | US$2.60 | US$1.30 |
| VIA Link | US$1.30 | US$0.65 |
| VIAtrans Service | US$2.00 | Not listed |
| VIAtrans Child | US$0.90 | Not listed |
| Park & Ride Service | US$1.30 | US$0.65 |
| Transfers | Free | Free |
Transfers are valid for 2.5 hours from the indicated time. If you transfer from regular service to Express Service, you must pay the difference in fare.
VIAtrans riders, their personal care attendant, and a companion with VIA ID ride bus and special event service free.
Day Pass, 7-Day Pass, 31-Day Pass, Semester Pass, and Annual Pass
| Pass | Full fare | Reduced fare |
|---|---|---|
| Day Pass | US$2.75 | US$1.35 |
| 7-Day Pass | US$12.00 | US$6.00 |
| 31-Day Pass | US$38.00 | US$19.00 |
| Semester Pass | US$38.00 | Not listed |
| Annual Pass | US$365.00 | Not listed |
A Day Pass is valid for unlimited rides on regular, Express, Prímo, and VIA Link service on the day of activation. A 7-Day Pass is valid for seven days from activation, and a 31-Day Pass is valid for 31 days from activation.
The Semester Pass is valid for the full semester: spring passes run from January 1 to July 31, and fall passes run from August 1 to December 31. The Annual Pass is valid for one calendar year, or 365 days, from activation and is available as full fare only at VIA Information Centers on a goCard.
Cashless payment options include contactless Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards, mobile wallets, VIA goMobile+, Transit app tickets, goCard, and goCard lite. American Express is not accepted.
Reduced Fares and Eligibility
Reduced fare is available for children ages 5–13, seniors age 62 or older, Medicare recipients, people with certain disabilities, active-duty U.S. military, and students. Children 4 and under ride free, and children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible party.
A VIA Reduced Fare ID or Student ID is not required to buy reduced fares and passes, but it must be shown when boarding to receive the discount. Children and active-duty U.S. military in uniform are not required to show ID.
Seniors age 62 and older can ride for US$0.25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and free all day on weekends with VIA ID. Students may qualify for discounted fare products and semester passes, with eligibility depending on age, school status, and required documents.
VIA also offers a Fare Assistance Program for eligible nonprofit, social service, governmental, and public agencies serving low-income clients or clients below the federal poverty level. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can buy monthly, weekly, and daily bus passes, VIA Link, and VIAtrans tickets in bulk at 25% less than the value of the passes.
Connections to San Antonio International Airport
VIA connects San Antonio International Airport with downtown and the far North Side. Route 5 provides local airport service, while Route 7 offers express service between Stone Oak Park & Ride, the airport, and downtown.
The airport bus stop information in the provided material points riders to the lower roadway near baggage claim. Travelers should check schedule today details and real-time departures before leaving, especially when catching a flight.
Route 5 Local Airport Service
Route 5 provides daily local bus service between San Antonio International Airport and downtown San Antonio. The airport-to-downtown trip takes about 30 minutes.
At the airport, passengers should go to the Lower Roadway at the arrivals level of Terminal A and Terminal B. The stop is at the far west end of Terminal B, near baggage claim.
Route 5 also connects the airport with points such as Olmos Park, North Star Mall, North Star Transit Center, and downtown. The regular one-way fare is US$1.30, and a Day Pass costs US$2.75.
Route 7 Express and Stone Oak Park & Ride
Route 7 is an express route linking Stone Oak Park & Ride, San Antonio International Airport, and downtown. It is a good choice for riders who want a faster airport connection without paying station parking or airport parking charges.
Parking at Stone Oak Park & Ride is free. Riders board on the first floor, and VIA notes that free secured overnight parking is allowed on the 3rd floor for airport riders.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Route 7 frequency | Every 30 minutes during listed service |
| Weekday service span | 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the provided route details |
| Airport running time | About 15 to 20 minutes nonstop |
| Fare | US$2.60 each way |
All VIA passes are valid on Route 7 Express. Riders can pay with cash or the VIA goMobile+ app, and transfers are free.
