Riding the Gold Line from Charlotte's West End
How the CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar connects West Trade Street and the Johnson C. Smith University area with Uptown — and how to plan around it.
Updated 2026-10-18
The CityLYNX Gold Line is a streetcar operated by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). It is not the LYNX Blue Line light rail. In the West End it runs along West Trade Street toward the Johnson C. Smith University area at Beatties Ford Road, and continues through Uptown toward the east.
Stops near the coverage area
Stop names in the West End may include French Street, Johnson C. Smith, Bruns Avenue, Wesley Heights, and Irwin Avenue. Stop names, operations, and detours change — check the official CATS Gold Line page for the current list before you rely on it.
Schedules, fares, and alerts
We do not publish fares or frequencies here because they change. CATS posts current schedules, fares, and service alerts online and through its rider apps.
First and last mile
The streetcar runs along a corridor; it does not run through every neighborhood. Map the walk from your door, including road crossings, sidewalk gaps, lighting, and hills. A short drive to Uptown is different from a short total transit journey.
Accessibility
CATS publishes accessibility information for its vehicles and stops. Contact CATS directly for specific accessibility questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gold Line light rail?
No. It is a streetcar. The Blue Line is Charlotte's light rail line.
Does the Gold Line serve every West End neighborhood?
No. It serves a corridor. Access depends on the specific address and walking route.
Official resources
Confirm current details directly with the responsible agency.