How to Ride a Bus

OCTA provides extensive bus and rail transit service throughout Orange County. If you are a new transit customer, simply follow the steps outlined below to help you get started using our system. If you are an existing customer, you can go directly to our online Bus Book to get individual and system maps, schedules and other information.

In addition, we offer numerous services for new and existing customers, such as online pass sales and trip planner. Our Customer Information Center, at 714-636-RIDE, also is available to assist you with your transit planning.

New Customers
If you are riding our bus system for the first time, below are some steps to help you get started.

Using the system map, locate your starting point and ending points. Use the grid of bus routes to find the route(s) that most closely serves those points. Occasionally, you will need to use more than one bus to get to your destination. Find routes that provide you with the shortest trip.

Once you've determined which route(s) you need to take, download the map and timetables, located in our Online Bus Book Section. For help reading the timetables, please visit our "How to Read a Timetable" section.

Finally, to use our system you have several fare options. You may pay for a single trip or, purchase a One Day or 30-Day Pass. To purchase a pass you can call our Pass Sales Office at 714-560-5932 or visit a pass sales location. Additional fare information is available in our "Fare Information" section.