MetroLink Tulsa Bus Schedule 2026: Routes, Fares, And Commuter Transit Guide

This comprehensive guide outlines the public municipal bus schedules, routes, and transit services operated by MetroLink Tulsa (formerly known as Tulsa Transit). For regional interstate transportation providers, such as Greyhound or Jefferson Lines, passengers must consult those private long-distance carriers directly at their respective travel plazas.

Navigating municipal transit in the Tulsa metropolitan area requires a clear understanding of the route grids, specialized rapid transit lines, and on-demand services. Whether you are commuting to downtown Tulsa, traveling to Saint Francis Hospital, or accessing the academic campuses of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa (OSU-Tulsa) or the University of Tulsa (TU), this updated 2026 transit guide provides the exact operational parameters, schedule structures, and real-time tracking methodologies necessary for efficient travel.

Navigating the MetroLink Tulsa Network in 2026

The Tulsa public transit infrastructure underwent a comprehensive modernization and rebranding to MetroLink Tulsa to better reflect a multimodal network. The system serves as the primary transit backbone for Tulsa County, providing critical connections across major arterials and linking residential zones with commercial, educational, and medical hubs.

The central nervous system of MetroLink Tulsa is the Denver Avenue Station (DAS), located at 319 South Denver Avenue in downtown Tulsa, directly across from the BOK Center. Most local routes originate, terminate, or transfer through this central facility, which features climate-controlled indoor waiting areas, real-time arrival displays, customer service ticketing windows, and on-site security.

A secondary transit hub, the Memorial Depot, situated at 7952 East 33rd Street, facilitates cross-town transfers in East Tulsa. By utilizing these two primary hubs alongside localized transfer points, passengers can traverse the city from North Tulsa to South Tulsa and east toward the suburban borders of Broken Arrow.

Key MetroLink Tulsa Routes and Frequency Schedules

MetroLink Tulsa operates multiple tiers of service designed to match passenger demand, geographic density, and transit speed requirements. These services are categorized into Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), high-frequency local routes, standard local routes, and localized MicroLink on-demand zones.

Aero Peoria BRT (Route 100)

As Tulsa’s flagship Bus Rapid Transit corridor, the Aero Peoria BRT offers the highest frequency and longest operating hours in the system. Connecting North Tulsa (from the 36th Street North station) to South Tulsa (terminating near 81st Street and Lewis Avenue), the Aero Peoria line runs along Peoria Avenue.

This corridor serves critical destinations, including the Peoria commercial corridors, Cherry Street, Brookside, and major healthcare facilities like Ascension St. John Medical Center.

Aero Route 66 BRT (Route 102)

Fully integrated and operating at high-capacity in 2026, the Aero Route 66 BRT spans East-West across Tulsa along 11th Street (historic Route 66). This line connects downtown Tulsa from the Denver Avenue Station to the Eastgate Metroplex.

It provides rapid transit for students at the University of Tulsa, shoppers along the 11th Street corridor, and employees working at the administrative complexes in East Tulsa.

Major Local Grid Routes

Local routes follow a grid system, primarily running along major section-line roads. High-volume local routes include:

• Route 110 (MLK/Sartin): Provides vital connections between North Tulsa neighborhoods, the OSU-Tulsa campus, and the downtown core.
• Route 130 (Admirall/Yates): Operates east-west along Admiral Place, servicing residential areas and connecting to commercial zones near Sheridan and Memorial roads.
• Route 201 (Pine/Airport): Connects Denver Avenue Station to Tulsa International Airport, running along Pine Street to serve industrial employers and air travelers.
• Route 300 (31st Street): Provides reliable east-west transit across midtown Tulsa, linking the central business district with localized retail centers.

Comparative Analysis of MetroLink Service Types in 2026

The following table outlines the operational differences, frequency rates, and service windows for the primary transit options available in the MetroLink Tulsa system.

Fare Structure, Passes, and Mobile Ticketing Protocols

MetroLink Tulsa utilizes an equitable fare structure designed to accommodate daily commuters, occasional riders, and specialized demographics. Fares must be paid upon boarding using exact cash, physical paper passes, or mobile tickets via the official GoPass application.

Payment Security and Cash Regulations

Fareboxes do not provide change. If paying with cash, riders must have the exact fare ready. Drivers cannot access fareboxes or provide currency exchange. Physical passes must be swiped or scanned at the farebox reader, and digital tickets on the GoPass app must be active with the animated screen visible to the operator upon boarding.

Fare Classifications for 2026

• Standard Local Single Ride (3-Hour Pass): $1.75. This fare includes unlimited transfers within a three-hour window from the time of purchase or digital activation.
• Value Day Pass: $3.75. Offers unlimited rides on all local and BRT lines for an entire calendar day.
• 7-Day Pass: $14.00. Designed for consecutive seven-day travel, ideal for standard work weeks.
• 31-Day Pass: $45.00. Provides maximum savings for daily, long-term transit users.

Reduced Fare Program

A reduced fare of $0.85 per single ride or $1.85 for a Day Pass is available for eligible passengers. This discount applies to seniors aged 62 and older, Medicare cardholders, youth aged 5 to 18, and individuals with documented physical or cognitive disabilities.

