Public transportation in Muncie centers on the MITS city bus system, which is free for anyone with a valid Ball State ID, along with Ball State’s free campus shuttles and Charlie’s Charter for evening rides on campus. For trips beyond Muncie, students can book Ball State’s airport shuttle to Indianapolis or catch an intercity bus from stops near campus.
Silvertree Communities, located at 2720 N Silvertree Lane off Bethel Ave about 1.3 miles from Ball State, has its own on-site MITS bus stop. Residents can start the ride to campus, downtown, or the grocery store without leaving the community.
Silvertree Communities Guide to Public Transportation in Muncie, IN
Muncie isn’t a big city, but its transit options cover more ground than most students expect. Between MITS routes that branch out across town, campus shuttles that circle Ball State, and a few regional options for heading home on breaks, a car becomes more of a convenience than a requirement. Here’s how each option works and when it makes the most sense to use it.
What Is MITS, and How Does It Work for Ball State Students?
The Muncie Indiana Transit System, or MITS, is the city’s public bus service and the main way students get around off campus. Its routes start at the downtown MITS Station and spread out in every direction.
Every MITS Route Is Free With a Ball State ID
Students, faculty, and staff with a valid school ID ride every MITS route at no cost. Riders without a school ID pay just 50 cents per trip or $1 for a day pass, so it’s also an inexpensive option for visiting guests. MITS buses connect riders to Ball State, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Ivy Tech Community College, Minnetrista Cultural Center, Walmart, and downtown Muncie.
MITS Runs Monday Through Saturday
| Day | Service Hours |
| Monday–Friday | 6:15 a.m.–6:45 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8:15 a.m.–6:15 p.m. |
| Sunday | No service |
Many routes wrap up earlier in the evening, so it’s worth checking an individual route’s schedule before planning a late-afternoon trip. MITS also closes on major holidays like Labor Day.
A Few Routes Cover Most Student Trips
MITS runs 14 routes across the city, but a handful come up most often for Ball State students:
- Route 1 (Ball State University): Serves The Village, the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, the Administration Building, and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
- Route 16 (Walmart North/University): Travels along Bethel Ave, connecting North Muncie with Walmart and the university area.
- Route 4 (Mall): Covers the McGalliard Road retail corridor, including stops near Target, Kohl’s, and DICK’S Sporting Goods.
- Route 12 (Ivy Tech): Connects riders to Ivy Tech Community College’s Muncie campus.
Between these routes and free transfers at MITS Station, most everyday errands and class commutes are covered without spending anything on fare.
How Do You Ride MITS for the First Time?
Riding a city bus for the first time can feel intimidating, but MITS keeps the process simple. A few steps cover almost everything you need to know.
- Plan your trip. Use the Trip Planner at mitsbus.org, the MITSBus app for iOS and Android, or Google Maps, which has MITS routes built in.
- Head to a stop. Along with marked stops, you can catch a MITS bus at any intersection along its route, as long as the intersection doesn’t have a right-turn-only lane.
- Track the bus. The MITSBus app shows real-time bus locations so you’re not waiting outside longer than you need to.
- Show your ID. Show the driver your Ball State ID when you board, and the ride is free.
- Call if you’re unsure. MITS operators can help plan a trip by phone at (765) 289-MITS (6487).
After a trip or two, riding MITS becomes as routine as walking to class.
What Campus Shuttles Does Ball State Offer?
Once you’re on campus, Ball State’s own shuttle system takes over. The shuttles are free, require no ID, and run during the fall and spring semesters when classes are in session.
The Green Loop Covers North and South Campus
The Green Loop serves the north and south ends of campus, including Scheumann Stadium, the baseball overflow parking area, Oakwood, and Scheidler Apartments. It’s the most frequent of the two loops and the only one that runs on Sunday evenings.
