If someone had told you a decade ago that you could live car-free in Redding, California, you probably wouldn’t have believed them. After all, Redding has long been known as a driver’s city, with wide roads, big parking lots, and a community spread across rolling hills and open spaces. But times have changed. Between its growing public transit options, walkable downtown, and a strong commitment to clean, connected transportation, Redding is becoming a city where life without a car isn’t just possible, it’s practical.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Redding is quietly transforming into one of Northern California’s most accessible mid-sized cities, offering more ways than ever to get around without needing your own set of wheels. Whether you’re new to the area or considering moving here, you’ll see how Redding’s modern transportation network is making city life easier, healthier, and surprisingly freeing.
Redding’s Changing Pace
For decades, living in Redding meant driving to work, to the store, to the park. But as the city continues to grow and attract people from larger metro areas like Sacramento and the Bay Area, there’s a noticeable shift toward more walkable, connected living. New bike paths, upgraded bus routes, and better downtown planning have all contributed to a new kind of Redding, one where your commute doesn’t have to include a car.
1. From Sky to Street: Redding’s Airports and Air Travel
Redding’s transportation story starts with its two airports, Benton Air Park and Redding Regional Airport, which reflect the city’s mix of small-town personality and big-city connectivity.
Located on the west side, Benton Air Park is where you’ll find private aviation and flight training, a staple of the city’s history since it was first purchased in 1920. It’s quiet, practical, and well-loved by locals who fly recreationally or for small business purposes.
Across town, on the east side, Redding Regional Airport serves as the city’s gateway to the West Coast. With direct flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Burbank, and Seattle, residents have easy access to major hubs without long drives or crowded terminals. Both Alaska and United Airlines operate here, and there’s even talk of adding a direct route to Denver, which would make travel even more seamless for those who love adventure or work remotely.
For frequent travelers, one of the best-kept secrets about flying out of Redding is how effortless it feels, with small crowds, short lines, and easy parking. You can arrive 45 minutes before takeoff and still make your flight with time to spare. For a city of its size, that’s a luxury few places offer.
2. Pedal Power: Bikes, Trails, and the Downtown Connection
If you’ve ever driven over the Sundial Bridge or spent an afternoon at Turtle Bay, you’ve probably seen just how central biking has become to Redding’s lifestyle. With the help of Shasta Living Streets, the city’s downtown is being reimagined as a people-first hub, one that encourages biking, walking, and outdoor activity.
Redding’s Bike Share program has changed how residents and visitors explore the city. With high-quality pedal-assist bikes, easy app-based rentals, and strategically placed docking stations, it’s easier than ever to commute to work or enjoy a scenic ride along the Sacramento River Trail. The trail itself runs for miles, connecting neighborhoods to parks, bridges, and downtown.
For quick trips or casual rides, electric scooters powered by the Bird app are scattered throughout the downtown area. They’re perfect for grabbing a coffee, heading to an event, or linking up with the bike trail. The combination of bikes and scooters has made downtown Redding more dynamic and accessible, no car required.
And while biking in Redding used to feel like an activity for recreation only, it’s now a legitimate way to get around. Whether you’re heading to the market, commuting to work, or just enjoying the sunshine, the city’s connected bike network makes it possible to move freely.
3. Reliable and Affordable: Public Transit in Redding
Public transportation in Redding has come a long way in recent years. The Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) now operates 15 routes that serve the entire region, providing reliable and affordable service to residents across Shasta County. Whether you’re heading downtown, to school, or across town for work, RABA’s coverage has made it easier to ditch the car keys.
The best part? The fares are accessible, just $2 for a two-hour ride, or $50 for a monthly pass. Seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare users all get additional discounts. And here’s something truly community-driven: youth under 18, veterans, and Shasta College students ride free.
For those who prefer flexibility, Shasta Connect is redefining what public transportation means. Instead of traditional bus stops, this service offers on-demand, curb-to-curb rides through a simple phone call or app. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to go directly from their front door to their destination without the structure of a fixed route. Shasta Connect even offers free rides on Sundays, helping make the entire system more inclusive.
These services don’t just make transportation easier; they also support a cleaner, healthier city. Fewer cars on the road mean less traffic, lower emissions, and a smoother daily flow for everyone.
4. A City That’s Walking Toward the Future
Redding isn’t just improving transportation; it’s building a culture around it. Between downtown revitalization projects, bike-friendly infrastructure, and investment in green technology, the city is putting people, not cars, at the center of its design.
If you walk through downtown today, you’ll notice it feels more alive than ever. Cafes spill out onto patios, bike racks are full, and people are using scooters to zip between events or shops. The city’s walkable layout, combined with its scenic views and outdoor access, creates an urban rhythm that balances convenience with connection.
Living car-free in Redding doesn’t mean giving up freedom; it means experiencing the city in a new way. It’s morning rides on the River Trail, quick trips on a scooter, and bus rides that take you where you need to go without the stress of parking or traffic.
A More Connected Redding Ahead
For a city once defined by highways and car commutes, Redding is writing a new story, one where mobility is about choice, sustainability, and community. Whether you fly across the coast, pedal downtown, or hop on a local bus, Redding offers freedom beyond four wheels.
If you’re considering moving to Redding or simply exploring what life could look like here, this transformation is something to get excited about. For a deeper look into Redding’s evolving transportation network, watch the full Rooted in Redding episode on YouTube. You’ll see exactly how these programs work and why locals are so proud of them.
And if you’re ready to make Redding your home, The Barrett Team is here to help you find not just a place to live, but a community where you can thrive, whether you drive every day or decide to leave the car behind.
