Getting Around High Point
High Point is a car-friendly city, but public transit plays an important role for students, workers, seniors, and the thousands of visitors who arrive for High Point Market each spring and fall. The city sits at the heart of the Piedmont Triad, with convenient connections to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Thomasville, and Piedmont Triad International Airport.
From local bus routes to regional express service and intercity rail, High Point's transit options are more robust than many newcomers realize. This guide ranks the ten best public transit and mobility services available to residents and visitors.
Top 10 Public Transit Services in High Point
1. High Point Transit System
The High Point Transit System is the city's primary local bus provider, operating fixed routes that connect neighborhoods, shopping centers, medical facilities, and the downtown Broad Avenue Terminal. Fares are affordable, buses are equipped with bike racks, and the system offers discounted passes for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities.
2. Hi tran Paratransit
Operated alongside the city's fixed-route system, Hi tran provides door-to-door paratransit service for eligible riders with disabilities who cannot use regular buses. Advance reservations ensure reliable trips to medical appointments, work, and errands throughout the city.
3. PART (Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation)
PART is the backbone of regional commuting in the Triad. Its express routes link High Point with Greensboro, Winston-Salem, the airport area, and surrounding towns. Commuters appreciate the comfortable coaches, park-and-ride lots, and vanpool program that helps workers share rides to major employers.
4. Amtrak
The historic High Point station is served by Amtrak's Carolinian and Piedmont trains, connecting the city to Charlotte, Raleigh, and destinations along the Northeast Corridor. Rail travel offers a relaxing alternative to driving on Interstate 85, with Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and convenient downtown access.
5. Greensboro Transit Agency
While based in neighboring Greensboro, the Greensboro Transit Agency is valuable for High Point residents who work, study, or shop in Greensboro. Connections via PART make it possible to travel between the two cities and then reach destinations across Greensboro by local bus.
6. Winston-Salem Transit Authority
The Winston-Salem Transit Authority serves riders traveling west toward Winston-Salem's medical centers, universities, and downtown. Regional connections make it a practical option for High Point residents commuting to major employers in Forsyth County.
7. Greyhound Lines
Greyhound provides affordable intercity bus service from the Triad to cities across the Southeast and beyond. It is a budget-friendly option for longer trips, with stations accessible from High Point via local transit or a short drive.
8. Guilford County Transportation and Mobility Services
This county service provides demand-response transportation for older adults, people with disabilities, and residents in rural parts of Guilford County. It helps fill gaps where fixed routes do not reach and supports access to medical care and social services.
9. Uber
Ride-hailing has become an essential complement to public transit, especially for first-mile and last-mile trips. Uber operates widely across High Point and is heavily used during market week to move visitors between hotels, showrooms, and the airport.
10. Lyft
Lyft offers another convenient ride-hailing option with competitive pricing and shared ride features at certain times. Many residents use Lyft to connect to PART park-and-ride lots or the Amtrak station when buses are not running.
High Point Market Shuttles
During High Point Market, organizers operate extensive free shuttle networks connecting hotels, parking lots, the airport, and showroom buildings. These shuttles transform the city's transportation landscape for a week at a time, and they demonstrate how coordinated transit can move tens of thousands of people efficiently.
Tips for Using Transit in High Point
Download route maps and real-time tracking apps before you travel, as schedules can vary on evenings and weekends. Consider purchasing a multi-ride or monthly pass if you commute regularly. For regional trips, plan around PART schedules, which are designed primarily for weekday commuters. Combining a bus trip with a short ride-hail or bike ride can significantly expand your reach.
The Future of Transit in the Triad
Regional leaders continue to explore improvements such as expanded microtransit, better route frequency, electric buses, and stronger connections between the Triad's three largest cities. Microtransit pilots, where riders book on-demand shared vans through an app, are gaining traction across North Carolina and could offer flexible service in lower-density parts of High Point. Investments in rail along the Piedmont corridor also promise faster, more frequent trains in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public transit in High Point accessible for riders with disabilities?
Yes. Fixed-route buses are equipped with ramps or lifts and priority seating, and eligible riders can use paratransit service for door-to-door trips. Reduced fares are available for qualified riders, seniors, and students.
Can I take transit from High Point to the airport?
Regional PART service connects the area to the Piedmont Triad International Airport corridor, and ride-hailing services fill gaps for early flights or late arrivals. During High Point Market, dedicated shuttles also run between the airport and the showroom district.
Is Amtrak a practical way to commute?
For trips to Charlotte, Raleigh, and other cities along the Piedmont corridor, Amtrak is a comfortable and productive alternative to driving. Schedules are less frequent than buses, so it works best for planned trips rather than daily short commutes.
Conclusion
High Point's transit network offers more options than many people realize, from affordable local buses to regional express routes and intercity rail. By combining public transit with ride-hailing and paratransit services, residents and visitors can get around the city and the broader Triad efficiently, affordably, and with less stress than driving.