There’s something about Eugene, Oregon, that gets under your skin—in the best possible way. It’s a city where the pace is slower, the people are warmer, and the smell of wet pine and fresh espresso fills the air. Tucked in the lush Willamette Valley and hugged by green hills and bike trails, Eugene is more than a university town; it’s a place that invites you to explore at your own speed.
But if you’re visiting for the first time, one question inevitably comes up: How do you get around Eugene without a car?
I found myself asking the same thing on my first trip. As someone who likes to dive deep into a city’s rhythm—not just check off the sights—I needed to figure out the best way to move through Eugene. Should I ride the bus? Rent a bike? Call a Lyft? Walk everywhere? What would locals do?
Over several trips and a lot of trial and error, I got the hang of Eugene’s transportation landscape. And now, I’m sharing that with you. Whether you’re here for a long weekend, a Ducks game, or a few weeks of exploring nature and coffee shops, here’s how to navigate Eugene like a local—without breaking the bank.
First Impressions: Can You Get Around Eugene Without a Car?
The short answer is: Absolutely. Eugene is one of the most walkable and bike-friendly cities in the U.S., especially for its size. With a population just under 180,000, it has the spirit of a small town but the infrastructure of a city that deeply cares about sustainability and accessible mobility.
On my first morning in Eugene, I walked from my downtown hotel to the Willamette River trail system in under ten minutes. No stress. No traffic. Just the hum of morning bikes and the occasional barista walking to work. I didn’t rent a car on that trip—and I didn’t miss it for a second.
That said, Eugene isn’t without its quirks. Not all areas are equally connected, and understanding the local transit options can save you time, money, and a few headaches.
Lane Transit District (LTD): Eugene’s Reliable Bus System
Let’s start with the backbone of local public transportation: the Lane Transit District, or LTD. This is Eugene’s regional bus network, and if you’re staying anywhere near downtown, campus, or even out toward Springfield, you’ll likely use it at least once.
Why the Bus Works in Eugene
What struck me right away was how clean and quiet the buses were. LTD uses a mix of electric and diesel hybrid vehicles, and the main routes are surprisingly efficient. Many buses run every 15–30 minutes depending on the time of day, and most drivers are friendly and patient—true to Eugene’s laid-back nature.
I remember my first ride was on the EmX (Emerald Express), Eugene’s rapid transit bus. It’s a sleek, green hybrid that feels more like a light rail than a bus. It even has its own lane in parts of the city, which means no sitting in traffic.
Popular Routes for Tourists
- EmX Green Line – Runs from west Eugene through downtown, UO campus, and into Springfield. Super convenient.
- Route 11 – Great if you’re heading to the Eugene Science Center or Autzen Stadium.
- Route 66 – Takes you to Spencer Butte Trailhead—perfect for hikers.
- Route 98 – Heads north toward the airport (though service can be limited).
Cost and Payment Tips
- Fare: \$1.75 for a single ride, \$3.50 for a day pass
- Free Transfers: Valid for up to 2 hours
- Where to Pay: Onboard with cash or via the Umo Mobility app, which I highly recommend. You can also buy passes at the Eugene Station downtown.
On my second trip, I started using the Umo app to buy passes ahead of time. It made things much smoother, especially when transferring between lines.
Shared Biking: Eugene’s Two-Wheel Culture
If there’s one thing Eugene prides itself on, it’s biking. The moment I stepped off the bus downtown, I noticed it: bikes everywhere. Kids pedaling to school. Students coasting across the UO campus. Parents with child trailers. Even city workers on cruisers.
PeaceHealth Rides: Eugene’s Bike-Share System
Eugene’s official bike-share program, PeaceHealth Rides, is a godsend for visitors. I fell in love with this system almost instantly. The bikes are well-maintained, easy to unlock via smartphone, and ideal for short-to-medium trips around town.
How It Works
- Sign up on the PeaceHealth Rides app
- Pricing: \$1 to unlock + \$0.10 per minute, or \$15 monthly pass for unlimited 60-minute rides
- Docking Stations: Found all over downtown, campus, the Whiteaker neighborhood, and the riverfront
On a sunny fall afternoon, I rented a PeaceHealth Ride from 5th Street Public Market and pedaled down the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path. No cars. Just crisp air and golden leaves. The path runs along the Willamette River and offers some of the best views in town.
