Ocean City, Maryland public transportation includes the Coastal Highway Beach Bus and a seasonal shuttle connecting the South Division Street Transit Center with West Ocean City Park & Ride. You can track buses by app, mobile map or text, and use town parking lots or street parking when driving.
- Beach Bus: runs between the South Division Street Transit Station and the 144th Street Transit Station.
- Bus tracking: use the TransLoc Rider app, its mobile web map or text a stop ID to 414-11.
- West Ocean City Park & Ride: its shuttle operates seasonally, beginning in May and running intermittently into October.
- Parking: town street and municipal-lot parking is paid for when you park, with some seasonal weekday exceptions.
Ocean City transit basics
Ocean City’s Beach Bus travels between the South Division Street Transit Station and the 144th Street Transit Station. That connection gives you a public-transit option along Coastal Highway; check the route and stop locations to plan where to board and get off.
To follow buses, use the TransLoc Rider app or its mobile web map. You can also text a bus-stop ID to 414-11. Ocean City Transportation provides a service-schedule page, so check the official site before you go for current service details.
When the Beach Bus is not operating, Shore Transit provides service from South Division Street Station to the Park-n-Ride off Route 50. The town also identifies DART Route 208 as seasonal resort bus service for Ocean City, and Shore Transit routes 451 and 431 as connections between Salisbury, Ocean City and Pocomoke.
Using the Transportation Center
The South Division Street Transit Center is a connection point for the Coastal Highway Beach Bus and the West Ocean City Park & Ride shuttle. From here, the Beach Bus runs north to the 144th Street Transit Station, while the Park & Ride shuttle connects with its station on the west side of town.
Use the bus-tracking options to check where a bus is as you plan your trip. For trips that depend on a particular departure, consult Ocean City Transportation’s schedule information before setting out.
When West Ocean City Park and Ride helps
West Ocean City Park & Ride combines free parking with a shuttle connection to the South Division Street Transit Center. The parking area is at 12848 Ocean Gateway; spaces are first come, first served, with no reservations.
The shuttle operates seasonally, beginning in May and running intermittently into October. Regular service is free, except on designated special-event dates. For listed event service, the fare is $4 for a Ride-All-Day pass; bring exact cash or a prepaid photo-ID General Bus Pass.
Special-event service includes Springfest, Bikefest, the OC Air Show, July 4th Weekend, Oceans Calling, Country Calling and Sunfest. As service is seasonal and event fares can differ from regular service, check the official site before you go.
Walking, driving and parking
Walking and driving are both options for getting around Ocean City, while street spaces and municipal lots provide paid parking. On-street parking enforcement runs from 7 a.m. to midnight; municipal parking lots are enforced around the clock.
Pay for parking when you park. The town accepts payments through ParkMobile or Passport Parking, and posted signs give details for paying by QR code, text or phone. The app transaction fee is $0.60 for credit-card payments and $0.25 for eWallet payments.
Parking rates vary by location and date. In street spaces and municipal lots, parking is free Monday through Thursday from April 1 to May 21 and October 1 to 31. Weekend rates during those date ranges are $2.50–$3.50 per hour. From May 22 to September 30, Ocean Block locations are $3.50–$4.50 per hour daily.
During specified special events, a $1.50-per-hour surcharge applies above standard rates. Events include Cruisin’ Ocean City, the Air Show, July 4th, White Marlin Open, Bike Week, Oceans Calling, Country Calling and Endless Summer Cruisin’. Signed ADA spaces in on-street and municipal lots are free for the first hour; the full rate applies for stays of an hour or more.
Planning a trip from Cabana Motel
From Cabana Motel, a motel in Ocean City, the city centre is about a 25-minute walk or about a 2-minute drive. Choose the option that suits your plans, then use the bus-tracking tools or parking information to plan the rest of your trip.
If you’re planning beyond Ocean City, Salisbury is an option for a day trip.
A day at Assateague Island is another trip beyond Ocean City.
The town identifies Shore Transit routes 451 and 431 as connections between Salisbury, Ocean City and Pocomoke.
You can also plan a one-day route along the Ocean City Boardwalk.
For accessible service, eligible paratransit riders need to reserve at least one business day in advance. The service is offered daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a fare of $4 for a Ride-All-Day pass.
FAQs
How can you track Ocean City buses?
Use the TransLoc Rider app, its mobile web map or text a bus-stop ID to 414-11.
Where does the Coastal Highway Beach Bus run?
It runs between the South Division Street Transit Station and the 144th Street Transit Station.
Is West Ocean City Park & Ride parking free?
Yes. Parking at 12848 Ocean Gateway is free, first come, first served, and cannot be reserved.
How much is the Park & Ride shuttle?
Regular service is free except on designated special-event dates. The event fare is $4 for a Ride-All-Day pass, paid with exact cash or a prepaid photo-ID General Bus Pass.