Three interstate highways, I-75, I-24, and I-59 converge near the city. I-75 runs southwest toward the city from Knoxville, and north-northwest from Atlanta; I-59 runs north, then east from Birmingham; and I-24 runs south, then east from Nashville. The city is a convenient stop en route to cities such as New Orleans, Orlando, and many other deep south destinations. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport/Lovell Field, just 15 minutes from downtown, offers 52 flights daily, including direct flights to New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Memphis, Cincinnati, and Charlotte. Greyhound/Trailways Bus Lines provides interstate service.
The three Interstate Highways, I-75, I-24 and I-59, are particularly busy during the rush hour to and from work. Major thoroughfares include Hixson Pike, which runs north-south, and Brainerd Road, which runs east-west then turns north into Lee Highway. Ringgold Road is another important east-west route. Riverside Drive curves around many major downtown sites. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides regularly scheduled public bus transportation for the area. CARTA also offers free downtown electric shuttle service for visitors, residents, and downtown workers.