Transportation Services

Alternatively, OPTS provides information for other travel options for traveling to, from and around Main Campus, West Campus, and Howard University Hospital.

Shuttle Services

OPTS offers fixed routes with stops located near various parking lots, residence halls, West Campus, Metro stations, and other University-based locations. Download the Ride Systems app to receive real-time tracking information.  

Should you need immediate shuttle service assistance, please contact the morning shift manager at (202) 961-1023 between 6:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and the evening shift manager at (202) 961-0941 between 2:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. 

Shuttle service is suspended on the following holidays:

• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Recess
• Winter Semester Recess
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Spring Semester Recess
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
   

Live Shuttle Tracking

Live Shuttle Tracking is a real-time vehicle tracking solution for vehicle locations and estimated time of arrivals.

Ride Systems app for Apple users

Ride Systems app for Android users
 

Shuttle Schedules

Schedules start the first official day of classes. All shuttle times represent pull-off times.

Summer Route [View Schedule]*

* The summer route is the only route available May 9, 2025- August 12, 2025.  All other routes will resume on August 15, 2025.

North Campus Route [View Schedule] 
(Stops: Shaw Metro/Wonder Bread Building, Hospital, Bookstore, Stokes Library, 4th & Bryant, School of Medicine, Towers, 6th & Howard Place, Admin. Building, 6th & Fairmont, Drew Hall, 4th & College, 4th & Bryant)

South Campus Route [View Schedule]
(Stops: U St. Metro 13th St., U St. Metro 10th St.,1851 9th St., HR Building, Towers, 6th & Howard, Admin. Building, 6th & Fairmont, East Towers, 13th & Florida)

West Campus Route [View Schedule] 
(Stops: Admin. Building, East Towers, 14th & Columbia Rd., West Campus, 14th & Harvard St., Towers)

Weekend Campus Route [View Schedule] 
(Stops: Shaw Metro, Hospital, Towers, 6th & Howard Pl, Admin, 6th & Fairmont,  Drew Hall, 4th and College Ave, 4th & Bryant, Bookstore, Stokes Library)

Mazza GrandMarc [View Schedule] 
(Stops: Howard Admin Building)

Connecticut Avenue Route [View Schedule] 
(Stops: Howard Admin Building)

801 N. Capitol St. NW Route [View Schedule] 
(Stops: 6th & Howard, Admin Building, 6th & Fairmont, 801 N. Capitol, 4th & Bryant, Bookstore)

The Lanes Apartment Route [View Schedule] 

Wish Route [View Schedule] 

Shuttle Bus Policies & Rules

• All patrons should be prepared to show a valid University ID card; visitor passes are available at the Office of Parking & Transportation Services
• Patrons board and discharge at authorized shuttle bus stops. (Drivers will only stop at authorized stops)
• The following are prohibited on all Howard University shuttle buses:
• Eating or drinking
• Playing audio/video devices, etc. without headphones
• Fighting
• Driver harassment
• Profanity
• Defacing shuttle bus

*Complaints, recommendations, and general comments regarding the Howard University shuttle service are welcome and should be directed to the Director of Parking & Transportation Services (parking@howard.edu).

Howard University’s shuttle service is available to all members of Howard University and Howard University Hospital. Visitors are permitted to use the service when conducting business within the Howard Community.

Shuttle buses can be tracked using the shuttle live tracker

On average, shuttle buses arrive every 20-30 minutes, except the West Campus shuttle. The West Campus shuttle arrives approximately every 45 minutes. Shuttle schedules are available on tablets and computers.

Shuttle schedules are not always accurate. In cases of heavy traffic or accidents, shuttle service can be delayed. 

Yes. Shuttle service is provided to and from Shaw Metro.

Employees may purchase metro passes through the HU Benefits Department. Students purchase metro passes through the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

Please contact the Office of Parking & Transportation at 202.806.2000.

Yes. All riders must be prepared to show an ID.

Visitors should obtain a temporary shuttle permit from the Office of Parking & Transportation.

Customers can provide feedback and request information regarding various services on the Parking & Transportation web page under the Contact & Support link.

Maps

Parking Lot Map: Click here to view parking lot map

Metro Map: Click here to view Metro System map

Public Transportation

New to Metro? No problem. Everything you need to know about how to ride Metro can be found here. From detailed information about Metro bus stops and rail stations — to helpful tips about how to report a lost item. For more information, Click here: https://www.wmata.com/

Bike Share

Capital Bikeshare is metro DC's bikeshare service, with 4,300 bikes and 500+ stations across 7 jurisdictions: Washington, DC.; Arlington, VA; Alexandria, VA; Montgomery, MD; Prince George's County, MD; Fairfax County, VA; and the City of Falls Church, VA. Designed for quick trips with convenience in mind, it’s a fun and affordable way to get around. For more information, Click here: https://www.capitalbikeshare.com/

goDCgo

goDCgo is an initiative of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) that encourages the use of sustainable transportation. We provide complimentary transit resources and consulting services to DC organizations and commuters. Our goal serves to decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality and create a better quality of life in the DC area. goDCgo has helped more than 41,000 people choose sustainable transportation options when commuting to work. For more information, Click here: https://godcgo.com/

Commuter Connections

Commuter Connections is a regional network of transportation organizations working to improve commutes in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. It offers a host of free services and programs to assist employers and commuters with making smart choices about their commuting needs. Whether it’s ride matching, transit, bicycling or teleworking. Commuter Connections is poised to get you where you want to go and provide support along the way. For more information, Click here: https://www.commuterconnections.org/