Navigating Gainesville: The Ultimate Guide to University of Florida Public Transportation
Hey everyone! If you're a new or even a returning student at the University of Florida, one of the first things you'll realize is that the campus is HUGE. Seriously, getting from your dorm to class, then to the library, & then to meet up with friends can feel like a trek. But don't worry, Gainesville has a pretty solid public transportation system designed to get you where you need to go. In this guide, I'm going to break down everything you need to know about getting around UF & the surrounding areas. From the RTS bus system to some lesser-known options, we'll cover it all.
The King of Campus: The Regional Transit System (RTS)
Honestly, the RTS bus system is the backbone of transportation for most UF students. It's run by the City of Gainesville, but UF has a contract with them that makes it SUPER accessible for the university community.
Riding the Bus for FREE!
Let's start with the best part: if you're a UF student, faculty, or staff member, you can ride any RTS bus for free! This is a pretty amazing deal. You just need to show your Gator 1 ID to the driver when you board. This perk is funded by a transportation fee that's already included in your tuition, so you might as well take advantage of it. It's not just for getting to & from campus either; you can use it to explore all of Gainesville.
The GNV RideRTS App: Your New Best Friend
The first thing you should do is download the GNV RideRTS app. It’s available for both Apple & Android devices. This app is a lifesaver for navigating the bus system. Here’s what you can do with it:
- Track your bus in real-time: This is probably the most used feature. You can see exactly where your bus is on a map, so you’re not just standing at the stop wondering if you missed it.
- Get arrival information: The app will give you estimated arrival times for buses at your stop.
- Find nearby stops & routes: Not sure which bus to take? The app can help you find the closest stops & the routes that serve them.
- Plan your trip: You can enter your starting point & destination, & the app will tell you the best way to get there, including which buses to take & where to transfer. You can even choose options like "least transfers" or "shortest distance".
- Set up alerts: You can subscribe to rider alerts & service detours, so you’ll know about any changes to your route before you even leave. You can also set up text message alerts for when your bus is due.
While the app is super helpful, some students have mentioned that the interface can be a little tricky at first, & the real-time tracking can sometimes be a bit off. However, it’s still the best tool for the job, & once you get the hang of it, you'll be a pro.
Big Changes Coming to RTS Routes in Summer/Fall 2025
This is a big one, so listen up! RTS is making some major changes to its routes starting June 30, 2025, for the Summer B & Fall semesters. The goal is to make the system more efficient. They’re combining some routes that covered similar areas, which should mean more frequent service on many of the new student commuter routes.
Here are some of the key changes:
- Standardized hours for off-campus routes: Routes 1, 9, 12, 13, 17, 20, 33, 37, & 38 will now operate from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturdays, & 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays.
- Route combinations & eliminations: Several routes are being merged or eliminated. For example, Route 16 is being merged into Route 17, & Routes 34 & 35 are being absorbed by Route 12.
- New weekend service: Route 126 will now offer weekend-only service from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturdays & Sundays.
- Frequency changes: Some routes will see reduced frequency, while others will have more buses running, so wait times should be shorter in many cases.
It’s a good idea to check the TAPS website or the GNV RideRTS app for the most up-to-date information on the new routes & schedules.
Understanding the Routes
The RTS network is pretty extensive, with over 20 routes, including campus circulators, local routes, & express routes. The system operates on a hub-and-spoke model, with many routes converging at key transfer points like the Reitz Union & The Hub.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key route types:
- Campus Circulators: These routes, like the new Campus Connector, are designed to get you around campus quickly.
- Student Commuter Routes: These are the routes that will get you from your off-campus apartment to campus.
- City Routes: These routes will take you to destinations all over Gainesville, including shopping centers, the downtown area, & the Gainesville Regional Airport.
The New Kid on the Block: The Campus Connector
Starting in Summer 2025, UF is introducing the Campus Connector shuttle system. This is a new, fixed-route shuttle service that will supplement the RTS system for on-campus transportation. It's replacing RTS routes 122 & 127.
The Campus Connector will have two main routes:
- Westside Circulator: This route will connect the campus core with the west side of campus, including stops at the Cultural Plaza Park & Ride, Southwest Rec, Lakeside, & the Reitz Union.
- Eastside Circulator: This route will serve the east side of campus, with stops at the Vet Med area, UF Health, Gator Corner Dining, & Sorority Row.
