Fares
AC Transit offers many ways to pay for your ride so catching the bus is easier than ever. Choose to pay with cash, or go contactless with Clipper or your mobile device. Learn about fares, how to get a Clipper card, paying with your mobile device, and more.
Current Fares
| Fare Type | Pay with Clipper or contactless bank card | Pay with Cash |
| Local Single Ride | $2.50 | $2.75 |
| Transbay Single Ride | $6.50 | $6.50 |
| Local to Transbay Upgrade | $4 | $3.75 |
| Local Day Pass | Fare capped at $5.50 | $6 |
| Local Weekly Pass | Fare capped at $25 | -- |
| Local 31-day/Monthly Pass | Fare capped at $90 | -- |
| Transbay 31-day/Monthly Pass | Fare capped at $234 | -- |
| Fare Type | Pay with Clipper Card/Clipper Mobile | Pay with Cash |
| Local Single Ride | $1.25 | $1.35 |
| Transbay Single Ride | $3.25 | $3.25 |
| Local to Transbay Upgrade | $2 | $1.90 |
| Local Day Pass | Fare capped at $2.75 | $3 |
| Local Weekly Pass | Fare capped at $12.50 | -- |
| Local 31-day/Monthly Pass | Fare capped at $37.50 | -- |
| Transbay 31-day/Monthly Pass | -- | -- |
Fare capping available with Next-Generation Clipper. Learn more here.
NOTE: Token Transit users may continue to use the app to purchase single rides and calendar-based passes through fare capping. Token Transit users will not receive transfer benefits available through Next-Generation Clipper and contactless bank cards. AC Transit will discontinue support for Token Transit in the future. Users are encouraged to switch to Next-Generation Clipper or contactless bank cards, both available in a mobile wallet.
Learn More About Fare Types
Transfers
During the roll out of Next-Generation Clipper, AC Transit riders will receive one free local-to-local transfer within two hours of their first trip. As part of Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) pilot program, riders will receive automatic discounts up to $2.85 when transferring from one transit operator to another within two hours.
Local Bus Transfers
One free local transfer within two hours on AC Transit with Next-Generation Clipper or contactless bank card.
Interagency Transfers
Riders receive a $2.85 transfer credit when transferring to another regional system within two hours with Next-Generation Clipper or contactless bank card.
NOTE: Riders must use the same card/account for all trips.
Local Single Ride
A one-way trip taken on a local bus line.
Transbay Single Ride
A one-way trip taken on a Transbay bus line (over a major Bay Area bridge).
Local to Transbay Upgrade
Riders on local buses who need to transfer to a Transbay bus line pay this fare to upgrade their ticket or pass. Riders paying with AC Transit’s mobile payment platform should purchase a Transbay single ride fare—valid for a free transfer from a local line to Transbay line for 2 hours.
Day Pass
A Day Pass is available as a prepaid or fare capped option for unlimited local rides from the time issued until 3:00 am the next day. Riders paying with Clipper or AC Transit’s mobile payment platform don’t need to pre-pay for a Day Pass. Riders who purchase enough single ride fares in 12-hour period are upgraded to a Day Pass automatically.
7-day Pass
A 7-day Pass is available via mobile fare payment as a prepaid or fare capped option for unlimited local ride for 7 consecutive days. Riders don’t need to pre-pay for a 7-day Pass. Riders who purchase enough single ride fares or Day Passes in a 7-day period are upgraded to a 7-day Pass automatically. (Fare capping on Clipper is not an option for 7-day Passes.)
31-day Local Pass
Available on Clipper as a prepaid fare, a local 31-day Pass is valid for 31 consecutive days. Riders who purchase a Local 31-day Pass can take unlimited local rides within the East Bay. Riders paying with AC Transit’s mobile payment platform don't need to pre-pay for a 31-day Pass. Once their fare purchases reach the cost of the pass within a 30-day period, they will be upgraded to a 31-day Pass automatically. (Fare capping on Clipper is not an option for 31-day Passes.)
