Transportation Services
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
ADA Accessible Transportation
Need a wheelchair-accessible shuttle?
Call:
· 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM: (202) 961-1023
· 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM: (202) 961-0941
Accessible transportation is typically arranged within 10 minutes.
Track Your Shuttle
Track shuttles in real time using the TransLoc app.
TransLoc app for Android users
Need assistance?
· Morning: (202) 961-1023
· Evening: (202) 961-0941
Shuttle Schedules
Schedules start the first official day of classes. All shuttle times represent pull-off times.
| Route | Map | Route Stops |
|---|---|---|
| North Campus | View PDF | (Stops: Shaw Metro/Wonder Bread Building, Hospital, Campus Store, Stokes Library, 4th & Bryant, School of Medicine, Towers, 6th & Howard Place, Admin. Building, 6th & Fairmont, Drew Hall, 4th & College, 4th & Bryant) View Route Map |
| Clover at The Parks Route | View PDF | (Stops: Clover apartments, Georgia, and Howard Place) View Route Map |
| South Campus Route | View PDF | (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) View Route Map |
| West Campus Route | View PDF | (Stops: Admin. Building, East Towers, 14th & Columbia Rd., West Campus, 14th & Harvard St., Towers) View Route Map |
| 801 N. Capitol St. NW Route | View PDF | (Stops: 6th & Howard, Admin Building, 6th & Fairmont, 801 N. Capitol, 4th & Bryant, Campus Store) |
| The Lanes Apts Route | View PDF | (Stops: Clover apartments, Georgia, and Howard Place) View Route Map |
| Weekend Campus Route | View PDF | (Stops: Shaw Metro, Hospital, Towers, 6th & Howard Pl, Admin, 6th & Fairmont, Drew Hall, 4th and College Ave, 4th & Bryant, Campus Store, Stokes Library) |
| Summer Route | View PDF | * The summer route is the only route available May 2026 - August 2026. |
Shuttle Rider Guidelines
To help ensure a safe and comfortable ride:
- Carry your University ID
- Board only at designated stops
- Use headphones for audio
- No eating or drinking
- Treat drivers and other riders respectfully
Report concerns: 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.
Arrival times may vary due to traffic, weather, or road conditions. For the most accurate information, use live shuttle tracking.
Please contact the Office of Parking & Transportation at 202.806.2000.
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
Other Transportation Options
Options | Discription |
|---|---|
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/ |
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/ |
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/ |
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/ |
CONTACT
Parking & Transportation Services
Johnson Administration Building
2400 6th Street NW, Basement Suite 11
Washington, DC 20059
Office: 202.806.2000
Need immediate shuttle assistance?
· Morning: 202-961-10231
· Evening: 202-961-0941
Transportation Services FAQs
Who can use the Howard University shuttle service?
The shuttle service is available to Howard University students, faculty, staff, and Howard University Hospital affiliates. Visitors conducting business within the Howard community may also use the service.
Do I need a Howard University ID to ride?
Yes. Riders should be prepared to present a valid Howard University ID when requested. Visitor passes may be obtained through the Office of Parking & Transportation Services.
How do I track a shuttle in real time?
Download the TransLoc mobile app for Apple or Android devices to view real-time shuttle locations and estimated arrival times.
What are the shuttle operating hours?
Shuttle operating hours vary by route and schedule. Refer to the current route schedules for specific operating times.
How often do shuttles arrive?
Most shuttle routes arrive approximately every 20 to 30 minutes. The West Campus route generally arrives every 45 minutes. Service frequency may vary due to traffic, weather, or special events.
Where can I find shuttle schedules?
Current schedules and route maps are available on the Transportation Services website under the Shuttle Schedules section.
Which shuttle route should I use?
Each route serves specific campus housing locations, academic buildings, Metro stations, and administrative facilities. Review the route maps to determine the most convenient route for your destination.
Does the shuttle service operate on weekends?
Yes. A dedicated Weekend Route is available, as well as some off-campus shuttle lines. Check the published schedule for weekend service hours and stops.
Does the shuttle service run during university holidays?
No. Shuttle service is suspended during designated university holidays and recess periods, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving Recess, Winter Recess, Spring Recess, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and other announced closures.
Is ADA-accessible transportation available?
Yes. Wheelchair-accessible transportation is available upon request from designated shuttle stops. Transportation Services will arrange an accessible vehicle, typically within approximately 10 minutes.
How do I request ADA transportation assistance?
Call:
· Morning Service (7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.): (202) 961-1023
· Evening Service (2:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.): (202) 961-0941
Are shuttles available to Metro stations?
Yes. Several shuttle routes serve nearby Metro stations, including the Shaw-Howard University and U Street stations. Review route maps and schedules for specific stop locations.
Can visitors use the shuttle service?
Yes. Visitors conducting business within the Howard University community are permitted to use shuttle services.
What items or activities are prohibited on the shuttle?
To ensure a safe and comfortable ride:
· No eating or drinking
· No playing audio without headphones
· No harassment of drivers or passengers
· No fighting or disruptive behavior
· No vandalism or defacing of university property
What should I do if I leave an item on a shuttle?
Contact the Office of Parking & Transportation Services at 202-806-2000 as soon as possible for assistance locating lost items.
Why is my shuttle late?
Arrival times may be affected by traffic congestion, road closures, weather conditions, construction, or unforeseen incidents. Use the TransLoc live shuttle tracker for the most accurate arrival information.
Who do I contact for immediate shuttle assistance?
For immediate shuttle-related concerns:
· Morning Shift: (202) 961-1023
· Evening Shift: (202) 961-0941
How can I provide feedback or report on a service concern?
Feedback, recommendations, and service concerns may be submitted to Parking & Transportation Services by emailing parking@howard.edu.