Tips for Traveling with Luggage
Keep luggage compact and easy to handle. Bags should not block aisles, doors, priority seating, or other passenger space.
If your trip includes a transfer, be ready to carry bags on and off the bus yourself. A small personal item and one manageable suitcase are much easier than oversized luggage, especially during busy service times.
Allow extra time before your flight. That way, if a bus is crowded or you need help finding the right stop, you are not rushing.
Park & Ride, Vanpool, and Commuter Options
VIA Park & Ride, Park & Pool, vanpool, and employer commuting programs give riders practical alternatives to driving alone. Parking is free at all listed Park & Ride and Park & Pool locations, so parking charges per day are US$0.00 at those sites in the provided information.
For daily commuting, express routes provide non-stop service to downtown. For events, VIA Park & Ride Event Service helps riders reach Spurs games, UTSA football, Fiesta, and other major destinations without searching for event parking.
Park & Ride Locations
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Brooks Transit Center, 7903 S. New Braunfels Avenue | 50 parking spaces; routes 7, 20, 32, 34, 36, 102, and 552. |
| Crossroads Park & Ride, 151 Crossroads Blvd. | Information center; 500 parking spaces; routes 93, 95, 103, 505, 509, 524, and 552. |
| Ellis Alley Park & Ride, 212 Chestnut St. | Information center; 130 parking spaces; routes 25 and 100. |
| Ingram Transit Center, 3215 Northwestern Drive | 81 parking spaces; routes 82, 89, 90, 534, 552, 607, 609, 610, 618, and 620. |
| Madla Transit Center, 1584 Cantrell | 135 parking spaces; routes 51 and 103. |
| Medical Center Transit Center, 5330 Medical Drive | 123 parking spaces; routes 95, 100, 501, 503, 522, 534, 602, 603, 604, 607, and 609. |
| Stone Oak Park & Ride, 22139 U.S. Highway 281 North | Information center; 400 parking spaces; routes 7 and 503. |
| University Park & Ride, North Loop 1604 W and IH-10 W | Currently closed for construction on the Loop 1604 and IH-10 W corridor. |
| VIA IH-10 Park & Pool, 29479 IH-10 West, Boerne | 140 parking spaces; self-park location with no routes serving the site. |
VIA notes that current Park & Ride service is usually offered from Randolph and Crossroads Park & Ride locations and Frank Madla Transit Center.
Event Park & Ride Service
Special event Park & Ride service is available for major events such as San Antonio Spurs basketball at Frost Bank Center, selected Fiesta San Antonio activities, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, UTSA home football games, the Valero Alamo Bowl, Monster Jam, and the Texas Folklife Festival.
The fare is US$1.30 one way or US$2.60 round trip. Discounts are available for students, children ages 5–11, seniors 62 and older, and persons with disabilities.
Buses begin returning to Park & Ride locations immediately after the event and continue for one hour. Board at the same point where you got off, and look for buses labeled by destination.
Vanpool and Employer Commuting Programs
VIA Vanpool is designed for groups commuting together. The provided material describes groups of 5 to 15 people sharing a ride to work and splitting the cost of van rental and fuel. VIA also provides a subsidy discount, insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance, and van maintenance.
VIAWorks, VIA’s Transit Benefit Program, gives employers and employees another commuter option. Vanpool trips may travel almost anywhere, as long as the trip starts or ends within VIA’s bus service area.
Employees of participating workplaces may receive up to US$255 per month for vanpool expense reimbursements. For VIAWorks questions, call 210-362-2380. For vanpool pricing, call 210-362-2555.
VIA Link and VIAtrans
VIA Link and VIAtrans extend VIA beyond the fixed-route bus system. VIA Link provides on-demand shared rides in selected zones, while VIAtrans serves eligible riders with disabilities who cannot use regular bus service for some or all trips.
