Public transport in Jacksonville, FL: What renters need to know

Jacksonville, FL, is one of those cities that really has it all: coastal charm, big city convenience and plenty of personality. With its rivers, beaches and friendly neighborhoods, it’s easy to see why so many renters love calling it home.

But as Jacksonville keeps growing, the rental market has become tight, with renters having an increasingly challenging time securing an apartment. Since the city is so spread out, knowing your public transit options in Jacksonville is key — especially if you want to enjoy everything the city has to offer without relying on your car every day.

Here are the main types of public transport in Jacksonville:

• JTA buses
• Jacksonville Skyway
• Riverside Avondale Trolley
• St. Johns River Ferry
• First Coast Flyer
• Neighborhood shuttles and paratransit services

Run by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), the Jacksonville public transit network covers a wide area across the city. It includes buses, a monorail-style Skyway, neighborhood shuttles, and even ferry service.

Here’s a breakdown of the options and the areas they cover:.

The JTA bus network: The backbone of public transit in Jacksonville

With routes that stretch across major neighborhoods, downtown areas and to popular destinations like shopping centers and schools, JTA buses are a reliable option for renters. They operate throughout the week, making them ideal for both commuters and weekend explorers.

In particular, renters who live near key routes in Riverside, San Marco or Arlington will find that buses make it simple to get around without needing a car every day.

Jacksonville Skyway

The Jacksonville Skyway is one of the city’s most unique features — a free, elevated monorail system that runs through downtown and across the St. Johns River. If you’re a renter working or studying downtown, the Skyway is a game-changer. It connects office buildings, parking garages and residential areas efficiently.

What’s more, living near a Skyway station can mean cutting commute times dramatically. The system is clean, air-conditioned and scenic, offering renters a smooth, elevated view of the city.

Riverside Avondale Trolley

For those living in Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods, the Riverside Avondale Trolley adds a touch of charm to the public transport in Jacksonville. It runs through some of the city’s most walkable and picturesque areas, connecting residents to cafes, local shops and parks.

Renters who choose apartments in this district can enjoy a stress-free way to explore their neighborhood or get to downtown events without worrying about parking.

St. Johns River Ferry

The St. Johns River Ferry connects the Mayport area to Fort George Island and provides renters with a scenic route across the river. Beyond being a reliable transit option, it’s an experience in itself.

If you live near the beaches or the northern side of Jacksonville, this ferry adds convenience while offering beautiful views of the water. It’s a unique amenity that highlights how the Jacksonville public transit can make the city’s coastal lifestyle even better.

First Coast Flyer

The First Coast Flyer is Jacksonville’s version of a rapid bus system (or bus rapid transit). With fewer stops and limited delays, it’s designed for faster commuting along major corridors. Renters living in neighborhoods connected by Flyer routes — like downtown, the beaches, and the Northside — benefit from quick and consistent travel.

This makes it a great choice for professionals or students who need dependable transportation every day.

Neighborhood shuttles and paratransit services

JTA also provides smaller shuttles and paratransit options for residents in specific neighborhoods that may not have frequent bus routes. These services are designed to make public transit in Jacksonville more inclusive.

For renters in suburban parts of the city, neighborhood shuttles offer reliable first- and last-mile connections to larger transit lines.

When searching for apartments in Jacksonville, places near bus stops, Skyway stations or Flyer corridors offer a big plus. Many rental communities advertise their proximity to Jacksonville public transit options because renters value the convenience.

It’s also a good idea to check JTA’s route maps when considering neighborhoods — places like Downtown, San Marco and Riverside tend to offer the best combination of transit access and urban living.

So, before signing your next lease, take a closer look at how public transport in Jacksonville can simplify your routine.

Interested in public transport in other cities across the country? Check out our guides for Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Boston and Milwaukee.