Transit location systems and methods using LIDAR are provided. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving a 3D image captured from a vehicle on a pathway; transforming the 3D image into a first 2D image; and determining a location of the vehicle along the pathway, comprising: comparing the first 2D image to a plurality of second 2D images each captured at a respective known location along the pathway, selecting one or more of the second 2D images based on the comparing, and determining the location of the vehicle along the pathway based on the known location where the selected one or more of the second 2D images was captured. The 3D image may be captured by capturing LIDAR data with a LIDAR unit mounted on the vehicle.