free transit for all
RuralTRANSIT - Free Transit For All
A visit to the region is not complete without an exploration of the scenic local economies of south Thurston County. With ruralTRANSIT, you can get there for free! Attend community events, shop at local businesses, or soak in the beauty of nature.
From Rainier to Rochester, and Everywhere In Between
RuralTRANSIT's three routes connect the communities of Bucoda, Centralia, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Grand Mound, Rainier, Rochester, Tenino, Tumwater, and Yelm.
Looking to travel further north? RuralTRANSIT connects to Intercity Transit in Tumwater and Yelm. Traveling further south or west? RuralTRANSIT connects to Lewis County Transit and Grays Harbor Transit in Centralia.
Anyone can ride ruralTRANSIT, and your ride is always free!
Route 2: Tumwater to Yelm
Route 2 serves Tumwater, Tenino, Rainier, and Yelm. Passengers can transfer to Route 4 in Tenino.
Visitors can ride ruralTRANSIT to explore beloved small-town events easily. From the festive spirit of Yelm’s Prairie Days and Rainier’s All American Jubilee to the historic charm of Tenino’s Oregon Trail Days and the lively atmosphere of Tumwater’s Falls Fest, ruralTRANSIT provides a convenient, low-cost way to connect with these vibrant communities. Leave the car behind and enjoy the journey through the scenic countryside while supporting local celebrations.
Attractions Within Walking Distance of Route 2 Stops
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
110 Deschutes Pkwy SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 943-2550
Schmidt House
330 Schmidt Place SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 943-2550
Tenino Quarry Pool
149 Hodgden St. SE Tenino, Washington 98589 (360) 264-2368
The Iron Works Boutique
224 Sussex Ave W Tenino, Washington 98589 (360) 264-5228
Tenino Antique Mall
248 West Sussex Tenino, Washington 98589 (360) 264-6780
Aunt Kate’s Chocolates
PO Box 85 Tenino, Washington 98589 (360) 264-2884
Rainier Pizza and Espresso
207 Binghampton St SE Rainier, Washington 98576 (360) 446-1900
Rainier City Pizza & Burgers
202 Binghampton St Rainier, Washington 98576 (360) 446-2525
Rainier Pickleball Courts
Rochester St E, Rainier, WA 98576
Route 3: Chehalis Tribal Center to Tumwater
Route 3 serves the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Rochester, Grand Mound, Maytown, and Tumwater. Passengers can transfer to Route 4 in Grand Mound.
Hop aboard ruralTRANSIT to enjoy the unique charm of local events in Rochester and Tumwater without the hassle of driving. Whether you’re headed to Rochester’s Swede Day celebration or enjoying the fun at Tumwater’s Family Festival and Artesian Brewfest, ruralTRANSIT offers a convenient way to connect with community spirit. Travel stress-free and make the most of these memorable local experiences.
Attractions Within Walking Distance of Route 3 Stops
Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
12888 188th Ave SW Rochester, Washington 98579 (360) 273-8640
Highway 12 Drive-Inn
10220 US-12, Rochester, WA 98579
Papa’s Diner
10109 US-12, Rochester, WA 98579
Grabajava Espresso
19530 Ivan St SW, Rochester, WA 98579
Punjabi Boy Indian Cuisine
3840 Maytown Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Location Not Available
Scott Lake Community Center2631 114th Way SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
110 Deschutes Pkwy SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 943-2550
Schmidt House
330 Schmidt Place SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 943-2550

Route 4: Centralia to Grand Mound and Tenino
Route 4 serves Centralia, Grand Mound, Tenino, and Bucoda. Passengers can transfer to Route 2 in Tenino, and to Route 3 in Grand Mound.
RuralTRANSIT makes it easy for you to explore lively local events across Centralia, Grand Mound, Tenino, and Bucoda. From the creativity and fun of Tenino’s Stone City Arts Festival and Family Fun Day to the spooky thrills of Bucoda’s legendary Boo-Coda Spook-Tacular, you can ride in comfort and skip the parking stress. Enjoy the journey through these welcoming communities while taking in some of the region’s most memorable celebrations.
Attractions Within Walking Distance of Route 4 Stops
Hash Centralia
1232 Alder St, Centralia, WA 98531
Fiddlers Coffee
1220 Mellen St, Centralia, WA 98531
Plummer Lake
Grabajava Espresso
606 W Reynolds Ave, Centralia, WA 98531
Tenino Quarry Pool
149 Hodgden St. SE Tenino, Washington 98589 (360) 264-2368
The Iron Works Boutique
224 Sussex Ave W Tenino, Washington 98589 (360) 264-5228
Tenino Antique Mall
248 West Sussex Tenino, Washington 98589 (360) 264-6780
Aunt Kate’s Chocolates
PO Box 85 Tenino, Washington 98589 (360) 264-2884
Joe’s Place
118 S Main Street Bucoda, Washington 98530 (888) 631-0942
Bucoda Memorial Park
107 N Main St, Bucoda, WA 98589
How to Ride ruralTRANSIT
RuralTRANSIT operates Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
To ride ruralTRANSIT, look at the route map that will take you to your destination. Each map lists the addresses of bus stops and the times that the bus arrives.
As the bus approaches, wave to the driver to let them know you’re waiting for them. If you need assistance, let the driver know, and they will help you.
Have a bike? Have no fear! All ruralTRANSIT buses have bike racks.
For assistance with route planning or questions about buses and schedules, call (253) 472-7846.
MORE TIPS (link)
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ruralTransit
2411 Chandler Ct. SW Olympia, Washington 98502 (253) 472-7846