VIA Link On-Demand Zones
VIA Link is an on-demand service using passenger vans within designated zones. It does not follow a fixed route timetable; instead, riders book a shared trip by app, online, or phone. Trips can be scheduled on demand or up to 7 days in advance.
Pickup is usually at a nearby predetermined location within the zone. Wait times are often short, with a vehicle frequently available in less than 20 minutes.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| VIA Link Randolph | Every day, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| VIA Link Mainland | Every day, 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. |
| VIA Link Madla | Every day, 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. |
| VIA Link Naco Pass | Every day, 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. |
Other VIA Link zones named in the provided material include Downtown and Southeast. VIA Link fare is the same as regular VIA bus fare, reduced fares are available, and free transfers apply.
VIAtrans Paratransit Service
VIAtrans is an advance-reservation paratransit service for people with disabilities who are unable to use regular VIA bus service for some or all trips. It is a shared-ride, curb-to-curb service using accessible vehicles and independent contractors.
Eligibility is not automatic. Customers must be approved through the VIAtrans eligibility process and may receive unconditional or conditional approval. Some applicants may be asked to complete a functional assessment.
VIAtrans provides paratransit service within 0.75 miles (about 1.2 km) of fixed-route bus service. It can pick up and drop off customers at any address along and within Loop 410 every day of the week. Between Loop 410 and Loop 1604, service covers most addresses north of Highway 90 West and IH 10 East, plus many addresses along US 181 South and US 281 South.
VIAtrans service is not available within Windcrest, Live Oak, Universal City, Hill Country Village, or Hollywood Park because those cities do not participate in the VIA transit system.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Reservations | One to four days in advance; no same-day reservations |
| Reservation office | Every day, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. |
| Extended reservation hours | Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except one-day bookings |
| Cancellations | 24 hours a day, seven days a week |
| Reservation Agents for cancellations | 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. |
| Service span | As early as 4:00 a.m. and as late as 12:30 a.m., depending on location and matching fixed-route service |
VIAtrans fare is US$2.00 one way for adults and US$0.90 for children ages 5 to 13. Customers may pay with VIA goMobile, cash, or VIAtrans tickets.
VIAtrans Reservation Office: 210-362-5050. Toll free: 1-866-362-5050. Accessible Services at VIA Metro Center: 210-362-2140. Toll free Accessible Services: 1-866-362-4200.
When to Use Fixed-Route Bus, VIA Link, or VIAtrans
Use the fixed-route bus system for regular route travel, airport connections, Prímo service, Express routes, Park & Ride, downtown service, and trips where a published train schedule-style bus timetable fits your day.
Use VIA Link when you are traveling within a designated on-demand zone and want a flexible shared ride to a nearby stop, destination, or bus connection. It works best for trips that do not fit neatly on a fixed route.
Use VIAtrans when disability-related limitations prevent independent use of regular fixed-route buses for some or all trips. VIAtrans requires eligibility approval and advance reservations.
How to Ride VIA
Riding VIA is simple once you know the steps: plan your trip, find the correct stop, board the right bus, pay your fare, and request your stop before getting off.
- Plan your trip with VIA goMobile+, Google Maps, VIAInfo.net, Transit App, or VIA customer service.
- Find your stop using the route number and 5-digit stop ID on the bus stop sign.
- Check the destination sign on the approaching bus before boarding.
- Stand behind the curb, let passengers exit first, and ask the operator for help if you need the ramp or a lowered bus.
- Pay with cash, ticket, pass, mobile ticket, goCard, or goCard lite. Exact change is required for cash.
- Pull the yellow cord or press the yellow strip when your stop is next.
The Transit app can show nearby service, route timetables, vehicle locations, capacity, service alerts, and step-by-step navigation. It is handy when you are making transfers or checking timings today.
Tips for First-Time Riders
- Plan your trip in the VIA goMobile+ app or another trip-planning tool.
