Purbeck Breezer 50: Bournemouth to Swanage Scenic Bus

The Purbeck Breezer 50 is one of Dorset’s most scenic bus journeys and one of the easiest ways to explore the beautiful coastline between Bournemouth and Swanage without a car. Travelling via Sandbanks, the Sandbanks Ferry and Studland, the route passes some of the county’s finest beaches and coastal scenery before arriving in the traditional seaside town of Swanage.

Unlike many bus services, the journey itself is part of the attraction. During the summer months, open-top buses normally operate along the route, allowing passengers to enjoy uninterrupted views across Poole Bay, Poole Harbour, Studland Bay and the rolling Purbeck countryside. Even during the winter, when standard buses are generally used, the route remains one of the most enjoyable ways to discover this part of Dorset.

Whether you’re planning a day at Studland Beach, walking to Old Harry Rocks, exploring Swanage, or simply looking for a relaxing scenic journey, the Purbeck Breezer 50 makes an excellent day out for visitors of all ages.

Website: https://www.morebus.co.uk/purbeck-breezer-50

Image copyright MoreBus

Quick Facts

  • Scenic bus route between Bournemouth and Swanage
  • Single fares currently £3 each way (2026 government fare cap)
  • Bus ticket includes the Sandbanks Ferry crossing – no extra ferry charge.
  • Journey time approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Operates throughout the year
  • Open-top buses normally operate during the summer season
  • Approximately every 30 minutes in summer and hourly in winter
  • Crosses Poole Harbour using the Sandbanks Ferry
  • Ideal for visiting Sandbanks, Studland Beach, Old Harry Rocks and Swanage
  • English National Concessionary Bus Passes accepted after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and public holidays
  • Contactless payment, cash and the MoreBus app accepted
  • Zone ABC Dayrider tickets allow unlimited travel across the MoreBus network and may offer better value if you’re making multiple journeys or connecting with other bus services.
You can see the route of the Breezer 50 marked in yellow on the map. Image copyright MoreBus

Route

The Purbeck Breezer 50 begins at Bournemouth Railway Station before serving Bournemouth town centre and continuing west through Westbourne and Canford Cliffs to Sandbanks.

After boarding the Sandbanks Ferry, the bus crosses the narrow entrance to Poole Harbour before continuing through Shell Bay and Studland Village, eventually arriving at Swanage Bus Station, just a short walk from the beach, pier and town centre.

Because the route links many of Dorset’s most popular attractions, it’s easy to break your journey and explore Sandbanks, Studland or Swanage before continuing later in the day.

Why Take the Purbeck Breezer 50?

Driving between Bournemouth and Swanage involves busy summer traffic, limited parking and the additional cost of the Sandbanks Ferry. The Purbeck Breezer removes all of these concerns, allowing you to sit back and enjoy one of the county’s most spectacular coastal journeys.

The route is particularly popular with walkers heading for Old Harry Rocks, families visiting Studland Beach, and visitors wanting to spend the day in Swanage.

One of the highlights is the short crossing on the Sandbanks Ferry. From the upper deck of an open-top bus you’ll enjoy excellent views across Poole Harbour, watching sailing boats and yachts as the ferry crosses the harbour entrance.

Image copyright MoreBus

Sandbanks Ferry Crossing

One of the highlights of the Purbeck Breezer 50 is the short crossing on the Sandbanks Ferry, a chain ferry that carries vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and buses across the narrow entrance to Poole Harbour.

The crossing takes only a few minutes, but from the upper deck of an open-top bus you’ll enjoy excellent views across one of the world’s largest natural harbours. During the crossing you’ll often see yachts, sailing dinghies, fishing boats and jet skis on the harbour. Looking west you’ll have views towards Brownsea Island, while to the east the sandy beaches of Studland stretch away along the Jurassic Coast.

The ferry operates throughout the year, although it normally closes for a short maintenance period during November. During this time the Purbeck Breezer 50 is diverted via Wareham.

For more information about the crossing, see our dedicated Sandbanks Ferry guide.

Image of the Purbeck Breezer crossing on the Sandbanks Ferry. Image copyright MoreBus

Studland & Old Harry Rocks

Studland is one of the most popular places to leave the bus. The village is home to beautiful sandy beaches, heathland and nature reserves managed by the National Trust, while nearby Old Harry Rocks is one of Dorset’s most famous natural landmarks.

From the bus stop in Studland Village, it’s approximately a 30 to 40-minute walk to Old Harry Rocks along well-maintained footpaths. The walk offers magnificent views across Poole Bay and the Jurassic Coast and is suitable for most visitors with a reasonable level of fitness.

