Getting Around Big Bear Lake: Transportation, Rideshares, and Local Tips

Big Bear Lake is a small mountain town with big-city crowds on weekends and holidays. The narrow roads around the lake and through The Village can get congested, and parking fills up quickly during peak seasons. Whether you’re visiting for a day on the slopes or a weekend getaway, knowing how to get around will save you time and stress.

Can You Get an Uber in Big Bear Lake?

While Uber and Lyft do operate in Big Bear, they are not as reliable as they are in other cities, especially on busy weekends or late at night. Because the town is small and seasonal, there are very few active drivers, and many visitors find that they can get a ride to dinner but struggle to find one back.

🚫 Don’t rely on rideshare apps if you have reservations or late-night plans — you could be stuck waiting hours with no available drivers.

➡️ Tip: Always have a backup plan, especially during winter weekends, major holidays, or events like Oktoberfest and the 4th of July.

Local Transportation Options

Jazzy Bear Ride Service

A newer addition to town, Jazzy Bear Ride Service is a locally owned, private ride service offering pre-arranged transportation around Big Bear Lake.

They provide reliable rides to restaurants, cabins, ski resorts, weddings, and even custom tours. Since rides are booked directly through them, you can schedule pickups in advance — perfect for dinner plans or special occasions.

• Book directly through Jazzy Bear Ride Service
• Great reviews for professionalism and punctuality.
• Offers private, clean vehicles with local drivers.

💡 Our recommendation: If you need a guaranteed ride around town, Jazzy Bear is your best choice. Book ahead, especially on weekends.

Big Bear Trolley (Free Service)

The Big Bear Trolley is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around — and it’s completely free.

Operated by Mountain Transit, the trolley connects major stops across town, including:

• The Village
• Snow Summit
• Bear Mountain
• Big Bear City
• Meadow Park and popular lodging areas

You can view routes, schedules, and live maps on the official Mountain Transit website or download their app for real-time tracking.

🚌 Why use the trolley?

• It’s free
• Avoids parking hassles
• Family-friendly and accessible
• Runs frequently during the day

➡️ Tip: The trolley is especially useful for visitors staying near The Village or the ski resorts — hop on and skip the parking chaos.

Bike Rentals and E-Bikes

Biking is another fun and flexible way to get around town. During the warmer months, several shops rent bicycles and electric bikes by the hour or day.

Many visitors ride along the Alpine Pedal Path, cruise around the lake, or use bikes for quick trips between the Village and nearby restaurants.

Popular rental shops include:

• Bear Valley Bikes – E-bike rentals and mountain bikes
• Chains Required Bike Shop – Repairs and gear
• Getboards Ride Shop – Hourly and daily bike rentals near The Village

🚴‍♀️ Tip: Electric bikes make it easy to handle Big Bear’s hills and altitude while enjoying the scenery.

Tips for Getting Around During Busy Weekends

• Plan parking early. The Village and ski areas fill up fast.
• Use the free trolley instead of driving short distances.
• Book transportation ahead — especially for dinner, weddings or special events.
• Avoid driving during peak arrival times
• Walk when possible. The Village area is compact, with sidewalks connecting restaurants, shops, and the lakefront.

Final Thoughts



Getting around Big Bear Lake is part of the experience — from the colorful trolley rides to cruising along the lakeshore on an e-bike. Just remember that rideshares are limited, and it’s always smart to plan ahead, especially on weekends and holidays.

With a little preparation, you can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time enjoying the beauty of Big Bear.