Who Should Use It
- Anyone staying near UO campus, downtown Eugene, or the Whiteaker District
- Travelers comfortable biking in city traffic or on trails
- Visitors who want to combine exercise and exploration
If biking makes you nervous, don’t worry. Eugene has over 40 miles of dedicated bike paths, many of which are completely separated from traffic. It’s one of the few cities where I’ve felt 100% safe riding solo.
Taxis and Rideshares: When You Need to Go Door to Door
I’ll be honest—Eugene isn’t New York, so taxis aren’t lined up outside every building. But if you’re heading somewhere with luggage or late at night, rideshare services are your best bet.
Uber and Lyft in Eugene
Both Uber and Lyft are active in Eugene, especially around the airport, campus, and downtown. I typically used Lyft because I found the wait times to be slightly shorter. Airport rides are around \$25–\$35 to downtown, depending on the time of day.
Local Taxi Companies
If you prefer a traditional cab, Oregon Taxi and Go Ducks Taxi are reliable. Just keep in mind you’ll need to call ahead—don’t expect to hail a cab on the street.
I used Oregon Taxi once after a late show at McDonald Theatre when rideshare prices surged. The driver arrived in 10 minutes, was courteous, and the price was reasonable.
When Rideshare Wins
- Early morning or late night rides to the airport
- Trips to farther-out hiking spots or wineries
- When you’ve done a long hike and really don’t feel like biking home
Walking: The Most Underestimated Option
One of the most surprising things about Eugene is how much you can do on foot. I’ve walked the entire downtown-UO-Whiteaker loop more times than I can count. Each time I discover something new—a sculpture tucked into a park, a pop-up bookshop, or a street performer playing acoustic blues.
If you’re staying anywhere near central Eugene, walking should be your default for short trips. The city is compact, safe, and full of personality. Sidewalks are wide, drivers are respectful (most of the time), and street signs are easy to follow.
Tips for First-Time Visitors: Navigating Eugene Like a Local
After several visits, here are a few nuggets of wisdom that’ll make your time in Eugene smoother:
1. Stay Central
If it’s your first visit, base yourself in downtown Eugene or the University District. You’ll be within walking or biking distance of most attractions.
2. Download These Apps
- Umo Mobility (for buses)
- PeaceHealth Rides (bike-share)
- Lyft or Uber
- AllTrails (for hiking trails around the city)
3. Travel Light
If you’re biking or walking, keep your bag light and weather-appropriate. I recommend a waterproof daypack—it rains more often than you think here.
4. Dress in Layers
Eugene’s weather can be unpredictable. Mornings can be crisp and foggy, followed by sunny afternoons. Bring a light rain jacket, no matter what the forecast says.
Planning Your Trip: Where to Book Flights, Stays, and Tickets
Transportation inside Eugene is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re traveling from out of state, you’ll also need reliable platforms to plan the rest of your journey.
For Flights to Eugene (EUG):
- Google Flights – Best for flexible dates and tracking price drops
- Skyscanner – Great for comparing multiple airlines
- Hopper – Predicts whether you should book now or wait
Eugene Airport (EUG) is small but efficient, with connections through major hubs like Seattle, San Francisco, and Denver.
For Accommodation:
- Booking.com – Wide selection of downtown and budget hotels
- Airbnb – Perfect for longer stays or a more local feel
- Expedia – Often offers bundle discounts for hotel + flight
For Tours and Attraction Tickets:
- Viator – Offers local tours, wine tastings, and guided hikes
- GetYourGuide – Useful for city passes or day trips
- Eventbrite – Find pop-up events, shows, and local festivals
Take It Slow and Let Eugene Lead
Eugene isn’t the kind of place you rush through. It’s a place that reveals itself slowly—through a quiet morning ride along the river, a warm bus ride with students and retirees, a walk through murals and rain-soaked leaves.
Transportation here is more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s part of the experience. Whether you’re pedaling down a river path, chatting with a bus driver about your next stop, or strolling into a neighborhood café on a drizzly morning—you’re not just moving through Eugene, you’re connecting with it.
And isn’t that what travel should be about?
So take your time. Skip the car rental counter. Grab a bike, hop on a bus, lace up your shoes. Eugene is waiting—and it’s one of the easiest cities to explore once you know how.
Happy exploring.
