Getting Here & Around

Local Transit & Taxi Services

Although driving offers the greatest flexibility, Cape Breton remains easy to explore car-free thanks to a network of municipal buses, community transit services, and dependable taxi fleets. Review the options below and consult each operator’s website for the latest routes, service alerts, and fare details.

Transit Cape Breton

The Transit Cape Breton fleet connects Sydney, Glace Bay, New Waterford, North Sydney, and Sydney Mines. Buses run seven days a week, with weekday service starting around 6 a.m. and late trips until midnight on key routes. Live maps and next-bus times are available in the Transit app.

Local Tip

Exact cash fare or mobile ticket required; drivers do not make change.

Transit Cape Breton

Check real-time bus locations, full timetables, and service notices before you head to the stop.

cbrm.ns.ca

Strait Area Transit (Port Hawkesbury, Inverness & Richmond Counties)

Strait Area Transit is a non-profit service linking Port Hawkesbury, Inverness, Mabou, St. Peter’s, and surrounding rural communities. Dial-a-Ride door-to-door trips run weekdays, while fixed routes connect to shopping, medical, and ferry terminals. Advance reservations are encouraged for Dial-a-Ride.

Local Tip

Call dispatch 24 hours ahead to guarantee a seat; same-day requests are accepted if space allows.

Strait Area Transit

View schedules, Dial-a-Ride booking details, and accessibility information.

satbus.ca

Victoria County Transit (Baddeck & Highlands Communities)

Covering Ingonish, Baddeck, and the Highlands region, Victoria County Transit offers door-to-door service Monday to Friday with accessible vans. Bookings open one week in advance and close at 1 p.m. the business day before travel.

Local Tip

When booking, note the number of passengers and any mobility aids so the dispatcher can assign the right vehicle.

Victoria County Transit/

Reserve door-to-door rides, see operating hours, and read rider guidelines.

vctbus.ca

Taxi Companies (24/7 Phone Dispatch)

RegionCompanyPhone Number
Sydney (CBRM)City Wide Taxi1-902-564-5432
Dynasty Plaza Cabs1-902-562-5777
Happy Taxi1-902-567-2949
Kings Taxi1-902-564-4444
Plaza Taxi1-902-539-8770
Airline A Cabs1-902-564-4445
Hawco & Pier Taxi1-902-564-6111
Briands & Regional Taxi Ltd1-902-562-6666
Get Up & Go Taxi1-902-574-4004
Sydney Mines / Florence (CBRM)Preferred / Crown Taxi1-902-736-6565
Miner’s Taxi1-902-736-2414
Florence Taxi1-902-736-9161
North Sydney (CBRM)Island Taxi1-902-794-2224
Stagg’s Taxi1-902-794-2400
Gateway Taxi1-902-241-2444
Ivey Island Taxi1-902-241-2939
Glace Bay (CBRM)Sonny’s Taxi1-902-849-1584
Marg’s Taxi1-902-849-8794
Bud’s Taxi1-902-849-4055
Gerry’s Taxi Ltd1-902-849-7341
New Waterford (CBRM)Midway Taxi1-902-862-6800
Baddeck / Wagmatcook (Victoria Co.)GW Taxi & Delivery Service1-902-295-0085
Ingonish Beach (Victoria Co.)Ingo Cab1-902-285-4523
Chéticamp (Inverness Co.)La Coopérative de Transport de Chéticamp (L’Acabie)1-902-224-5063
Port Hawkesbury / Port Hastings (Inverness Co.)Dave’s Taxi1-902-631-1510
Harper’s / Legacy Taxi1-902-625-1434
Hurlburt’s Taxi1-902-631-4312
Richmond Co. (serves Richmond & area)Captain’s Cab1-902-870-2357

Local Tip

Smaller communities may have limited hours or seasonal service—calling ahead is advised, especially outside CBRM.

Accessibility & On-Demand Options

Most community transit vans and many taxis are wheelchair accessible but limited in number. Reserve at least 24 hours ahead and specify mobility requirements. For medical appointments, Nova Scotia’s Dial-a-Ride subsidy program may cover part of the fare; ask the operator when booking.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber, Lyft, and Uride currently operate only in the Halifax region. Once on Cape Breton Island, plan to use phone-dispatched taxis or pre-booked shuttles instead.

Final Tips Before You Go

  • Save dispatch numbers in your phone and confirm return service hours, especially for evening events.
  • Check social-media feeds for weather-related delays—snow and high winds can pause rural routes.
  • Use the Transit app or Google Maps “Transit” layer for live bus arrivals in the Sydney area.

With routes mapped and numbers handy, you can explore Cape Breton’s villages, beaches, and music halls without ever sliding behind the wheel.