Travel and Transportation
Getting around town is easy in Dayton
Dayton may be a small city, but it runs a comprehensive—and environmentally friendly—public bus system, which means it’s easy to navigate around Dayton and get to and from other cities. When you’re ready to explore off campus, Dayton’s regional buses and airport have you covered.
Local Transportation
RTA Bus
The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) runs 31 public bus routes throughout the Dayton metro area seven days a week, 21 hours a day. Among those buses are a handful of electric trolleys, part of the second longest-running trolley system in the U.S.
LINK Bicycle Share
Dayton’s bike share program, LINK, has stations around the city, including several on the University of Dayton campus. LINK has flexible payment options—sign up for 24 hours, or a whole year— at reasonable prices.
Zipcar
This car-sharing company has a location on the University of Dayton campus and lets approved members use cars for an hour, a day or even a week at student rates. You’ll need a U.S. driver’s license.
Walking and Biking
Dayton is recognized for its bike paths and walking trails, both in the city and in the metro area, and the University of Dayton’s campus is easily traveled on foot. Use your own two legs, your bicycle or your skateboard to make your way around town.
National Transportation
Greyhound Bus
Greyhound links Dayton to cities across much of the U.S. with its bus service. Buses leave from the Greater Dayton RTA transportation hub, just north of the city in Trotwood. Greyhound routes connect to Chicago, New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Dallas and more.
Dayton International Airport
The Dayton International Airport (DAY) offers nonstop flights to 13 major U.S. cities, including New York, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Many flights are short: Chicago is just over an hour away, and New York is a mere two hours! Despite its name, DAY no longer has direct international flights; most international cities require a connecting stop.
Automobile
Dayton is a centrally-located city along major national highways, so you can hit the road in your own car, a rental or a car share vehicle with ease.
More Great Cities to See
Dayton is a classic small Midwestern city—friendly, active and supportive of local arts and tech industries. There are many other great U.S. cities to explore, too, that are within a day’s travel of Dayton.
Chicago
Travel by car: 4.5 hours. By plane: 1.5 hours. By bus: 6 hours.
This lake-side city is one of the largest in the U.S. and is known for its architecture and museums. It’s also known for its music, particularly jazz; its food, especially deep-dish pizza; and outdoor public art.
New York City
Travel by car: 9.5 hours. By plane: 2 hours.
New York is the city that never sleeps. Theaters, clubs, restaurants and activities run all day and sometimes all night here. This busy city is also the heart of the U.S. financial markets, and is a shopper’s paradise.
Washington, D.C.
Travel by car: 7.5 hours. By plane: 1.5 hours.
The U.S. capital is a medium-sized, serious city of museums, politicians and the homes of the three branches of federal government: the Capitol, White House and Supreme Court. It’s also the home of stunning outdoor monuments and parks, top-notch theaters and performance spaces, and excellent international cuisine.
Local Explorations
Dayton’s central location in the Midwest makes it
easy to get out and explore beyond the city and state
limits. But don’t forget that there's lots to do in Dayton, too.