What’s in your ‘Orbit’? A guide to riding Huntsville Transit

HUNTSVILLE — If you’re curious about utilizing Huntsville’s public transportation, it’s a lot simpler than you think.

And if you’re wondering where you can go, it’s pretty much everywhere.

Whether you’re hopping on Huntsville Transit’s Orbit bus for work or school or for some dinner and shopping, your one-stop shop for how to navigate your first ride is here.

The central hub for most Huntsville Transit Orbit buses is the Huntsville Transit Center, 521 Pratt Avenue. Opened in September 2024, the new facility allowed for expanded services and updated amenities for all customers.

“Our goal for the new Huntsville Transit Center was to create a space that reflects the needs of our citizens: accessible, safe and ready for the future,” said Director of Parking and Public Transportation Quisha Bryant. “Orbit buses and their routes are connecting people to places they want or need to. Through the Transit Center, we are making it simpler for residents to move through Huntsville with ease.”

You won’t get far without a ticket, so let’s start there. Tickets to ride Orbit buses may be purchased at the Huntsville Transit Center. However, it is 2025, and there is an app for that. Downloading the Token Transit app allows for a contactless option to pay fares for your rides.

Huntsville Transit offers a variety of affordable options to pay for your ride from a one-way ticket at $1 to a monthly pass for $30. Now, you’re ready to embark on your first Orbit bus, but where are you headed?

Huntsville Transit riders utilize its services for a variety of demands. Most common uses are commutes to work and school, allowing residents of all ages to clock-in or arrive to campus without worrying about parking.

Orbit Route 3 includes the Holmes Avenue and University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) areas. Route 4 includes University Drive and provides stops at multiple locations across UAH and Calhoun Community College. Additionally, Route 7 along Meridian Street includes Alabama A&M University and Drake State Community & Technical College and gets students to class on time through every semester.

When it comes to figuring out what’s for dinner, Orbit routes can bring you to your favorite spot for local produce or help you find a new restaurant that satisfies the whole family. Orbit Route 56 includes Bailey Cove Road, offering expansive food and grocery options through south Huntsville or Route 9 along Oakwood Avenue for additional choices.

Huntsville Transit isn’t just for necessities, Orbit bus routes traverse locations for fun and leisure too. Riders can take advantage of routes that access playgrounds and local green spaces to enjoy nature or exercise. Often these locations serve as an all-in-one stop such as Brahan Spring Park or Big Spring Park on Orbit Route 1, Brahan Spring and John Hunt Park on Route 5 Byrd Spring Road.

With more than 11 routes covering Huntsville, plus an Orion Express route providing quick pick-up and drop-off transport from downtown to select shows at The Orion Amphitheater, it’s easier than ever to find new experiences around town.

“Huntsville Transit and our Orbit buses isn’t about rushing from Point A to Point B, it’s about shaping a city where everyone can thrive,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “When we invest in our transit systems, we invest in a cleaner environment, encourage close-knit neighborhoods and a smoother commute for everyone who calls Huntsville home.”

Huntsville Transit Orbit buses are made to serve all citizens for all needs. As our dynamic city continues to grow, so does the mission of public transportation to continuously improve and adapt to that change.

Yet, the question remains, what’s in your Orbit?

Meagan Kohtanen is a communications specialist for the city of Huntsville.