To receive the reduced fare, riders must present a MetroLink Reduced Fare ID Card, a valid Medicare card, or a student photo ID to the operator during boarding. Children under the age of four ride free of charge when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Commute and Tracking Buses in Real-Time

To minimize wait times and prevent missed connections, passengers should utilize digital tracking tools rather than relying solely on printed timetables. Street congestion, weather conditions, and passenger boarding volumes can affect scheduled arrival times.

1. Download the Mobile App: Download the GoPass application on your smartphone. This platform serves as both a mobile ticketing terminal and a real-time tracking interface.
2. Locate Your Stop and Route: Enter your starting location and destination into the journey planner. The system will identify the nearest physical bus stop, designated by a blue and white MetroLink sign displaying the specific route numbers serving that location.
3. Read the Timepoints: Printed and PDF timetables do not list every single stop. Instead, they show "Timepoints" for major intersections. Estimate your stop’s arrival time by calculating the distance between the preceding timepoint and your actual boarding location.
4. Track the Bus Live: Open the live tracking map in the GoPass app or Google Maps. The GPS icon on the map displays the real-time location of your bus, updated at 15-second intervals.
5. Arrive Early: Be at the designated bus stop at least 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled or GPS-indicated arrival time. Stand visibly near the bus stop sign so the operator can see you.
6. Board and Secure Your Ride: Have your cash, physical pass, or open GoPass app screen ready. Step aboard, pay your fare, and move quickly to a seat. If you require specialized assistance, ramp deployment, or need to secure a wheelchair, notify the driver immediately upon boarding.

System Limitations, Holiday Schedules, and Troubleshooting Transit Disruptions

Operating a complex municipal transit network involves managing variable environmental and operational conditions. Understanding holiday closures and severe weather protocols ensures that commuters are never left stranded during unexpected service changes.

Holiday Service Modifications

MetroLink Tulsa does not operate bus services on the following major holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day (July 4th)
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

On other national or state holidays, such as Veterans Day or Christmas Eve, the system may operate on a modified Saturday schedule. Commuters should check the "Service Alerts" section on the MetroLink website or app for holiday-specific service adjustments.

Severe Winter Weather Operations

During winter weather events, such as ice storms or heavy snow accumulation common to Northeast Oklahoma, MetroLink Tulsa may implement its Snow Routes protocol. Under this system, buses bypass steep hills, unplowed residential streets, and hazardous turns, focusing strictly on major, salt-treated arterial roadways.

During these events, real-time tracking on third-party applications may experience delays, and passengers are advised to consult official social media channels and the GoPass app alert banner for active detour details.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tulsa Bus Schedule

How do I find the real-time Tulsa bus schedule?

Real-time Tulsa bus schedules and live vehicle tracking are accessed through the GoPass mobile application or via Google Maps transit integration.

These digital platforms track GPS units installed on all MetroLink vehicles, showing exact arrival times instead of static scheduled times. If you do not have a smartphone, you can check arrival updates by calling the MetroLink Customer Service center at (918) 582-2100.

What are the operating hours for the Tulsa Aero BRT?

The Aero Peoria BRT operates from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM on weekdays, 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM on Saturdays, and 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays.

This high-frequency line runs every 15 minutes during peak morning and afternoon weekday commute hours. Frequency adjusts to 20-30 minutes during late evening hours and weekend schedules.

How much does a Tulsa bus pass cost in 2026?

A standard local single-ride ticket (which functions as a 3-hour pass) costs $1.75, while an unlimited local Day Pass is priced at $3.75.

Frequent transit riders can purchase a 7-Day Pass for $14.00 or a 31-Day Pass for $45.00. Reduced rates are available for qualified seniors, youth, and passengers with disabilities who possess a MetroLink reduced-fare photo ID card.

Does the Tulsa bus system run on Sundays?

Yes, Sunday transit service is available in Tulsa, but it is limited to the Aero Peoria BRT, the Aero Route 66 BRT, and select high-demand local grid routes.

Sunday service operates on a shortened schedule, typically running from 8:00 AM to approximately 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM depending on the route. Many localized neighborhood routes and the MicroLink on-demand zones do not operate on Sundays, so you should verify your specific route's weekend schedule beforehand.

What is MicroLink and how does it fit into the bus schedule?

MicroLink is MetroLink Tulsa's on-demand microtransit service, designed to provide flexible, point-to-point neighborhood transit within designated zones.

Instead of following a fixed schedule, passengers book rides via the MicroLink app or by phone. A vehicle then picks them up and drops them off anywhere within the service zone or at a major fixed-route transfer station. This service bridges the first-and-last-mile transit gap in areas where low population density does not justify a standard fixed-route bus.

Optimizing Your Green Commute in Green Country

Choosing municipal transit in the Tulsa metropolitan area reduces carbon emissions, decreases downtown parking challenges, and offers an affordable alternative to solo driving. By integrating fixed-route buses, the rapid transit capabilities of the Aero BRT lines, and localized MicroLink on-demand services, MetroLink Tulsa provides a comprehensive network for daily commutes. Keep your GoPass app updated, monitor active route alerts, and coordinate your schedule with real-time tracking to ensure a smooth, efficient journey across Green Country.