Getting Around Montana's Largest City
Billings is the economic hub of eastern Montana and northern Wyoming, a city of more than 115,000 people that sprawls along the Yellowstone River beneath the iconic sandstone Rimrocks. While the city is known for wide roads and a strong car culture, a growing number of residents, students, seniors, and visitors rely on public and shared transportation every day. Whether you are commuting to the medical corridor downtown, heading to class at Montana State University Billings, catching a flight at Billings Logan International Airport, or traveling across the state, there are reliable options to choose from.
In this guide, we look at the ten best public transit and mobility services in Billings, explaining what each one does well, who it serves best, and how it fits into the larger picture of getting around the Magic City.
1. MET Transit (Billings Metropolitan Transit)
MET Transit is the backbone of public transportation in Billings. Operated by the City of Billings, it runs fixed-route bus service across the city, connecting the West End, the Heights, downtown, the South Side, and key commercial corridors such as King Avenue and 24th Street West.
Riders appreciate affordable fares, discounted passes for seniors, youth, and riders with disabilities, and buses equipped with bike racks and wheelchair lifts. MET Transit has also invested in real-time bus tracking, making it easier to plan trips and reduce waiting time at stops, which matters a great deal during Montana winters.
2. MET Special Transit (Paratransit)
For residents who cannot use fixed-route buses because of a disability, MET Special Transit provides door-to-door paratransit service within the city. Riders register in advance and book trips for medical appointments, work, shopping, and social activities. Drivers are trained to assist passengers with mobility devices, and the service is an essential lifeline for many seniors and people with disabilities in Billings.
3. Jefferson Lines
Jefferson Lines is one of the most important intercity bus carriers serving Billings. Its coaches connect the city with other Montana communities and with regional hubs across the northern plains and Rocky Mountain region. For travelers without a vehicle, students heading home for breaks, or anyone who wants to avoid winter highway driving, Jefferson Lines offers comfortable seating, onboard restrooms, and dependable scheduled departures.
4. Rimrock Trailways
Rimrock Trailways has deep roots in Montana and has long provided intercity motorcoach service linking Billings with cities such as Bozeman, Butte, Missoula, Helena, and Great Falls. In addition to scheduled routes, the company is well known for charter services used by schools, sports teams, church groups, and tour operators. Its local knowledge of Montana roads and weather is a real advantage.
5. Billings Logan International Airport Ground Transportation
Perched on the Rimrocks with sweeping views of the city, Billings Logan International Airport is the busiest airport in Montana by many measures. Ground transportation options there include taxi stands, ride-hailing pick-up zones, rental car counters, and courtesy shuttles operated by many local hotels. For visitors arriving for business or medical appointments, hotel shuttles are often the simplest and most cost-effective way to reach downtown or the West End.
6. Uber
Uber has become a popular complement to public transit in Billings, filling gaps during late evenings, weekends, and in neighborhoods with less frequent bus coverage. Riders can choose from standard and larger vehicle options, track drivers in real time, and pay through the app. Uber is especially useful for trips to the airport, to events at MetraPark, or for safe rides home from downtown restaurants and breweries.
7. Lyft
Lyft offers a similar on-demand experience and gives Billings riders an alternative when comparing wait times and prices. Many locals keep both apps on their phones to find the fastest available ride. Lyft's scheduled ride feature is helpful for early morning flights or appointments at the Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare campuses.
8. Local Taxi Operators
Traditional taxi companies still play an important role in Billings, particularly for riders who prefer to call for a ride, pay with cash, or need service at times when app-based drivers are scarce. Local cab operators know the city well, serve the airport and hotels, and often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles on request.
9. Adult Resource Alliance Transportation Assistance
The Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County supports older adults throughout the Billings area, and transportation assistance is one of the ways it helps seniors stay independent. Through partnerships and volunteer programs, older residents can get help reaching medical appointments, grocery stores, and community activities. For families caring for aging parents, this kind of community-based support is invaluable.
10. The Billings Heritage Trail System
While not a transit agency, the Billings Heritage Trail System deserves a place on this list as a growing piece of the city's transportation network. Miles of paved, multi-use trails connect neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas, including routes along the Yellowstone River and near Swords Rimrock Park. Combined with MET Transit buses that carry bikes, the trail network makes multimodal commuting realistic for many residents during the warmer months.
How We Evaluated These Services
To build this list, we considered coverage area, reliability, affordability, accessibility, and customer reputation. We also looked at how each service fits the specific needs of Billings, a city with long distances, cold winters, a large regional medical community, and a significant population of students and seniors. The best transit options here are those that work together, allowing riders to combine a bus trip with a short ride-hail, or an intercity coach with a local connection.
Trends Shaping Transit in Billings
Several trends are influencing how people move around Billings. First, the city continues to grow westward, which increases demand for bus service and trail connections in newer neighborhoods. Second, technology such as real-time tracking and mobile payment is making transit more convenient and predictable. Third, the regional healthcare sector draws patients from hundreds of miles away, creating steady demand for airport transfers, intercity buses, and paratransit. Finally, interest in active transportation is rising as residents look for affordable and healthy ways to commute.
Tips for Riding Transit in Billings
Plan ahead in winter, when snow and ice can slow traffic and buses. Use real-time tracking to minimize time spent waiting outdoors. If you are eligible for reduced fares, apply for the appropriate pass to save money over time. For trips outside regular bus hours, keep a ride-hailing app or a local taxi number handy. Visitors should ask their hotel about shuttle service before booking other transportation from the airport.
Final Thoughts
Billings may be a car-friendly city, but its public transit and mobility network has quietly grown into a practical system for thousands of daily riders. MET Transit anchors local travel, intercity carriers such as Jefferson Lines and Rimrock Trailways connect the city to the rest of the region, and ride-hailing, taxis, community programs, and trails fill in the gaps. By understanding how these services complement one another, residents and visitors can travel around the Magic City affordably, safely, and with confidence. Schedules and service areas change from time to time, so it is always wise to confirm the latest details with each provider before you travel.