Fares & Passes

Which pass is right for you?

  • Day Pass
  • 30-Day Rolling Pass
  • Regional Stored Value Cards
  • Single-Ride Ticket (app only)      

Metro Pass Policy

  • Passes are not transferable and may not be used by anyone other than the person who bought the pass.
  • No refunds or exchanges will be given.
  • Metro not responsible for lost/stolen/damaged passes.
  • Misuse of your pass may result in confiscation.

Any pass bought from a non-authorized individual or reseller may not be valid. Purchase at your own risk

Cincinnati Municipal Code Sec. 406-75 and 406-77

Passes

Day Pass

 Perfect for visitors, occasional riders, and anyone who plans to ride often throughout the day without worrying about exact change.

  • $4.00 for Hamilton County Local, good for unlimited rides for 24 hours from the time of activation. No transfers needed.   
  • $5.00 for Metro/TANK day passes, good for unlimited rides for 24 hours from the time of activation on Metro and TANKJ buses. Available for purchase onboard the bus.

Important day pass reminders:

  •  To buy on the bus, tell the operator BEFORE paying your fare or using a stored-value card.
  • You may buy a day pass on any route. 
  • You may pre-purchase day passes from the sales office to use later. The end date is not set until the pass is activated on the bus by inserting it into the slot on top of the farebox.
  • Once activated, swipe it every time you ride (just like a 30-day rolling pass).
  • Day passes are not accepted on Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK).

30-Day Rolling Passes

Metro’s 30-day rolling passes provide you with unlimited rides for 30 days. This pass gives you the flexibility to set your own start date. 30-day rolling pass holders are eligible for Metro’s Guaranteed Ride Home program.

  • Hamilton County Local – $80: travel within Hamilton County
  • Hamilton County Express – $106: includes Rt. 52X & 72X   
  • Suburban County Express – $150: Routes 42X, 71X, 82X
  • Metro/TANK – $105: travel within Hamilton County and all local TANK service

Here’s how a 30-day rolling pass works:

The first time you use your 30-day rolling pass, insert it in the slot on top of the farebox. The farebox will print that day’s date as the start date and the end date 30 days later.

After that first use, you can swipe your 30-day rolling pass through the card reader the same way you currently do and enjoy your ride.

Passes are available at retail outlets and online. 

*Cash is always accepted on board; however, you must have exact change (change or refunds are not provided).

Where to buy

Mercantile Center Arcade

All Passes Available Here

115 E 5th St
Cincinnati, OH, 45202

Mon. – Fri. 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

*Fourth Street entrance to the arcade is closed due to construction; be sure to use Fifth Street entrance to access the sales office.*

Ticket Vending Machines

Ticket Vending Machines allow you to purchase 30-day Rolling Passes and Stored Value Cards using cash, credit card, or stored value fare cards, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. (Please Note: Day passes are not available for purchase from Ticket Vending Machines.)

The machines are conveniently located at:

Mobile Ticketing via Transit app

Transit app is Metro’s official partner for mobile fare payment, as well as trip planning and real-time tracking.

Outlets

Some outlets may charge a service fee. Outlet hours are subject to change.

Carthage

Tru Partner Credit Union (Account Holders Only)
 7000 Vine Street
 Mon. – Fri. 9:00 – 5:00, Sat. 9:00 – 1:00
 Directions  

Downtown

The Metro Sales Office
 Mercantile Center Arcade
 120 East Fourth Street
 Mon. – Fri. 7:00 – 5:30
 Directions

City Treasurer’s Office
 City Hall
 801 Plum St., Room 202
 Mon. – Fri. 8:30 – 4:30
 Cash or Check ONLY
 Make Checks payable to City of Cincinnati
 Directions

Pendleton

PL$ Check Cashing
 Passes sold: Zones 1, 2
 702 Reading Rd.
 Mon. – Sun. 24 Hours
 Directions

Over-the-Rhine

TruPartner Credit Union (Account Holders Only)
 Passes sold: Zone 1, 2
 1800 Vine Street
 Mon. – Fri. 9:00 – 4:30
 Directions

West End

TruPartner Credit Union (Account Holders Only)
 Passes Sold: Zone 1, 2
 1717 Western Avenue 
 Mon. – Thu. 8:30 – 5:00, Fri. 8:30 – 5:30
 Directions

Western Hills

TruPartner Credit Union (Account Holders Only)
 Passes sold: Zone 1, 2
 5625 Harrison Avenue
 Mon. – Thu. 9:00 – 5:30, Fri. 9:00 – 6:00, Sat. 9:00 – 1:00
 Directions

Quick links

Fare Information
Passes
Metro Veterans Program (MVP)
Fare Deal Program