Our favorite city has so much to explore and there is no better way to check it out than with CATA. We know public transportation can sometimes feel overwhelming. Which is why we’re bringing you our top tips for riding with CATA, and routes that list out stops for you, so that YOU can have an enjoyable day in and around Lansing. Dive on in for Itineraries to take you all around the Capital City with CATA.
Tips for Riding with CATA:
- Children under 42″ tall ride free when accompanied by and adult. Adults fare is $1.25. Student fare is 60 cents.
- You can plan a trip on the CATA Website so you know exactly where to go, just head here to start planning!
- CATA has multiple accommodations for those in need, you can check out their Disability Resources Page for more information.
Itinerary One: Winter Wonder Destinations
Magical Winter Destinations and Routes
- Take Route 1 downtown to Reutter Park and enjoy the 3,300-square-foot synthetic ice rink, where you can skate under festive holiday lights and stay warm with on-site heaters.
- For sledding and tubing fun, bundle up and catch Route 12 to Waverly Hill for a memorable snowy adventure.
- Want to experience wildlife in a winter setting? Ride Route 8 to the Potter Park Zoo, open year-round.
- All of these routes start and end at the Downtown Lansing CATA Transportation Center, making exploring the city’s winter magic convenient.
Itinerary Two: Hidden Gems
Local Attractions and Scenery Routes
- Ride Route 1 for the many local shops and places to eat in Washington Square. Grab a coffee at Strange Matter, a sweet treat from Sweet Encounter, plan a class at Firefly Hot Yoga, or save this route for a warmer day and head to Rivertown Adventures for Kayaking and Canoe Rentals.
- Route 1 travels along Grand River Avenue into the heart of Downtown Lansing. This route offers easy access to the vibrant Lansing River Trail Art Path. Art Path will resume with the warmer weather, stay tuned for more information
- Route 1 Takes you to the scenic Adado Riverfront Park. This spot is perfect for less chilly winter days because of the recent addition of the All Abilities Playground. It’s the perfect spot to burn off some energy for the little and big kids in your life!
Itinerary Three: Warmer Days
Save this one for our warmer days, they’ll be here before you know it!
- Visit the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens on the MSU Campus, a 7-minute walk from Route 18’s Service Road stop.
- Head to the Abrams Planetarium next to MSU’s Ramp 1, reachable via any of the routes traveling to Ramp 1 during the summer.
- The Impressions 5 Center located in Downtown Lansing is a brief 5-minute walk from Route 1’s East Michigan Avenue stop.
- Potter Park Zoo and Sycamore Park are accessible from Route 8’s Lindbergh stop.
Itinerary Four: Staycation Vibes
Use this route to explore more of our amazing city!
- Route 9 bus offers easy access to the Michigan History Center, with stops on Pine, Allegan, and Kalamazoo.
- Route 16 is another great option. It travels along Lake Lansing Road and into Eastwood Towne Center. It conveniently connects to locations such as Jumpin’ Jax Bounce Arena on Lake Lansing Road, NCG Cinema, and a variety of unique stores and restaurants in the area.
- Both routes originate at the downtown Lansing CATA Transportation Center and run every 30-minutes on weekdays.