Many people choose to travel from Bournemouth to Studland on the Purbeck Breezer 50, walk to Old Harry Rocks, return to Studland and then continue on the next bus to Swanage for lunch or an afternoon by the sea.

Exploring Swanage

The Purbeck Breezer terminates at Swanage Bus Station, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, beach and Victorian pier.

Swanage is one of Dorset’s most traditional seaside resorts, with a long sandy beach, independent shops, cafés, restaurants and attractive seafront. The town is also home to the Swanage Railway, where heritage steam and diesel trains run through the Isle of Purbeck to Corfe Castle and Norden.

Many visitors spend several hours exploring Swanage before catching a later Breezer service back to Bournemouth, making it an easy and enjoyable car-free day trip.

For ideas on what to see and do, read our Swanage travel guide.

Open-Top Bus Experience

One of the main attractions of the Purbeck Breezer 50 is travelling on the open-top buses that normally operate during the summer months. Sitting on the upper deck provides uninterrupted views that simply aren’t possible from a car.

As the bus leaves Bournemouth you’ll enjoy panoramic views across Poole Bay before passing through the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula. After crossing on the Sandbanks Ferry, the road follows the coast through Studland, offering beautiful views towards the chalk cliffs of Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Hills.

Because the buses are open to the elements, it’s worth taking a light jacket even on warm days, as it can feel surprisingly cool on the upper deck once the bus is moving.

Open-top buses cannot be guaranteed on every journey and standard closed-top buses may be used due to weather conditions, maintenance or operational requirements. During the winter timetable, services normally operate using conventional buses.

Tickets & Fares

The Purbeck Breezer 50 is part of the MoreBus network, making it easy to connect with other local bus services throughout Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding area.

Single fares are currently £3 each way (2026 government fare cap), making the Purbeck Breezer one of Dorset’s best-value scenic journeys. Your bus fare also includes the Sandbanks Ferry crossing, so there’s no additional ferry charge.

If you’re making several journeys during the day or connecting with other MoreBus services, a Zone ABC Dayrider ticket may offer better value. It provides unlimited travel on participating MoreBus services, allowing you to explore destinations such as Sandbanks, Studland and Swanage without needing to buy separate tickets for each journey.

English National Concessionary Bus Passes are accepted after 9:30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and public holidays, making the service an excellent choice for eligible pass holders.

Tickets can be purchased using contactless debit or credit cards, cash, or through the MoreBus mobile app, which also provides live bus tracking and timetable information.

Bus fares and ticket options are reviewed from time to time, so it’s always worth checking the latest prices before travelling. You can find the latest fares and ticket information on the MoreBus website: https://www.morebus.co.uk/fares-and-tickets

Timetable & Service Frequency

The Purbeck Breezer 50 operates throughout the year, providing an easy public transport link between Bournemouth and Swanage.

During the summer season, buses normally run every 30 minutes, making it easy to enjoy a flexible day out without needing to plan around a fixed timetable. During the winter months, services generally operate hourly.

Although the timetable remains broadly consistent throughout the year, seasonal changes and occasional service alterations can occur, so it’s advisable to check the latest timetable before travelling.

https://www.morebus.co.uk/services/WDBC/50 (timetable)

Tips for the Best Experience

  • During the busy summer season, board at Bournemouth Railway Station if possible, as this is where the journey begins. Arrive a little early, as queues for the upper deck seats often form before departure and the bus may already be full by the time it reaches Sandbanks and Studland.
  • If travelling on an open-top bus, sit on the left-hand side when travelling towards Swanage for the best coastal views.
  • Take a warm, windproof layer, even on sunny days. The upper deck can become surprisingly cool once the bus is moving.
  • Pack a light waterproof jacket or poncho. If it starts raining, there may not be enough room downstairs for everyone to move inside.
  • If you’re returning from Swanage during the summer holidays, bear in mind that buses between around 4:00pm and 6:00pm are often the busiest. Queues can be quite long and you may need to wait for the following service if the first bus is full. If your plans are flexible, travelling a little earlier or later can make for a more comfortable journey.
  • For the best experience during peak season, travel early in the morning and return during the early to mid-afternoon, when buses are usually less crowded.

Visitor Information

Operator: MoreBus

Route: Purbeck Breezer 50

Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Journey: Bournemouth Railway Station – Bournemouth Town Centre – Westbourne – Canford Cliffs – Sandbanks – Sandbanks Ferry – Shell Bay – Studland – Swanage

Operates: Throughout the year

Summer frequency: Approximately every 30 minutes

Winter frequency: Approximately every hour

For the latest timetables, service updates and ticket prices, visit the official MoreBus website before travelling.

Nearby Attractions

The Purbeck Breezer 50 passes or provides easy access to many of Dorset’s most popular attractions, including: