Route 57 CATS bus stops directly outside BTR’s main terminal
The CATS Bus Route serving Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport stops at the main terminal curb, so you board and exit right by airline check-in. It operates as a standard local bus service, not an express airport shuttle, and runs on the same fare system as the rest of Capital Area Transit System routes.
Local CATS fares on most routes sit near the USD $1–$2 range per ride, often with free or low-cost transfers that connect to other lines in Baton Rouge. You pay on board at the front of the bus, usually with exact cash or a CATS pass; drivers typically do not make change, so bring small bills or a preloaded card.
Service frequency on airport-linked CATS routes in midsize cities like Baton Rouge often lands in the 30–60 minute window, not every 5–10 minutes like a big-city rail link. That means missing a departure can easily add half an hour to your timing, so check the Route 57 schedule against your flight’s check-in cutoff before you commit.
The CATS bus stop at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport sits in front of the Main terminal, in the same general roadway loop where private cars and taxis load. Look for the marked bus sign and shelter rather than lining up at the taxi stand, and allow a couple of extra minutes to walk from baggage claim to the curb.
Most CATS routes, including airport service, connect into central Baton Rouge transit points such as hubs along Florida Boulevard and downtown. That single airport ride can plug you into other lines that run toward residential neighborhoods, Louisiana State University, and commercial corridors, often with a transfer that keeps your total cost under USD $4.
Expect standard city-bus amenities on the CATS airport route: forward-facing seats, grab rails, and space near the front for soft-sided luggage. Hard-shell checked bags and oversized gear fit awkwardly in the aisle, so keeping it to one roller and one personal item makes boarding and exiting at BTR and downtown stops less stressful for you and everyone else on the bus.
- Step 1: From BTR baggage claim in the Main terminal, walk outside to the main curb and locate the CATS bus stop sign.
- Step 2: Confirm the bus headsign shows the correct route number that serves Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport before boarding.
- Step 3: Have USD $1–$2 in small bills or a valid CATS pass ready as you step onto the bus.
- Step 4: Stow your suitcase in front of your seat or between your legs so it stays clear of the aisle.
- Step 5: Pull the stop cord or push the stop button one block before your planned stop, then use the front door to exit.
One practical tip: print or screenshot the current CATS Route 57 timetable and route map before you fly into BTR, so you are not depending on cell service or airport Wi‑Fi while standing at the curb.