The Blue Loop Covers East and West Campus
The Blue Loop runs across the east and west sides of campus, making it useful for getting between academic buildings on opposite ends.
| Loop | Sunday | Monday–Thursday | Friday |
| Green Loop | 5–11 p.m. (every 15–20 min) | 7:20 a.m.–11 p.m. (every 8–10 min) | 7:20 a.m.–8 p.m. (every 8–10 min) |
| Blue Loop | No service | 7:20 a.m.–9 p.m. (every 13–15 min) | 7:20 a.m.–8 p.m. (every 13–15 min) |
Both loops can be tracked through the Bus Tracker widget in the MyBallState app.
Charlie’s Charter Covers Evenings on Campus
Charlie’s Charter is Ball State’s after-dark shuttle for rides between locations on university-owned property, filling the gap once regular shuttles stop running. Students can request a ride by calling 765-285-5005, and the service runs Sunday through Thursday evenings.
Between the two shuttle loops and Charlie’s Charter, getting across campus is easy once MITS drops you off.
How Can Students Get to Indianapolis or Travel Home for Breaks?
For longer trips, a few regional services connect Muncie with Indianapolis, the airport, and beyond. These are especially handy at the start of a semester and during holiday breaks.
Ball State’s Airport Shuttle Runs to Indianapolis International Airport
Ball State offers a student airport shuttle to and from Indianapolis International Airport at the beginning of each semester and during holiday and semester breaks. The fare is $55 per person each way, reservations must be made online at least 48 hours in advance, and the trip takes about two hours. Pickups are available from three campus locations, with morning, midday, and afternoon departures.
Intercity Buses Stop Right Near Campus
FlixBus picks up and drops off at the corner of University Avenue and Tally, right by campus, with service to Indianapolis. Hoosier Ride, operated by Miller Transportation, also serves Muncie with stops at MITS Station and Ball State, connecting riders to Indianapolis, the airport, and destinations throughout Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Catch-A-Ride Connects Students With Chicagoland
Students from the Chicago area can book Catch-A-Ride with Windy City Limousine, a student-only service running between Ball State and the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas during fall, Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks.
Knowing these options ahead of time makes booking a trip home a lot less stressful when breaks roll around.
Can You Bike or Walk Around Muncie Instead?
For students who’d rather get around under their own power, Muncie has one of the best trail systems in Indiana. It’s a great option for exercise, errands on nice days, or simply exploring the city.
The Cardinal Greenway is Indiana’s longest rail-trail, stretching 62 paved miles from Marion through Muncie to Richmond. It’s free, open dawn to dusk, and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers. The trail’s headquarters sits in the restored 1901 Wysor Street Depot at 700 E Wysor St, and the greenway connects with the White River Greenway, which winds through the heart of the city.
Whether you’re training for a race or looking for a scenic ride on a weekend, the Cardinal Greenway gives Muncie a surprisingly strong option for car-free travel.
Getting Around Muncie Starts Right at Silvertree
Between free MITS rides with a Ball State ID, frequent campus shuttles, Charlie’s Charter for evenings, and regional buses for trips home, getting around Muncie without a car is more doable than most students expect. The key is knowing which option fits each trip, and having the MITS app ready to go.
Silvertree makes that easier with its own on-site MITS bus stop, plus a heated pool and sundeck, a 24-hour fitness center, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and a computer lounge with a printer for finishing assignments before you head to campus. Explore spacious 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and townhomes designed to fit however you and your roommates want to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MITS bus free for Ball State students?
Yes. Ball State students, faculty, and staff ride every MITS route for free by showing a valid school ID to the driver.
Does MITS run on Sundays?
No. MITS runs Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., with no Sunday service.
Does Silvertree have a MITS bus stop?
Yes. Silvertree has an on-site MITS bus stop, giving residents direct access to campus and destinations around Muncie.
Are Ball State campus shuttles free?
Yes. Ball State’s Green Loop and Blue Loop shuttles are free and require no ID, running during the fall and spring semesters when classes are in session.
How do Ball State students get to the Indianapolis airport?
Ball State’s student airport shuttle runs to Indianapolis International Airport at the start of each semester and during breaks for $55 per person each way, with reservations required 48 hours in advance.
What is Charlie’s Charter?
Charlie’s Charter is Ball State’s after-dark shuttle service for rides between locations on university-owned property, available by calling 765-285-5005.
