How to Get Around Buncombe County, Practical Tips for Residents

Buncombe County offers a mix of transit options that matter for daily commutes, visitor travel, and local businesses. Asheville Rides Transit, known as ART, operates local bus routes that connect downtown Asheville with neighborhoods and nearby towns. ART buses are ADA accessible and service schedules vary by season and on holidays, so riders should confirm times and any service alerts before traveling.

Asheville Regional Airport, abbreviated AVL, provides multiple nonstop destinations and operates from a new terminal. The airport handles both resident travel and tourist arrivals, and seasonal airline schedules and TSA guidance can affect peak travel days. Rideshare services, local taxi companies and regional shuttle operators provide last mile connections, linkages to surrounding counties, and routes to airport parking. These services expand options for travelers who do not drive or who prefer not to use long term parking.

Bicyclists and pedestrians have growing options for getting around, with many city greenways and the River Arts District offering walkable corridors. Weather is a practical consideration, especially in winter when rain ready gear improves comfort and safety on outdoor routes. Parking downtown includes metered spaces and municipal lots, and temporary closures tied to festivals and other events regularly change availability. Drivers should plan for event related restrictions and look for municipal lots when downtown parking seems limited.

The transportation mix has clear economic and policy implications for Buncombe County. Reliable transit and airport connectivity support tourism spending and access to jobs, while parking management and shuttle services influence downtown retail activity. Accessibility features on buses and at airport facilities are important for equitable access to services. City officials and transit planners face choices about scheduling, service levels and event coordination that will affect congestion and transit ridership in the long term.

For the most current schedules, service alerts and holiday changes, consult ART and City of Asheville official pages before you travel.