In a town built on hills and short on parking, the trolley is the smartest way to get around. Eureka Springs Transit operates a trolley service on four main routes: the Red route runs a historic downtown loop, the Blue route covers the east side including the Passion Play area, the Yellow route loops North Main and Magnetic Road, and the Purple route serves the west side and its scenic destinations. Service runs year-round, with a reduced winter schedule and a fuller timetable in spring, summer and fall. For visitors, the trolley is both transport and sightseeing. The vehicles look the part, the drivers know the roads, and the routes pass many of the sights worth seeing, from the historic district to Thorncrown Chapel's side of town and the Christ of the Ozarks statue. The service takes the stress out of driving on steep, narrow streets and lets you enjoy a drink or a glass of wine with dinner without worrying about the drive back. Fares are modest, with day passes and single rides available, and children six and under ride free according to the chamber of commerce.
How to use it
Pick up a route map at the visitors center or from your lodging, choose the route that matches your plans for the day and buy a day pass if you intend to hop on and off. The Red route is the one most visitors use first, since it circles the historic downtown and links the main parking areas with the shops, galleries and hotels.
Use the Blue route to reach the Passion Play area, the Yellow route for North Main, and the Purple route to explore the west side. Check the current timetable, because frequency changes with the season and some routes run less often in winter.
Seasons and hours
According to the chamber, winter service from January to February and in December is limited, typically Wednesday through Saturday. Spring and fall bring expanded weekday and weekend hours. Summer, from May through October, has daily service with longer evening hours. If you plan to rely on the trolley, especially in the off-season, confirm the schedule for your dates before you arrive.
Tips
Ride the Red route end to end on your first day to orient yourself, then use it as a shuttle between a parking lot and the places you want to visit. Carry small bills or cards for the fare and keep your pass handy. Because stops are not always obvious, ask the driver or consult the route map.
The trolley pairs well with the Historic Downtown walk, the Historical Museum and the railway, and it is an efficient way to reach evening ghost tours without driving. Call it the best-value ride in town, and one of the few transport systems where the tour and the commute are the same thing.
One more habit worth adopting
Ride a full loop before you decide where to get off. Sitting back and watching the town pass at trolley speed shows you how the hills, the springs and the lanes fit together, and it reveals the streets you will want to return to on foot. Keep a small amount of change handy, listen for the driver's announcements and remember that the schedule is more generous in summer and fall than in the depths of winter.
What to expect
The experience
A hop-on, hop-off trolley network with four color-coded routes around town, run by Eureka Springs Transit.
Best time
Any season, though summer has the longest evening hours and winter is limited.
How long
A loop takes a short while; a day pass lets you ride as often as you like.
Tips
Park at the edge of downtown, get a route map and confirm the schedule for your dates, particularly from December to February.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who would rather not drive and park on steep streets.
- Families
- Cheap, fun and easy; children six and under ride free according to the chamber.
- Couples
- Ride to dinner and back without worrying about the hills.
- Pair with
- The Historic Downtown walk, the railway and the Passion Play area.
- Time needed
- Use as needed throughout the day.
Good questions
What are the routes?+
Red covers historic downtown, Blue the east side including the Passion Play area, Yellow North Main and Magnetic Road, and Purple the west side.
Does it run in winter?+
Yes, but with limited service, typically Wednesday through Saturday from January to February and in December.
What does it cost?+
The chamber lists approximate fares for day passes, single rides and child passes. Check the current rates before you go.
Do children ride free?+
Children six and under ride free according to the chamber.
Is it a sightseeing tour?+
It is public transit that happens to pass many of the sights, so it works well as a low-cost orientation ride.