The Campus Connector will be fare-free with a valid Gator 1 ID & will operate from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM on weekdays, except for UF holidays. You'll be able to track the shuttles using a live tracking map on the TAPS website or through the GNV RideRTS app.
Game Day Transportation: The Gator Aider
Getting to a Gators football game is an experience in itself, but parking on campus on game day is a nightmare. That's where the Gator Aider comes in. This is a special RTS shuttle service that runs on game days to get you to & from the stadium.
Here’s how it works:
- Park & Ride: You can park your car at designated park-and-ride locations, like Celebration Pointe or the UF Health Professional Park, & then take the shuttle to the stadium.
- Tickets: A single game ride ticket costs $20, or you can get a season pass for $100. You can buy tickets in advance using the GoRTS Fares app or with cash at the park-and-ride locations on game day.
- Schedule: The shuttles start running 3 hours before kickoff & the last bus leaves for the stadium 15 minutes before the game starts. After the game, service starts at the beginning of the 4th quarter & ends one hour after the game is over.
The Gator Aider is a GREAT way to avoid the game day traffic & parking headaches.
Late-Night Fun: The Later Gator
If you're out late, the Later Gator service is a safe & reliable way to get home. It runs on Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Like the regular RTS service, it's free with your Gator 1 ID. The Later Gator has several routes that serve popular nightlife spots & residential areas. It's a much better option than walking home alone in the dark.
Beyond the Bus: Other Ways to Get Around
While the RTS system is fantastic, it's not the only way to get around Gainesville. Here are some other options to consider:
Biking: A Gainesville Staple
Gainesville is a very bike-friendly city. You'll see students biking to class, the library, & everywhere in between. There are bike racks all over campus, so you'll always have a place to park your bike.
A few things to keep in mind if you decide to bike:
- Safety first: Always wear a helmet & use lights when riding at night. Also, make sure you know the traffic laws for cyclists.
- Get a good lock: Bike theft can be an issue, so invest in a quality U-lock to keep your bike safe.
- Register your bike: You can register your bike with the UF Police Department, which can help you get it back if it's stolen.
Scooters & Motorcycles: A Faster Alternative
Scooters & motorcycles have become really popular on campus in recent years. They're a bit faster than a bike & can be easier to park than a car. However, you'll still need a parking decal, though it's cheaper than a car decal. And just like with a bike, you'll need to follow all traffic laws & wear a helmet.
Walking: The Classic Choice
If you live on or near campus, walking is a great option. It's free, it's good exercise, & you don't have to worry about parking. For late-night walks on campus, you can use SNAP (Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol), which will provide a walking escort or a ride anywhere on campus.
Bringing a Car: The Pros & Cons
Having a car in Gainesville can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, it gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. On the other hand, parking on campus can be a MAJOR headache.
Here's the thing: UF sells more parking decals than there are available spots. This means that during peak hours, you could spend a lot of time circling lots looking for a spot. Off-campus parking can be just as challenging, with many apartment complexes having limited parking or charging extra for a spot.
This is where a service like Prked can be a real game-changer. Prked connects people who have extra parking spaces with people who need them. So, if you're struggling to find a parking spot near campus or your apartment, you might be able to find a convenient & affordable spot to rent from a homeowner in the area. This can save you a lot of time & frustration.
And if you have an extra parking spot you're not using, you could even list it on Prked & make some extra cash!
For students who live further away, having a car might be more of a necessity. Just be prepared for the realities of parking in a busy college town.
Finding Storage Space
While we're on the topic of making the most of your space, let's talk about storage. Dorm rooms & apartments near campus aren't exactly known for their spaciousness. If you find yourself with more stuff than you have room for, you might want to consider renting a storage space.
This is another area where Prked can help. In addition to parking, Prked also helps people find affordable & convenient storage solutions. You can rent someone's empty garage, attic, basement, or even a closet to store your extra belongings. It's a pretty cool way to find extra space without having to go to a traditional storage facility.
The Takeaway
Getting around the University of Florida & Gainesville is totally doable, even without a car. The RTS bus system is a fantastic resource, & with the new Campus Connector & other services like Gator Aider & Later Gator, you have a lot of options. Biking, walking, & scooters are also great ways to get around, especially on campus.
If you do decide to bring a car, just be prepared for the parking challenges & consider using a service like Prked to find a convenient spot.
I hope this guide was helpful! Navigating a new city & a new campus can be a little overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of the transportation system, you'll be getting around like a pro in no time. Let me know what you think in the comments
