How Much It Costs to Ride the Bus or Train in Sherwood

A parent and child boarding a Valley Metro bus on a cloudy day in a suburban neighborhood with houses visible in the background.
A Valley Metro bus stop on a quiet residential street in Sherwood.

What You’ll Spend on Transit in Sherwood

Do you really need a car to get around Sherwood? For many residents, public transportation offers an affordable alternative. In 2025, public transportation costs in Sherwood remain relatively low compared to car ownership expenses like gas, parking, and maintenance. A 30-day bus pass in Sherwood typically costs around $72. In midsize cities like Sherwood, a monthly transit pass usually runs between $60–$100 depending on the level of coverage.

For a one-way fare, expect to pay about $2.50 to ride the bus or light rail in Sherwood. Reduced fares are available for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities. Children under 6 can often ride free with a paying adult. Overall, relying on public transit instead of driving can lead to significant monthly savings for Sherwood commuters.

Transit Options Available

Sherwood residents benefit from a robust public transportation system operated by Valley Metro. Buses and light rail trains form the backbone of the transit network, connecting neighborhoods to major employment centers, schools, and shopping districts. Key transit options in Sherwood include:

  • Valley Metro bus routes serving residential areas and commercial corridors
  • MAX Light Rail Blue Line with stops in downtown Sherwood and Tualatin
  • WES Commuter Rail connecting Sherwood to Beaverton during peak hours

Bus routes in Sherwood run from early morning to late evening on weekdays, with more limited weekend service. MAX Light Rail trains arrive every 15 minutes for most of the day. For commuters heading to Portland, the WES Commuter Rail provides a traffic-free alternative during rush hour.

Monthly Cost Breakdown

The cost of riding public transit in Sherwood depends on how often you use the system. Consider these common commuting scenarios:

Commuting ScenarioEstimated Monthly Cost
5-day weekly rider$100 (with monthly pass)
Weekend-only user$20 (with day passes)
Heavy daily commuter$72 (with 30-day pass)

🏆 Winner: In Sherwood, a 30-day bus pass offers the best value for regular weekday commuters at just $72 per month. Occasional riders can save by purchasing day passes rather than individual fares.

Is Public Transit Worth It in Sherwood?

For many Sherwood residents, riding public transit makes financial sense compared to the high costs of parking, gas, and car ownership. The average bus commute time in Sherwood is around 35 minutes, only slightly longer than driving in normal traffic.

Sherwood neighborhoods are relatively walkable, with many bus stops and light rail stations easily accessible by foot or bike. However, transit service frequency and coverage varies. In the city center and along major corridors, buses and trains run regularly. But in outlying areas, service may be more limited. Overall, public transportation in Sherwood is often more cost-effective than driving, especially for solo commuters.

Ways to Save on Transit

Sherwood offers several discount programs to help riders save on public transportation costs:

  • Youth, senior, and disabled rider discounts
  • Low-income fare assistance through Valley Metro
  • Employer-sponsored transit passes and pre-tax commuter benefits

Purchasing a monthly pass is almost always cheaper than paying individual fares for regular riders. Consider combining public transit with walking, biking, or carpooling to save even more.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get around Sherwood?
Walking and biking are the most affordable ways to navigate Sherwood. For longer trips, riding the bus or light rail with a discounted pass is the cheapest option.

Are there monthly transit passes in Sherwood?
Yes, Valley Metro offers 30-day passes for unlimited bus and light rail trips in Sherwood and the surrounding region. A monthly pass typically costs $72 for adults.

Is public transit reliable for work commutes?

In most cases, yes. Sherwood buses and light rail trains run frequently during peak commute times. However, service may be more limited in the early morning, late evening, and on weekends.

What discounts are available for low-income transit riders in Sherwood?
Valley Metro provides reduced fares for riders who qualify based on income level. Eligible low-income riders can receive a 50–70% discount on monthly passes.

Getting Around Smarter in Sherwood

Public transportation in Sherwood offers an affordable, eco-friendly way to get around. While a car may be convenient for some trips, the cost of gas, parking, and vehicle maintenance can quickly add up. For many residents, riding transit is a smart financial choice.

Of course, the decision to ride the bus or light rail depends on your unique commuting needs and budget. To explore your options, check out our guide on how much it costs to live in Sherwood each month. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that Sherwood has to offer without breaking the bank on transportation.