Route 33

First bus leaves the airport stop around 6:00 a.m.

Route 33 is Sun Metro’s bus line connecting El Paso International Airport (ELP) with downtown and east-side neighborhoods in about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic on Airway Blvd and I-10. The stop sits just outside the terminal serving gates A and B, so you walk a couple of minutes from baggage claim to the curb and you’re on the local system instead of in a cab queue.

The bus runs daily, with service roughly every 30–60 minutes across the daytime schedule, and a full ride costs the standard Sun Metro fare (usually just a few dollars, paid in cash or with a Sun Metro pass). Because it’s a regular city route, there’s no baggage fee and no airport surcharge, so solo travelers often save $15–$20 compared to a rideshare from ELP to downtown El Paso.

Plan on 30 minutes to reach central stops in the I-10 corridor when traffic is light, and closer to 40 minutes during peak hours around 7:30–9:00 a.m. and 4:30–6:00 p.m. The route passes key connections for other Sun Metro lines, so you can hop to another bus if you’re heading beyond downtown toward the east side or the university area without paying another base fare for two hours.

Step-by-step: using Route 33 from ELP

• 1. Exit the terminal: After collecting bags at baggage claim near gates A and B, follow signs for “Public Transportation” to the main curbside area in front of the terminal.
• 2. Find the Route 33 stop: Look for the Sun Metro sign labeled with “33” near the central island; it’s within a 2–3 minute walk of the terminal doors.
• 3. Check the timetable: Confirm the next departure on the posted Sun Metro schedule at the stop; daytime waits typically run 30–60 minutes between buses.
• 4. Pay the fare: Have a few dollar bills or a Sun Metro pass ready as you board; drivers on Route 33 usually do not make change for large bills.
• 5. Ride to your stop: Stay on board for about 30–40 minutes until your downtown or connecting stop is called; many riders get off near major intersections along I-10.
• 6. Transfer if needed: If you’re continuing beyond downtown, use your still-valid fare window (about 2 hours) to connect to another Sun Metro route without paying a second full fare.

One practical tip: check the latest Route 33 schedule before landing, then pick a bus about 20 minutes after your arrival time so you’re not rushing through ELP’s A and B gates just to stand at the curb.