31-day Transbay Pass
Available on Clipper as a prepaid fare for riders paying Adult fares, a Transbay 31-day Pass is valid for 31 consecutive days. Riders who purchase a Transbay 31-day Pass can take unlimited Transbay rides to and from the East Bay, as well as travel on all AC Transit local lines. Riders eligible for discount fares should use their 31-day Pass combined with a Local to Transbay Upgrade to ride Transbay lines. Riders paying with AC Transit’s mobile payment platform don't need to pre-pay for a 31-day Transbay Pass. Once their fare purchases reach the cost of the pass within a 30-day period, they will be upgraded to a 31-day Pass automatically. (Fare capping on Clipper is not an option for 31-Day Transbay Passes.)
Monthly Pass (Senior & Disabled)
Available on Clipper as a prepaid fare, this pass can only be purchased by Senior/Disabled riders and is valid at the beginning of the month. Riders who purchase this pass can take unlimited local rides. Riders can board Transbay routes by paying the Local to Transbay Upgrade fare. Eligible riders paying with AC Transit’s mobile payment platform don’t need to pre-pay for a Monthly Pass. Starting at the beginning of the month, once their fare purchases reach the cost of the pass, they will be upgraded to a Monthly Pass automatically. (Fare capping on Clipper is not an option for Monthly Passes.)
Utilize fare capping and get upgraded!
Day, Weekly, and Monthly passes will be automatically applied when spending reaches the cost of these passes within the calendar period when using Next-Generation Clipper or a contactless bank card.
How to Pay
Riders have many choices when paying their fare on AC Transit. Fares can be paid on board with cash, but contactless payment is more efficient and reduces bus boarding times—getting riders to their destinations faster. Contactless fare payment options include Clipper, now available on your phone, and purchasing fare with mobile apps.
Clipper
The Next Generation Clipper system is rolling out with new features that offer a more convenient, accessible, and affordable experience for transit riders. Take advantage of two key features today—you can pay adult fares with a contactless bank card and you can apply for Youth and Senior discount cards through online applications. Users can also take advantage of Day, Weekly, and Monthly passes through fare capping. Learn more about all of the features here.
Cash
All AC Transit bus service accepts cash payments. Exact change is required, and bus operators don’t carry change or provide refunds. Passes on Clipper can be purchased with cash at the AC Transit Customer Service Center.
Tempo riders can use cash to purchase single ride fares and Day Passes at the ticket vending machine located at each station platform.
Other ways to pay
Riders can board AC Transit buses using any valid AC Transit ticket or pass, including these methods of payment:
- Clipper START
- EasyPass
- Clipper Access (RTC Card)
- Pass & Ticket Order Form (for pre-approved schools and non-profits)
- Eligible ID flash pass
NOTE: All-Door Boarding is on Line 6 and Line 51B only. Riders with Clipper can board at rear doors and tag at the Clipper reader to pay their fare. Riders using cash, paper pass, or mobile payment options will continue to board at the front. Learn more at All-Door Boarding.
Paying on Tempo
Unlike other AC Transit bus lines, Tempo riders pay at the station before boarding. Tempo Line 1T riders can pay with any valid AC Transit ticket or pass. Riders using Clipper can tag the reader at the station. Riders can also purchase paper tickets at the ticket vending machine with cash, debit or credit, or Apple Pay and Google Pay. Mobile payments are also accepted on Tempo. The cost to ride Tempo is the same as AC Transit local fares. Riders must carry proof of payment while onboard. Failure to show proof-of-payment may result in a citation. Learn more about Tempo Fares and Payment.
Fare Compliance
AC Transit offers riders many ways to pay their fare, so catching the bus is easier than ever. To maintain a fair and equitable bus system, fare payment is required to ride AC Transit. Riders who fail to pay their fare may be denied boarding or receive a citation. Riders who need assistance paying their fare should check to see if they qualify for AC Transit discounts. Learn about Discount Fares and programs.
Refunds
At AC Transit our purpose is to keep the East Bay moving. If your travel has been interrupted because your ticket or pass was malfunctioning, or your Clipper® Card has been damaged, misplaced or stolen, please visit our Refunds page to learn how to get your funds restored or refunded.
Questions about fares? We know you might still have questions about what fare is best for you. If you don’t find the help you are looking for, Contact Us.