RuralTRANSIT - Free Transit For All

A visit to the region is not complete without an exploration of the scenic local economies of south Thurston County. With ruralTRANSIT, you can get there for free! Attend community events, shop at local businesses, or soak in the beauty of nature.

From Rainier to Rochester, and Everywhere In Between

RuralTRANSIT's three routes connect the communities of Bucoda, Centralia, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Grand Mound, Rainier, Rochester, Tenino, Tumwater, and Yelm.

Looking to travel further north? RuralTRANSIT connects to Intercity Transit in Tumwater and Yelm. Traveling further south or west? RuralTRANSIT connects to Lewis County Transit and Grays Harbor Transit in Centralia.

Anyone can ride ruralTRANSIT, and your ride is always free!

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Route 2: Tumwater to Yelm

Route 2 serves Tumwater, Tenino, Rainier, and Yelm. Passengers can transfer to Route 4 in Tenino.

Not-To-Miss Events:

  • Yelm Prairie Days: June 13–15, 2025
  • Stone City Arts Festival: June 14, 2025
  • Tenino Family Fun Day: June 21, 2025
  • All American Jubilee: June 29, 2025
  • Tumwater Family Festival: July 4, 2025
  • Tenino Oregon Trail Days: July 25–27, 2025
  • Nisqually Valley BBQ Rally: July 26, 2025
  • Early American Heritage Festival: August 15, 2025
  • Tumwater Artesian Brewfest: August 16, 2025
  • Rainier Roundup Days: August 22–24, 2025
  • Tumwater Falls Fest: September 27, 2025
Route 2 Map

Route 3: Chehalis Tribal Center to Tumwater

Route 3 serves the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Rochester, Grand Mound, Maytown, and Tumwater. Passengers can transfer to Route 4 in Grand Mound.

Not-To-Miss Events:

  • Swede Day: June 21, 2025
  • Tumwater Family Festival: July 4, 2025
  • Tumwater Falls Fest: September 27, 2025
Route 3 Map

Route 4: Centralia to Grand Mound and Tenino

Route 4 serves Centralia, Grand Mound, Tenino, and Bucoda. Passengers can transfer to Route 2 in Tenino, and to Route 3 in Grand Mound.

Not-to-Miss Events:

  • Stone City Arts Festival: June 14, 2025
  • Tenino Family Fun Day: June 21, 2025
  • Tenino Oregon Trail Days: July 25–27, 2025
  • Boo-coda Spook-tacular: October 2025

Track Your Bus in Real Time

Riding ruralTRANSIT is now easier than ever with Passio Go! This mobile app allows you to track ruralTRANSIT buses in real time. Know where your bus is and plan your travel like…

Learn More About Passio Go!

How to Ride ruralTRANSIT

RuralTRANSIT operates Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

To ride ruralTRANSIT, look at the route map that will take you to your destination. Each map lists the addresses of bus stops and the times that the bus arrives.

As the bus approaches, wave to the driver to let them know you’re waiting for them. If you need assistance, let the driver know, and they will help you.

Have a bike? Have no fear! All ruralTRANSIT buses have bike racks.

For assistance with route planning or questions about buses and schedules, call (253) 472-7846.

MORE TIPS (link)

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