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Getting Around Whitby

Getting Around Whitby

Whitby Yorkshire, England Travel Guide

Public Transit Overview

Buses are the most common form of public transport for getting around Whitby and reaching nearby villages and towns. Trains via the Esk Valley Railway provide a scenic route through the Esk Valley.

Whitby also features two operational cliff lifts on the West Cliff that connect the upper promenade to the beach and town center. These are a convenient and unique way to avoid steep slopes.

Transit Hubs & Routes

  • Whitby Bus Station: Located conveniently near the town center, it serves as the main hub for local and regional bus services.
  • Whitby Train Station: Situated centrally, it is the terminus for the Esk Valley line.
  • Coastliner (Arriva X4): Connects Whitby to Scarborough, passing through scenic coastal villages.
  • Esk Valley Railway: Connects Whitby with picturesque villages like Grosmont, Egton, and Danby, ultimately reaching Middlesbrough.

Ticketing

For buses, pay cash on board or use contactless card payments. Day tickets might be available. For trains, purchase tickets at the station or on board.

Hours & Frequency

Public transport services generally run from early morning until late evening. Frequency varies by route; main routes are more frequent than rural services.

Accessibility

Newer buses in the UK are generally wheelchair accessible. Older trains on the Esk Valley line may have limited accessibility. Whitby sometimes has challenges due to its hilly terrain and cobbled streets.

Navigating Efficiently

Tips for Travel
  • Use Google Maps or local bus operator apps for real-time information on schedules and routes.
  • Consider purchasing a day ticket if you plan multiple bus journeys within a single day for better value.
  • Always check the last bus or train times, especially for trips outside the town center, to avoid being stranded.
Mobility Challenges
  • Whitby's hilly terrain, cobbled streets, and numerous steps sometimes present challenges for visitors with mobility needs.
  • It is always wise to check with specific venues regarding their current accessibility provisions before your visit.
  • Rural services might be less frequent, requiring careful planning.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Look for vehicles with a roof light and a meter. Hailable on the street or at taxi ranks.

Private Hire

Must be pre-booked through a local taxi firm; cannot be hailed on the street.

No Uber

Major ride-sharing apps like Uber are generally not operational or widely available in Whitby.

Safety First

Always use licensed taxis and reputable local companies for private hire.

Rental Options in Whitby

While car rental is not widely available directly in Whitby, bicycles can be rented for local exploration.

Car Rental

  • Requirements: Typically 21-25+ years old (with potential surcharges for drivers under 25), valid driving license.
  • Companies: No major international car rental companies have offices directly in Whitby. Nearest branches are in Scarborough, Middlesbrough, or at airports like Leeds Bradford or Manchester.
  • Considerations: Parking in Whitby sometimes is difficult and expensive, especially during peak season.
  • A car is most useful for seeing the wider North York Moors and surrounding coastal villages extensively.

Bicycle Rental

  • Local shops in Whitby have bicycle rentals. This is a popular option for seeing nearby trails, notably the Cinder Track.
  • Road Cycling: Sometimes challenging due to Whitby's hills and traffic on main roads. Country lanes in the North York Moors hold more varied cycling but need caution.
  • No specific no-go areas exist for pedestrians and cyclists, but exercise caution on busy roads.
  • Stay away from cliff edges, especially in windy or wet conditions. Be aware of high tides in low-lying harbor areas.

Walking in Whitby

  • Whitby Town Center: Largely pedestrian-friendly, especially Church Street and the harbor area. Best seen by walking to soak in the atmosphere.
  • 199 Steps: This iconic historic path connects the old town to Whitby Abbey and St. Mary's Church. It has spectacular panoramic views of the town and harbor.
  • West Cliff Promenade: A flat, accessible walk along the clifftop with wide-open sea views.
  • Cleveland Way: A national trail that passes directly through Whitby. It has spectacular coastal walking opportunities both north (towards Sandsend) and south (towards Robin Hood's Bay).
  • Walking Tour Options: Guided historical walks and popular ghost walking tours are available from local operators, often starting from the town center.
  • Self-guided walking options are plentiful, with maps available from the tourist information center.

Transportation Comparison Table

Walking

Free, immersive, best for seeing the town center. Hilly terrain, limited range.

Local Bus

Affordable, covers local area and nearby villages. Less frequent outside main routes.

Train Esk Valley Railway

Scenic, an unique experience. Limited destinations (mainly Middlesbrough).

Specialized Transportation

Unique ways to see Whitby include open-top buses and harbor boat trips.

Tour Buses & Water Transport

  • Tour Buses: Whitby has an open-top sightseeing tour bus that gives a narrated loop of the main attractions. This is a good way to get an overview of the town.
  • Pleasure Boats: Short scenic harbor cruises and longer coastal trips are available from Whitby harbor. These give a different perspective of the town and coastline.
  • Fishing Trips: Opportunities for sea fishing trips are available for booking from the harbor.
  • Boat Taxis: River Esk flows through Whitby, but not used for significant passenger transport.

Unique Local Transport

  • Cliff Lifts: Whitby features two cliff lifts on the West Cliff (the West Cliff Lift and the South Cliff Lift).
  • These allow easy access between the upper promenade and the beach/harbor area, simplifying steep climbs.
  • Accessibility Services: While some attractions have made efforts to be accessible, Whitby's terrain sometimes has challenges for visitors with mobility needs.
  • Always check with specific venues regarding their current accessibility provisions before your visit.

Transportation Costs

Walking

Free, immersive, best for seeing the town center.

Cost: Free

Local Bus

Affordable, covers local area and nearby villages.

Cost: £2-£4 (single trip)

Train Esk Valley Railway

Scenic, unique experience. Limited destinations.

Cost: £5-£15 (distance-based)

Additional Costs & Notes

Taxis & Car Hire
  • Taxis: Convenient, door-to-door service. More expensive than buses, less common apps. Cost: £5-£10 (short trip).
  • Car Rental: Offers flexibility for day trips. Parking challenges in Whitby, UK driving laws. Cost: £30-£60 per day (from outside Whitby).
  • Bicycle Rental: Eco-friendly, good for specific trails. Requires physical effort. Cost: £15-£30 per day.
Special Local Transport
  • Cliff Lifts: Convenient, scenic way to avoid steps, specific routes only. Cost: £1-£2.
  • Pleasure Boat Trips: Short harbor cruises for a different perspective. Cost: £5-£10.
  • Tour Bus: Hop-on-hop-off service for town overview. Cost: Varies.

Road Conditions & Safety

Driving Laws
  • Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal.
Roads & Parking
  • Roads leading into Whitby (A171, A169) are generally well-maintained.
  • Narrower roads and steep inclines exist in the old town.
  • Parking is limited, especially during peak season, but pay-and-display car parks are available.

Final Tip

Whitby is a town best seen on foot, and its surrounding area has excellent cycling opportunities. Enjoy your journey!

For taxi services, local firms are the main and most reliable option for on-demand car services, as major ride-sharing apps like Uber are generally not operational or widely available.

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