Getting Around Dayton: Transportation Tips for Transplants

Coming from New York’s subway, LA’s freeways, or DC’s Metro, Dayton’s transportation system may feel like a shift. This third post in our series for Dayton transplants covers how to navigate the Gem City, from public transit to biking and driving.

Public Transportation: Greater Dayton RTA
● Overview: The Greater Dayton RTA operates bus services across the metro area, but routes and schedules are less extensive than in larger cities.
● Cost: Fares are around $2 per ride; monthly passes are $55-$75.
● Tips: Download the Transit app for real-time schedules. Buses are reliable for downtown and nearby suburbs like Kettering but less convenient for rural areas.
● For Transplants: If you’re used to NYC’s MTA or DC’s Metro, expect to rely more on driving. LA transplants will find the RTA familiarly limited.

Driving in Dayton
● Vibe: Dayton’s traffic is light compared to NYC, LA, or DC. Average commute times are 10-24 minutes, even during rush hour.
● Must-Know: I-75 can get congested between Dayton and Cincinnati; avoid it for daily commutes if possible. Parking is plentiful and affordable.
● Car Needs: A car is essential for most suburbs and rural areas like Germantown or Troy. Gas prices are lower than national averages.
● Tips: Use Waze for navigation. Keep snow tires or chains for winter, as Dayton gets significant snowfall.

Biking: A Cyclist’s Paradise
● Trails: Dayton boasts over 340 miles of paved bike trails, the nation’s largest network, connecting downtown to suburbs like Kettering and Troy.
● Popular Routes: The Great Miami River Trail is accessible from downtown apartments like Monument. Yellow Springs offers scenic paths.
● Tips: Rent bikes at Riverscape MetroPark or join local cycling groups via r/dayton. Bike-friendly suburbs include Englewood and Tipp City.

Flying and Regional Travel
● Dayton International Airport: Offers flights but limited destinations compared to Cincinnati or Columbus. Ideal for domestic travel; international flights often require connections.
● Regional Access: Cincinnati (54 miles) and Columbus (71 miles) are 1-1.5 hour drives, great for weekend trips or bigger airports.
● Tips: If your job involves frequent travel, consider living near I-70 for airport access (e.g., Vandalia).

For Transplants
● From NYC: You’ll miss the subway’s reach, but Dayton’s bike trails and short commutes are a refreshing change.
● From LA: Driving feels familiar, but Dayton’s compact size means less time in traffic.
● From DC: The RTA is less robust than Metro, but Dayton’s parks and trails make up for it.

Our next post will dive into building a social network in Dayton to help you feel at home!