Getting Around

Public transport services within Weymouth and Portland can provide the freedom to go further. Local bus and coach companies serve the local vicinity and surrounding areas.

During the summer season, the local coach companies run services to many other towns, linking in some of our top attractions en route. Most of the bus and coach stops are situated around the King's Statue area, adjacent to the Tourist Information Centre, on Weymouth seafront.

Although many attractions are within a few minutes walk, Weymouth’s town centre and seafront have an excellent gradient, and are therefore suitable for those with limited mobility. Weymouth seafront itself has many seats, benches, shelters and resting places which make a visit worthwhile. What’s more, railings to tap with a stick for ease of navigation if you’re visually impaired.

If you’re visiting Weymouth and Portland by public transport, you may be interested to learn that there is a service entitled Traveline. Traveline can give you all the times and details you need to plan many of your journeys. Traveline, is a free service, although the cost of calling them may vary, depending on your telephone provider. You can reach Traveline by calling: 0871 200 22 33. Or, you can visit their website at www.traveline.org.uk Not only can they help you get to Weymouth & Portland, but they can also advise you on which buses you should take if you wish to get about whilst you’re here. Perhaps you’d like to plan a visit to some of the local attractions, or maybe you’d like a cream tea at Portland Bill. Whatever you’d like, or wherever you want to go, they’re only a moment away.

Dial-A-Bus

There’s also Dial-A-Bus! Dial-A-Bus, is a service for local residents only, who are elderly or infirm. A specially adapted minibus, taking wheelchairs, operates over a wide local area on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am - 2pm. On Wednesdays the service covers the Dorchester area. For further details on the Dial-A-Bus service, simply call 01305 761771, where someone will be happy to help you. For passengers using coach or bus services departing from the King's Statue area, disabled toilets are adjacent to the Tourist Information Centre.

Coach House Travel and National Express Tickets can be booked at the Tourist Information Centre. If assistance is needed with getting on and off vehicles it is advisable to mention this when booking. Alternatively, if you’re not able to visit the Tourist Information Centre in person, you can book your tickets for either company by calling them directly. Coach House Travel’s telephone number is: 01305 261777.

National Express can be contacted by calling: 08717 818181, or by visiting their website at www.nationalexpress.com. If you’re over 60 or are registered disabled, you can travel for up to half price on many journeys. If you need assistance with your National Express journey, you can call their dedicated assistance line, on: 0121 423 8479. They can help with a selection of services including front seats, assistance with luggage and a steady hand when boarding and alighting the coach. Please call for details. All journeys are subject to the company’s terms and conditions.

Taxis

From time to time, it may be necessary to call for a taxi. If this is the case, you may find some of these numbers useful.

Bee Cars – 01305 775151
Weycabs - 01305 707070
Weyline – 01305 777777

Some of the above taxi operators may have wheelchair accessible vehicles available. Please call to check.

Of course there are more telephone numbers for taxis you could try. Why not call the Tourist Information Centre to enquire further? They’re available 7 days a week, on: 01305 785747.

Day Trips

There are many different day trips throughout the year, run by some of the local coach companies. Destinations include; Portland Bill, Dorchester Market, Clark’s Shopping Village, a day out in Bournemouth and a shopping trip to Poole, to name but a few. For further details, we have some telephone numbers for local coach excursion companies.

Coach House Travel – 01305 261777
Bluebird Coaches – 01305 782353

Both of these companies run regular trips to both local and national attractions, as well as places of interest. Please be sure to call them though, to ensure that their excursion will suit your requirements.

Rail

Weymouth’s railway station is centrally situated, just a five minute walk to the Esplanade and also very close to Radipole RSPB Nature Reserve and Swannery. The station entrance is ramped and the foyer has disabled toilet facilities. A wheelchair can be loaned to assist passengers in transit, and a ramp is available for boarding trains.These services can only be provided if booked in advance. You can call National Rail’s assistance line, on: 0845 60 50 440 for details.

Blind and visually impaired customers can also obtain assistance if required.

Most trains operating to London Waterloo or Bristol are of a sliding door design. Please telephone in advance for station assistance, Tel: 0845 60 50 440. The Rail Journey Planner service can advise you on how best to reach a destination. Simply call: 08457 48 49 50 for further details.

Car
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