The Jurassic Coaster is a network of scenic bus routes linking many of Dorset’s most popular towns, beaches and visitor attractions. Whether you’re planning to visit the iconic limestone arch at Durdle Door, the picturesque harbour at Swanage, the dramatic cliffs of Portland Bill or the historic market town of Bridport, the Jurassic Coaster provides one of the easiest ways to explore the Jurassic Coast without a car.
Operated by First Bus, the network includes several seasonal open-top bus services, offering spectacular views of Dorset’s coastline and countryside. Although many of these routes are now marketed under the Explore Dorset brand, the Jurassic Coaster name remains widely recognised by both visitors and local residents.
Website: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/wessex-dorset-south-somerset
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by Jurassic Coaster is the freedom it gives you to explore. You can leave the car behind, avoid busy summer car parks and simply enjoy the scenery as you travel between some of Dorset’s most famous destinations. Many routes are also ideal for walkers, allowing you to complete sections of the South West Coast Path before returning by bus.
Why Travel by Jurassic Coaster?
Whether you’re visiting Dorset for a day or a longer holiday, the Jurassic Coaster network offers a convenient and enjoyable way to discover the county.
Benefits include:
- Direct access to many of Dorset’s most popular attractions.
- Spectacular coastal and countryside scenery throughout the journey.
- Open-top buses on selected routes during the summer season.
- Easy connections between beaches, seaside towns and historic villages.
- Ideal for walkers exploring the South West Coast Path.
- Day tickets allowing unlimited travel on participating services.
- English National Concessionary Bus Passes accepted on eligible journeys.
Jurassic Coaster Routes
The Jurassic Coaster network includes several routes serving the Jurassic Coast and surrounding countryside. While operating dates and timetables may change from year to year, the principal routes currently include:
Route 11 – Weymouth to Portland Bill
One of Dorset’s most scenic short journeys, Route 11 connects Weymouth with the Isle of Portland, travelling via Wyke Regis, the National Sailing Academy and Easton before reaching Portland Bill Lighthouse. During the summer season this route is normally operated using open-top buses, providing outstanding views across Portland Harbour, Chesil Beach and Lyme Bay.
Highlights along the route:
- Weymouth
- Wyke Regis
- National Sailing Academy
- Portland Castle
- Easton
- Portland Bill Lighthouse
Route X50 – Weymouth to Swanage
The X50 is one of the most spectacular bus journeys in Dorset, travelling east from Weymouth along the Jurassic Coast to Swanage. The route passes several of Dorset’s best-known attractions, making it an excellent choice for visitors wanting to explore the coastline without driving. Open-top buses normally operate during the peak summer season.
Highlights along the route:
- Weymouth
- Osmington
- Durdle Door
- Lulworth Cove
- Wool
- Wareham
- Corfe Castle
- Swanage
The X50 is one of the best routes for visiting the eastern Jurassic Coast, with opportunities to stop off at several attractions before continuing your journey later in the day.
Route X52 – Weymouth to Bridport
Travelling west from Weymouth, the X52 follows one of the most scenic sections of the Jurassic Coast, passing through attractive villages before reaching the bustling market town of Bridport. During the summer months, this route is usually operated using open-top buses, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views of Dorset’s countryside and coastline.
Highlights along the route:
- Weymouth
- Chickerell
- Portesham
- Abbotsbury
- Burton Bradstock
- West Bay
- Bridport
This is an excellent route for visiting Abbotsbury Swannery, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Hive Beach at Burton Bradstock and the famous cliffs and harbour at West Bay.
Route 55 – Lulworth Cove to Monkey World
Route 55 forms an important part of Dorset’s seasonal bus network, linking Lulworth Cove with The Tank Museum, Monkey World and Wool railway station. It provides a useful connection for visitors travelling on the X50 who wish to continue to these popular attractions.
Highlights along the route:
- Lulworth Cove
- Durdle Door (short walk)
- Wool
- The Tank Museum
- Monkey World
Tickets
A range of single, return and day tickets is available across the Jurassic Coaster network. If you plan to visit several attractions in one day, unlimited day tickets usually offer the best value.
Tickets can be purchased from the driver using cash or contactless payment, or in advance using the First Bus app.
English National Concessionary Bus Passes are accepted after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
As fares and ticket options may change, it’s always worth checking the latest information before travelling.
Destinations Served by the Jurassic Coaster
The Jurassic Coaster network provides direct access to many of Dorset’s best-known attractions, making it easy to explore the county without a car.
| Town / Attraction | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Weymouth | 11, X50, X52 |
| Portland Bill | 11 |
| Portland Castle | 11 |
| Chesil Beach | 11, X52 |
| Abbotsbury | X52 |
| Burton Bradstock (Hive Beach) | X52 |
| West Bay | X52 |
| Bridport | X52 |
| Lyme Regis | X53* |
| Durdle Door | X50 |
| Lulworth Cove | X50 |
| Monkey World | 55 |
| The Tank Museum | 55 |
| Wareham | X50 |
| Corfe Castle | X50 |
| Swanage | X50 |
Related Pages: Weymouth / Osmington Mills / Durdle Door / Lulworth Cove / Tank Museum / Monkey World / Wareham / Poole Quay / Abbotsbury / Burton Bradstock / West Bay / Bridport / Charmouth Beach / Lyme Regis / Dorchester