- Buy a Day Pass for US$2.75 if you expect to ride more than once in a day.
- Use the map and 5-digit stop ID to make sure you are at the right stop.
- Board the bus and show your activated mobile ticket or tap your card.
- Pull the cord before your stop so the operator knows you want to get off.
If you need to transfer, repeat the stop-finding and boarding steps. Passes are valid for unlimited rides on regular, Express, Prímo, and VIA Link service, except where special event rules apply.
Rules, Safety, and Code of Conduct
VIA’s rules and safety expectations are meant to keep buses, stops, shelters, transit centers, transfer centers, and other VIA property safe and orderly. VIA Transit Police Officers are commissioned peace officers who protect VIA customers, employees, and property.
Riders are expected to pay the correct fare, follow operator instructions, keep aisles and doors clear, respect priority seating, use seats responsibly, and avoid behavior that disrupts service or creates safety risks.
Prohibited conduct described in the provided material includes abusive language, fare misuse, smoking or vaping in prohibited areas, theft or damage to property, assault, disorderly conduct, and unsafe or unlawful actions.
Violations can lead to warnings, removal from property, suspension, citations, or other action. Simple rule of thumb: follow posted rules, listen to VIA staff and police, and give other passengers the space to ride safely.
Brief History
VIA Metropolitan Transit was created in 1977 after Bexar County voters approved a one-half cent sales tax to fund public transit. The agency began operations in March 1978 after buying transit assets from the City of San Antonio. Its name comes from the Latin word for road.
In 2004, San Antonio voters approved the Advanced Transportation District, funded by a quarter-cent sales tax to help expand and improve VIA operations. VIA has received recognition from the American Public Transportation Association, including Best Transit System in North America in 1990 and several later safety awards.
Prímo limited-stop service began in 2012 on Fredericksburg Road, then expanded to Zarzamora Street in 2019 and Military Drive later that year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, VIA temporarily suspended fares in March 2020; fare collection resumed on June 1, 2020, and capacity limits were removed on June 1, 2021.
VIA fares have stayed modest over much of the agency’s history. When service began in 1978, most routes cost US$0.25. By 2006, most fixed routes cost US$0.80, and a monthly bus pass was US$20.00.
Service Changes and Future Improvements
VIA plans service changes on January 12, 2026, as part of the Better Bus Plan, a multi-year effort to improve frequency, reliability, and overall system performance. The updates build on improvements introduced in April and August 2025.
The January changes affect 30 routes across the service area. VIA says they were made possible by hiring 107 additional full-time bus operators, faster progress on the Better Bus Plan, and voter-approved sales tax support that VIA began receiving at the start of the year.
The agency says the changes are intended to improve customer experience with more frequent and reliable service, better connections, and expanded access to high-demand areas. VIA also held public hearings before finalizing the improvements.
VIA evaluates route improvements using travel patterns, bus operator availability, public requests, and opportunities for faster, more reliable trips. The FY 2026 budget and capital plan also support customer experience upgrades, safety and security investments, workforce development, new vehicles, facility renovations, and long-term infrastructure, including VIA Rapid Green and Silver lines.
VIA expects to complete 64% of planned Better Bus Plan improvements within the first two years, with additional service changes scheduled through 2026.
Popular Destinations and Nearby Attractions
VIA helps residents and visitors reach many of San Antonio’s best-known destinations, including the River Walk, the Alamo, Market Square, the Pearl District, downtown, Alamo Heights, and major event venues.
Route 5 serves San Antonio International Airport, North Star Mall, and downtown. Route 7 connects Stone Oak Park & Ride with the airport and downtown. Route 10 serves Naco Pass, Alamo Heights, and downtown. VIA Link adds flexible neighborhood connections for shopping, restaurants, work, and local destinations.
Downtown San Antonio and the River Walk
Downtown San Antonio is one of the easiest areas to reach by VIA. Open-air streetcars are described in the provided material as serving attractions such as the Alamo, the Spanish Governor’s Palace, La Villita, and the King William Historic District, with Convention Plaza as a useful starting point.
