In addition to the parade route closing intersections at 8:00am, two major infrastructure projects: Dunnhumby at 6th and Race Street, and a hotel at 4th and Walnut, have blocked off lanes for equipment. Other streets have narrowed to one lane due to ongoing streetcar construction and utility relocation. Then, of course, are the parking garage fees, which can range anywhere from $20 to $35 for lots up to 14 blocks away from the stadiums.
Don't ruin a fantastic day with the headache of driving -- there is a better way.
METRO*Plus bus is Cincinnati's first bus rapid transit route, which offers speedier connections than traditional buses. By utilizing limited stops, METRO*Plus transports passengers between Kenwood Towne Center (Nordstrom) and Downtown every 15 minutes. It's just as fast as driving, and you don't have to worry about navigating road closures or finding a parking spot. If you live along the I-71 corridor, check out the map to find a METRO*Plus stop near you. You can also search for bus routes on Google Maps by typing in your origin and destination, then clicking the transit icon. Route 90 will indicate a nearby METRO*Plus route.
If you live in Corryville, Avondale, Evanston, Norwood,
Pleasant Ridge, Silverton, Deer Park, Sycamore Township, Over-the-Rhine, Xavier
University, or University of Cincinnati:
Click the bus icon for transit times and directions on Google Maps. Feature is also available on the mobile app.
Route 90 indicates METRO*Plus stops.
Route 90 indicates METRO*Plus stops.
To find your bus stop, look for one of these brand new, easy-to-find METRO*Plus bus shelters
or a traditional METRO*Plus street sign.
Pro Tip: Make sure you're getting on a southbound bus. The scroll at the top should read "Downtown."
If your bus says "Kenwood," you're going in the wrong direction. Cross the street to stand at the correct bus stop.
Going to the parade before the game?
METRO*Plus has a bus stop at Findlay Market and further south at Court & Walnut Street (two blocks from the "halfway point" where the parade turns from Central Parkway onto Race Street). If you want to arrive closer to the stadium, get off at Government Square, the transit hub, at 5th and Walnut Street. From there, you are only three short blocks from Great American Ballpark.
METRO*Plus only costs $1.75 to ride each way, which saves you plenty of money for some extra beers at the ball game. (Pro Tip: If you don't have bus pass, it's cash only. No change is dispensed.) Getting home is easy too. After the Reds game, walk to 6th and Main Streets at Government Square Area H bus stop. A digital screen will tell you when the next bus arrives. If you're just Downtown for the parade, use Google Maps to find the closest METRO*Plus stop -- remember, it's labeled as Route 90.
And that's it!
For less than $4.00, you can enjoy Reds Opening Day festivities without the hassle of getting there.
For less than $4.00, you can enjoy Reds Opening Day festivities without the hassle of getting there.
