Getting Around Fresno: Transit, Driving and Local Connections

Driving and FAX buses are the main options for getting around Fresno, and the right choice depends on where you are going and when.

FAX operates 18 fixed-route lines, with Handy Ride paratransit for eligible people with disabilities who cannot use the fixed-route system. Driving connects directly between destinations. For central destinations and local connections, the Downtown Fresno guide covers what to see and how to get around.

FAX buses serve Fresno on fixed routes, with designated stops and fare options for single rides and longer-term use.

Fresno Area Express, operated by the City of Fresno, publishes maps and schedules for 18 fixed-route lines. Routes include FAX Q, Herndon, Shaw, Brawley/Inspiration Park, Hughes/McKinley, West Ave/Tulare, Palm/Butler, DSS/Manchester/West Fresno, Church, Olive, Cedar, FYI/Clinton, Malaga/Shields/Chestnut, Ashlan, NE Fresno and Children’s Hospital. The Roeding Park guide covers the park’s grounds and nearby stops.

Regular FAX service runs Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on weekends from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Select routes run late-night service until approximately midnight Monday through Saturday. Buses stop only at designated stops marked with FAX signs that show the routes served.

The regular cash fare is $1.00 per ride; student fare is $0.75 and Handy Ride fare is $1.25. Seniors, people with disabilities, Medicare riders, active military and veterans, and children age 12 and younger can ride fixed-route buses free; qualifying reduced-fare riders need identification.

For frequent trips, fare options include a 10-ride regular card for $9.00, a 31-day regular pass for $36.00, and a 31-day student pass for $22.00.

The Handy Ride pass costs $36.00 and is valid for up to 60 rides per month per individual. Paid-fare riders can request a free transfer from the driver when boarding; it allows unlimited transfers for 90 minutes on all routes in any direction.

Tickets, 10-ride cards and 31-day passes are sold at Manchester Transit Center, at Blackstone and Shields, using cash or credit card. Every Route 1 (FAX Q) bus station also has a ticket vending machine.

Handy Ride is a shared, curb-to-curb service within its service area for eligible people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses. Certified passengers may reserve a trip one to two days ahead and should cancel at least one hour before pickup if plans change.

Driving connects Fresno destinations directly, while downtown parking rules can vary during events.

Downtown parking meters are free on City-observed holidays unless an event is taking place. Meter heads indicate when extended enforcement applies and state the parking rate during an event, so check the meter when you park.

Clovis Transit’s Stageline is another local bus option for connections to Clovis. It operates Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with no Sunday service; fares are free.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport and downtown Fresno are both accessible by car. For details focused on the route between Fresno Yosemite International Airport and West Fresno, the airport-to-West Fresno guide addresses that connection.

Check the official site before you go, because transit schedules, fares and service details can change.

FAX offers an online Trip Planner and Google Transit for planning journeys. Google or Moovit apps and websites provide real-time transit information. Check the City of Fresno’s official information for downtown parking rules and FAX’s official schedules for route details and current service.

How many bus routes does FAX operate?

FAX publishes 18 fixed-route bus lines, along with Handy Ride paratransit service.

Can you transfer between FAX buses?

Paid-fare riders can request a free transfer from the driver when boarding. It allows unlimited transfers for 90 minutes on all routes in any direction.

Does Fresno public transit run on Sundays?

FAX runs weekend service from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Clovis Transit Stageline does not run on Sundays.