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How to ride the bus in Chattanooga: A guide to catching CARTA

Staff photo by Abby White / CARTA driver Darius Hambrick drives his route along East Main Street. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) offers multiple ways to pay for and ride on their vehicles in the Chattanooga area as of Friday, September 5, 2025. . — Staff photo by Abby White / CARTA driver Darius Hambrick drives his route along East Main Street. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) offers multiple ways to pay for and ride on their vehicles in the Chattanooga area as of Friday, September 5, 2025. . Staff photo by Abby White / CARTA driver Darius Hambrick drives his route along East Main Street. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) offers multiple ways to pay for and ride on their vehicles in the Chattanooga area as of Friday, September 5, 2025. .

By Ellen Gerst September 25, 2025 7 min read

So you want to catch the bus in Chattanooga.

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority runs buses around the city. They cost $1.50 for a one-way ride.

The agency also operates paratransit services with on-demand rides for people with disabilities in Chattanooga, Red Bank and East Ridge and an on-demand rideshare program for trips in some parts of Brainerd and Eastdale.

All buses on CARTA’s fixed routes have bike racks, are wheelchair accessible and provide free Wi-Fi to riders.

Here’s how to find your ride, pay for your ticket and use the bus in Chattanooga.