What You’ll Spend on Transit in Lexington
When budgeting for public transportation costs in Lexington, expect to pay around $1.75 for a standard one-way bus fare on the Lextran system. A 30-day bus pass in Lexington typically costs $50. These prices reflect the rates as of 2025 and are on par with transit costs in similar midsize U.S. cities.
For frequent riders, investing in a monthly pass often provides the best value. A pass allows unlimited rides on Lextran buses and can add up to significant savings compared to paying individual fares for each trip. Reduced fares are also available for students, seniors, and riders with disabilities.
Transit Options Available
Lexington’s primary public transportation provider is Lextran, which operates an extensive network of bus routes throughout the city and surrounding Fayette County. In addition to standard buses, Lextran offers a few specialized services:
- COLT (Colt Trolley) – A downtown circulator route that connects major attractions, hotels, and the convention center. Fare is $1.
- Wheels – A shared-ride paratransit service for people with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route buses. Fare is $3.50 per trip.
- BluPass – A partnership with the University of Kentucky that allows students, faculty, and staff to ride any Lextran route free with a valid UK ID.
While Lexington doesn’t have light rail or subway lines, the bus system provides fairly comprehensive coverage of the city. Most routes operate 7 days a week, with reduced schedules on weekends and holidays.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
The cost of riding transit in Lexington depends on how often you use it. Here’s a breakdown of what you might spend per month in common scenarios:
| Rider Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Occasional (4 round trips) | $14 |
| Weekend only (8 round trips) | $28 |
| 5-day commuter (40 trips) | $50 (with pass) |
| UK student | $0 (BluPass) |
🏆 Winner: For most Lexington commuters, a 30-day Lextran pass ($50) provides the best value and flexibility. UK students and employees get the best deal of all, with free rides through the BluPass program.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Lexington?
Choosing transit over driving comes down to more than just the fare price. Lexington’s buses cover most of the city, but routes and schedules may not be ideal for every commute. The average bus commute in Lexington takes about 35 minutes, compared to a 20-25 minute drive.
However, riding the bus allows you to avoid parking fees, which can run $50-$150 per month in downtown Lexington. You’ll also save on gas and wear and tear on your personal vehicle. For some households, relying on transit and forgoing a car altogether could save hundreds each month.
Lexington has a walk score of 34, meaning most errands require a car. Bus service is relatively frequent in the urban core, with some routes running every 15 minutes on weekdays. But in outlying areas, service may be limited to once per hour. Carefully check schedules and stop locations to see if transit would be reliable for your daily needs.
Ways to Save on Transit
Lextran offers discounted fares for several rider categories:
- Seniors (65+): Half-price fares
- Medicare cardholders: Half-price fares
- Youth (6-18): Half-price fares
- Disabled riders: Half-price fares with Lextran ID card
- Low-income riders: Half-price fares in the “Tap for a Buck” program
- Students: Free rides with valid ID from the University of Kentucky, BCTC, Transylvania University, and some other local schools
Some Lexington employers also offer discounted or pre-tax transit passes as a benefit. Check with your workplace to see if they participate in Lextran’s EasyRide program.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Lexington?
Walking is always free, for short trips. For longer distances, Lextran buses are the most affordable transit option in Lexington, with fares starting at $1.75 per ride or $50 for a 30-day pass.
Are there monthly transit passes in Lexington?
Yes, Lextran offers a 30-day unlimited ride pass for $50. Reduced fare passes are available for $25 per month for seniors, youth, Medicare recipients, and disabled riders.
Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
It depends on your location and schedule. Lextran buses run every 15-60 minutes, with more frequent service in the city center. Most routes operate 7 days a week. However, commute times by bus are often longer than driving. Use Lextran’s trip planner to map your route and check reliability.
How much is the bus fare in Lexington?
As of 2025, a one-way fare on Lextran buses is $1.75. Reduced fares of $0.85 are available for seniors, youth, disabled riders, and Medicare holders. Children under 6 ride free with a paying adult.
Does Lexington have light rail or subway service?
No, Lexington does not currently have any rail transit lines. The city is primarily served by bus. However, long-range transportation plans have proposed light rail or bus rapid transit routes for the future.
Getting Around Smarter in Lexington
For most Lexingtonians, riding the bus is an affordable transportation option, with fares as low as $1.75 per trip or $50 per month. Monthly budgets for Lexington residents often include a line item for transit passes, especially for downtown commuters or UK students.
However, relying solely on transit has its tradeoffs. Lexington’s buses don’t run as frequently or extensively as in larger cities, so commute times can be longer. Fares are very affordable compared to the total cost of car ownership, but the convenience factor is lower.
Ultimately, the choice between riding transit or driving comes down to your personal schedule, budget priorities, and where you need to go in Lexington. Hopefully this guide has given you a clearer picture of the costs and benefits of each option. For more info, check out Lextran’s website or consult their trip planner to map out your travel needs.