VIVA by VIA links downtown with museums, parks, cultural districts, and historic areas. VIVA Centro runs through downtown, VIVA Culture connects Southtown, King William, and the Broadway Cultural Corridor, and VIVA Missions serves the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Missions.
The River Walk can also be explored by Rio San Antonio Cruises, which run throughout the day and stop at several locations along the River Walk. For downtown trips, check real-time bus updates and consider buying a ticket or pass before you leave.
Medical Center, UTSA, and Major Activity Centers
VIA connects the South Texas Medical Center, UTSA Main Campus, UTSA Downtown Campus, and other major activity centers. Route 501 provides direct service between the UTSA Main Campus area and the Medical Center, while Route 93, the Roadrunner Express, connects the Main Campus and Downtown Campus.
Route 100 serves the Fredericksburg Road corridor and connects the South Texas Medical Center with Downtown San Antonio. The Medical Center Transit Center is a key transfer point, and routes 602–609 are listed for the Medical Center area.
UTSA students, faculty, and staff can also use VIA U-Pass, VIA Link Mainland, and VIA Link Downtown for campus and city trips.
Missions, Event Venues, and Visitor Areas
VIA serves visitor areas including the historic missions district, downtown, cultural corridors, and major event venues. VIVA service runs on VIVA Culture Route 11, VIVA Missions Route 40, and VIVA Centro Route 301.
Special event service connects Park & Ride locations with major gatherings such as Spurs games, selected Fiesta events, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, UTSA football, the Valero Alamo Bowl, Monster Jam, and the Texas Folklife Festival.
Park & Ride service for these events is usually available from Randolph, Crossroads, and Frank Madla Transit Center. VIAtrans paratransit and VIA Link on-demand zones give riders additional ways to reach visitor areas and event destinations.
FAQ
Is VIA Metropolitan Transit a bus system or a metro?
VIA Metropolitan Transit is a bus-based public transportation system serving San Antonio and much of Bexar County. It is not a subway or rail metro.
The system includes regular buses, Express routes, Prímo high-frequency service, VIA Link on-demand service, Park & Ride, vanpool, and VIAtrans paratransit.
How do I find the next VIA bus?
You can check the next VIA bus by using VIA goMobile+, Transit App, Google Maps transit directions, Next Bus tools, or the route dropdown. You can also text the 5-digit bus stop number to 52020 for real-time arrivals.
For service alerts, detours, opening hours, closing time, and schedule today information, use live tools rather than relying only on a saved timetable.
Can I pay for VIA without cash?
Yes. VIA accepts cashless fare payment through contactless Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, VIA goMobile+, Transit app tickets, goCard, and goCard lite.
Cash is still accepted, but exact change is required. Day Passes cannot be purchased on the bus with a credit card or mobile wallet.
Does VIA go to San Antonio International Airport?
Yes. Route 5 serves San Antonio International Airport with local bus service to downtown, and Route 7 connects Stone Oak Park & Ride with the airport and downtown by express service.
Route 5 takes about 30 minutes between the airport and downtown. Route 7 is listed as a nonstop airport trip of about 15 to 20 minutes, with a US$2.60 one-way fare.
What is the difference between VIA Link and a regular bus?
VIA Link is an on-demand shared-ride service within designated zones. A regular bus follows a fixed route and timetable.
- VIA Link uses passenger vans and booked trips.
- Regular buses run on published routes and schedules.
- VIA Link connects riders within a zone and to regular bus service.
- VIA Link fare is the same as regular VIA bus fare, and transfers are free.
Are VIA buses accessible?
Yes. VIA operates wheelchair-accessible buses and provides VIAtrans paratransit for people whose disabilities prevent them from independently using fixed-route buses.
For accessibility help, contact the Accessible Services Office at VIA Metro Center, 1021 San Pedro, at 210-362-2140, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.