Exploring Dorset by bus is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to discover the county’s spectacular coastline, picturesque villages and famous Jurassic Coast landmarks. During the summer months, Weymouth becomes the hub of the Explore Dorset open-top bus network, with routes visiting Portland Bill, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle, Swanage, Abbotsbury and Bridport.
Travelling by bus allows you to enjoy the scenery without worrying about parking or narrow country roads. Many routes operate with open-top buses during the summer, providing panoramic views of the coastline, rolling countryside and charming villages along the way. Day tickets also make it easy to hop off and explore before catching a later bus.
Whether you’re planning a day at the beach, a coastal walk or sightseeing along the Jurassic Coast, these scenic bus routes are among the best ways to explore Dorset without a car.
Route 11 – Weymouth to Portland Bill
The Route 11 open-top bus travels from Weymouth through Wyke Regis and across the Isle of Portland to Portland Bill Lighthouse. As the bus climbs Portland’s steep roads, passengers are rewarded with spectacular views across Portland Harbour, Chesil Beach and Lyme Bay.
Highlights along the route include:
- Portland Castle
- National Sailing Academy
- Easton
- Portland Bill Lighthouse
- Dramatic views across Chesil Beach and the Jurassic Coast
This is one of Dorset’s shortest but most scenic bus journeys and is ideal if you want to spend a few hours exploring Portland Bill before returning to Weymouth. The route operates daily during the summer season.
Route X50 – Weymouth to Swanage
The X50 is one of Dorset’s most spectacular bus journeys, following the Jurassic Coast east from Weymouth to Swanage. Passing through Osmington, Winfrith Newburgh and Wool, the route serves two of Dorset’s most famous natural attractions before continuing to Corfe Castle and the traditional seaside town of Swanage.
Popular places to visit include:
- Durdle Door
- Lulworth Cove
- Corfe Castle
- Swanage
- Wareham
The route provides an excellent alternative to driving during the busy summer months when parking at many attractions can be limited.
Route X52 – Weymouth to Bridport
Travelling west from Weymouth, the X52 passes through attractive Dorset villages before reaching Abbotsbury, Burton Bradstock, West Bay and the market town of Bridport. This route combines beautiful countryside with dramatic coastal scenery and is ideal for visitors wishing to explore the western Jurassic Coast.
Highlights include:
- Abbotsbury Swannery
- Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
- St Catherine’s Chapel
- Burton Bradstock and Hive Beach
- West Bay
- Bridport
Route 55 – Lulworth Cove to Monkey World
If you’re staying in Weymouth and changing buses at Lulworth Cove, Route 55 provides convenient access to two of Dorset’s best-known family attractions.
The route links:
- Lulworth Cove
- Durdle Door
- The Tank Museum
- Monkey World
This makes it easy to combine a visit to the Jurassic Coast with one of Dorset’s most popular family attractions.
Tickets
First Bus offers a range of tickets, including single fares and day tickets that allow unlimited travel on participating services. If you’re planning to visit several attractions in one day, a day ticket usually offers the best value.
English National Concessionary Bus Passes are accepted after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and on public holidays. Tickets can be purchased from the driver using cash or contactless payment, or in advance using the First Bus app. Ticket prices and operating dates may change, so it’s worth checking before travelling.
Tips for Planning Your Journey
Most open-top routes operate seasonally between late spring and early autumn, although some journeys may be operated by standard buses during poor weather. If you plan to visit popular attractions such as Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove during the summer holidays, travelling by bus can often be easier than driving and searching for parking.
Because day tickets allow unlimited travel, consider breaking your journey by stopping at one or two attractions before continuing later in the day. It’s an excellent way to experience Dorset’s coastline at a more relaxed pace.
As timetables, operating dates, fares and routes are subject to change, always check the latest information with First Bus before travelling.