When visiting York, England, using public transport is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city.
One of the most popular options for public transport in York is the Park & Ride service, which offers six sites surrounding the city for a hassle-free journey. You can leave your car safely and securely at one of the free parking spaces and hop on the bus to York city centre. The service is frequent, reliable, and affordable, making it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of driving and parking in the city centre.
If you prefer to use public transport within the city centre, York has an extensive bus network that covers the city and its surrounding areas.
Bus Services
York has an extensive bus network, with over 30 routes serving the city and surrounding areas. The buses are operated by several different companies, including First York, Arriva, and Transdev. You can find information on bus routes and timetables on the iTravel York website.
If you’re planning on using the bus regularly, it may be worth investing in either the All York Day Pass (1 day pass) or All York Week Pass (1 week pass). These give you unlimited travel on all York buses for a set period of time, and can save you money compared to buying individual tickets. You can learn more about bus fares and passes here.
Cycling In York
York is renowned for being a bike-friendly city with many dedicated cycle paths and pedestrianised areas. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike hire companies in the city or hire up one of the eBikes from Tier which are dotted throughout York. Just download their app, and check where the bike is plus the battery duration. Their app is free but you’ll need to pay to hire the bike.
Planning Your Journey
When it comes to using public transport in York, planning your journey in advance can save you time and make your trip more enjoyable. Here are some helpful resources to help you plan your journey:
Bus Timetables
Before you head out, it’s important to check the bus timetables to ensure you know when the next bus is arriving. You can find bus timetables on the iTravel York bus planner or by using the Traveline Journey Planner. Most bus stops also have timetables posted, so you can check the schedule while you wait for your bus.
Journey Planner
The Traveline Journey Planner is a great resource for planning your journey in York. Simply enter your starting point and destination, and the Journey Planner will provide you with the best route options, including any transfers and estimated travel times. You can access the Journey Planner on the iTravel York website or through the Traveline app.
Bus Route Map
If you prefer to see the bus routes on a map, you can find a map of the York bus routes on the iTravel York website. The map shows all the bus routes in the city, as well as the locations of bus stops and Park & Ride sites. This can be a helpful tool to visualize your journey and plan your route accordingly.
Google Maps is also a good travel app for planning your bus journeys. Just make sure your location is enabled, enter where you’d like to go, select the public transport option and it’ll calculate the journey for you.
Are the buses in York Wheelchair accessible?
Public buses in York are accessible for those who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility. When the bus arrives, the bus driver can lower the bus to curb level and open a wheelchair accessible ramp so you can get on board.
There’s 1 dedicated spot for a wheelchair user on the buses, and you can easily fit a manual wheelchair or an electric wheelchair in this sopt. Sadly if you have a mobility scooter, you might find it’s too big for the spot. Small, folding ones typically fit OK but larger ones can’t normally fit.
Alternatively you could also look into using Dial a Ride, to arrange transport around York. The scheme is ran by volunteers and you do need to book ahead. The scheme isn’t free, costing £8 for a return journey or £4 for a single journey.
Destinations and Routes
If you’re looking to explore the beautiful and historic city of York, there are plenty of destinations and routes to choose from. Whether you want to visit a stunning castle, soak up the seaside atmosphere, or explore the bustling city of Leeds, there’s something for everyone.
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is a magnificent stately home located just outside of York. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or just beautiful scenery. You can reach Castle Howard by taking the Coastliner 840 bus from York, which runs every day.
Whitby
Whitby is a charming seaside town located on the east coast of England. It’s famous for its stunning coastline, historic abbey, and delicious fish and chips. To get to Whitby from York, take the Coastliner 840 bus, which runs every day.
Easingwold
Easingwold is a picturesque market town located just a short distance from York. It’s a great place to explore if you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to experience a traditional English market town. To get to Easingwold from York, take the 31 or 40 bus, which run every day.
Leeds
Leeds is a vibrant and bustling city located just a short distance from York. It’s a great place to explore if you’re interested in shopping, nightlife, or just want to experience the energy of a big city. To get to Leeds from York, take the 840 Coastliner bus, which runs every day.
Malton
Malton is a charming market town located just a short distance from York. It’s a great place to explore if you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to experience a traditional English market town. To get to Malton from York, take the 840 Coastliner bus, which runs every day.
Scarborough
Scarborough is a popular seaside resort located on the east coast of England. It’s famous for its stunning coastline, historic castle, and traditional seaside attractions. To get to Scarborough from York, take the 843 Coastliner bus, which runs every day.
Hop on Hop Off Buses
As an alternative to public transport, you could book a ticket on York’s hop-on hop-off bus which stops at 14 of York’s most best attractions and sights. Tickets last for 24 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to visit many of the sights.
As well as a hop-on hop-off bus ticket you could also pick up the York Pass and get discounted access to many of the museums and attractions along the bus route including York Minster, and Clifford’s Tower.
