Southwest England, England
Buses form the backbone of local public transport in Dorset. The network is extensive, serving most towns and many villages. Morebus is the main operator covering Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Purbeck, Weymouth, and Dorchester.
First Wessex operates routes around Weymouth, Bridport, and Lyme Regis. The Jurassic Coaster bus services (X50/X51/X52/X53) are a scenic option, running along the Jurassic Coast and linking major towns.
Single/return tickets from driver/machines. Day tickets (e.g., Morebus 'Dayrider') are cost-effective for multiple journeys. Contactless payment widely accepted on buses.
Buses run from early morning to late evening on main routes, reduced on Sundays. Train services run similarly, with varying frequency.
Modern buses and trains are generally wheelchair accessible. Check with operators for specific route details.
Hackney Carriages (Black Cabs) can be hailed or found at ranks.
Must be pre-booked through a company or app; cannot be hailed.
Short journey within town typically £7-£15. Most accept cash/card.
Uber is available in Bournemouth/Poole. Local taxi firms may have apps.
Driving to Dorset offers maximum flexibility for exploring its diverse landscapes, especially the more rural areas and scattered attractions.
Less common than cars; specialist providers may exist. Similar requirements to car rental.
Book car rental in advance for preferred vehicle type and better rates.
Basic third-party insurance with rental cars. Consider additional coverage for peace of mind.
Dorset's varied landscapes make it a wonderful destination for walking and cycling, with both gentle strolls and challenging trails.
City Sightseeing Bournemouth is a hop-on-hop-off tour covering Bournemouth, Poole, Sandbanks.
Jurassic Coaster bus (X50/X51/X52/X53) offers scenic coastal tours.
Poole Harbour offers various boat trips, including ferries to Brownsea Island.
Weymouth has harbour tours and pleasure cruises. Jurassic Coast cruises available.
Bournemouth Cliff Lifts provide access between promenade and clifftop gardens.
No cable cars or funiculars beyond these cliff lifts.
Dorset offers unique ways to see its sights, specifically along its coast and in its scenic areas. This diversity caters to varied preferences.
City Sightseeing Bournemouth offers a hop-on-hop-off tour for flexible urban exploration.
Boat trips from Lulworth Cove, Weymouth, and Lyme Regis give unique views of the Jurassic Coast.
Accessible taxis and beach wheelchairs are available in some areas for visitors with mobility needs.
Utilise Google Maps or local bus operator apps for real-time bus tracking and journey planning. These supply accurate departure times.
Consider a day ticket for buses if you plan multiple journeys to achieve savings.
