Norfolk buses
County Advice overview
Several bus services operate in and around Norfolk, including the main provider, First Bus.
First Bus has produced Extra Help to Travel cards and Safe Journey cards for people who have a disability to use on their buses. They are available from Travel shops, or you can download via the links below:
Key tips
If you have reduced mobility, or a disability, where possible plan your journey in advance so that you know:
- If the destination stop is accessible, and any arrangements you may need to make for onward travel
- Which mobility aids you will be travelling with. (Contact the bus provider if you are unsure whether you can travel with your scooter/wheelchair.)
It may also be worth considering:
- Where the nearest bus stop is and which bus number you will need
- What method of payment is accepted
- If the ticket can be bought online
- Which destination stop you need. (The bus driver should be happy to help.)
Operators
Border Bus
Based at Beccles operating routes through some areas of Suffolk and Norfolk.
Coach Services Ltd
Provides a local bus service from Thetford to Bury St Edmonds operating every 30 minutes. They also operate routes via Brandon, Mildenhall, and Norwich.
First Bus
Bus services throughout Norfolk and Suffolk with frequent services in and around Norwich and along the east coast.
The EXCEL bus service by First Bus is a frequent connection between Norwich, Kings Lynn and Peterborough which leaves every 30 minutes.
Frequent return buses run from Norwich to the east coast resorts of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.
Konect Bus
Operates routes throughout Norfolk, including park and ride services with five sites serving Norwich City Centre, the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, and the University of East Anglia.
Lynx
Lynx is a locally owned independent bus operator in West Norfolk. Operating routes in Kings Lynn, Hunstanton, Snettisham, Heacham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Fakenham, Downham Market, Wisbech, and Marham.
Our hire
Based near Acle in Norfolk and offers a variety of travel in the local area. Tel: 01493 752223
Sanders Coaches
Based in Holt, North Norfolk. Local bus service network from Kings Lynn to Great Yarmouth but predominantly operates in the North Norfolk area.
Semmence
Based in Wymondham, Norfolk, providing local bus services in addition to coach trips.
Simonds
Operate a large number of routes providing local bus services linking the rural villages to the counties, towns and cities.
Help with cost
Older Person’s Bus Pass
Concessionary bus passes are available for older people who have reached state pension age and reside in Norfolk. The Older Person’s Bus Pass entitles you to free travel on bus services throughout England from 9.30am to 11am, Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
You can apply online for a concessionary bus pass.
Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass. There is no upper age restriction for this type of bus pass.
You can apply online for a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass or download an application form and email it to: concessionarytravel@norfolk.gov.uk
Special Assistance
First Bus have produced Extra Help to Travel Cards and Safe Journey Cards for people who have a disability to use on their buses. They are available from travel shops or you can download one using the links below:
Travelling with mobility equipment
Not all mobility scooters are permitted to access buses – it varies by operator and depends on the size and type of scooter.
As a minimum, all Norfolk bus operators follow the national Code of Practice for the Use and Acceptance of Mobility Scooters on low floor buses.
To receive a permit, you will need to contact your local bus operator before you travel, but note that Konectbus operates a separate permit scheme.
When your low floor bus arrives at the bus stop you can ask the driver to lower the step and/or ramp to allow you to board.
Wheelchair/scooter users have priority over everyone else for the use of the designated wheelchair space as this is the only place in which they can travel safely.
Assistance Dogs
All recognised guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed to travel for free on all Norfolk buses.
Routes and timetable links
Local bus providers have journey planners and will be able to help you with information about your journey.
For instance, you can check when your First Bus service is scheduled to arrive at your bus stop.
Norfolk County Council have provided useful information on journey planning in and around Norwich.
If you are travelling outside the county, the national NextBuses website will help you search for bus timetables and your nearest bus stop.
Traveline provides a national journey planning service and live times.
Disclaimer
Any advice or information given by the Hubs Mobility Advice Service is impartial and correct at the time it is provided. However, as operators may change their services or equipment prior to your journey or booking, you are strongly advised to check any details directly with them shortly before you expect to travel.
Contact your local Hub
Get in touch with the East Anglia Hub for personal mobility advice and accessible travel information. Your Hub can help with local, national and international accessible travel advice.