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How to Check a Bus's Real-Time Location and Arrival Time on a Maps App

Tap a step to follow along in order.

  1. Search for the bus route number

    Open a maps app with public transit support (such as Google Maps, Citymapper, or your city's official transit app) and type the bus route number into the search bar.

  2. Select the route from the search results

    Tap the specific bus route you're looking for from the list of results.

  3. View the bus's live position on the map

    A bus icon moves along the route line on the map in real time, so you can see exactly where it currently is.

  4. Check the estimated arrival time for your stop

    Select the stop you're waiting at, and the app shows how many minutes until the bus is expected to arrive.

  5. Why it's useful

    Instead of waiting at a stop with no idea when the bus is coming, you can check the estimated arrival time in advance and time your walk to the stop accordingly.

No more guessing when the bus will show up

Rather than standing at a stop hoping the bus arrives soon, checking a live estimate lets you leave home at the right moment and avoid standing around in bad weather.

Saving your regular routes

Most transit apps let you star or favorite the routes you ride often, so you can check them from a shortcut without typing the route number in again every time -- handy for a daily commute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tell how crowded the bus is before it arrives?

Some apps and routes show crowding information, but this feature isn't available everywhere -- coverage depends on the city and transit operator.

Can I get an alert a few minutes before the bus arrives?

Many transit apps offer an optional notification a set number of minutes before arrival, which you can usually turn on from the route or stop screen.