Cornwall buses

County advice overview

Cornwall is served by a variety of bus companies including Cornwall by Kernow (First), Go Cornwall Bus and Stagecoach. Many buses now provide low-floor access making it easier for people with mobility impairments, and wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

You can visit the Transport for Cornwall website for an overview of bus services in the county. 

If you wish to combine rail and bus travel, the Ride Cornwall ticket provides one day’s unlimited travel on all off-peak rail and most bus services within Cornwall and between Cornwall and Plymouth. 

Key tips

One of your options, if you are no longer driving, is to use the bus. You can plan ahead by finding route information and timetables online or by phoning your local authority or bus company. You may also wish to consider:

• When it is dark, it can be difficult for drivers to see someone waiting at a stop.  Wearing high-vis or bright clothing can help.  
• When flagging down the bus, you can use the light from your phone screen (not the torch) to make it easier for the driver to see that you wish to board.
• Taking your medication with you, in case of delays which may prevent you from taking medication at the normal allocated time. 
• Downloading the bus company app to your phone. You can track your bus and see when it is getting close. This may help to reduce the time you spend waiting at the bus stop.  
• The national Next Buses website can help you check when the next bus is due and locate your nearest stop.  
• You may wish to let someone know your travel plans and when you expect to be at your destination. Many mobile phones have an emergency contact function.  You can also download an app such as Hollie Guard to alert trusted contacts if you feel unsafe.

Operators

Transport for Cornwall is a partnership of transport operators who provide bus and train services across Cornwall, including: 

• Cornwall by Kernow (First) 
• Go Cornwall Bus 
• Hopley’s Coaches OTS 
• Plymouth Citybus 
• Roselyn Coaches 
• Royal Buses 
• St Ives Bus Company 
• Stagecoach 
• Travel Cornwall 
• Yeo’s Contracts

For further information and contact details, visit the Transport for Cornwall website.

Help with cost

Disabled Person’s Bus Pass and Older Person’s Bus Pass

You can apply for a concessionary travel pass if you have reached the state pension age or have an eligible disability. 

Your bus pass allows you to travel free of charge at any time on the majority of services within Cornwall. Your bus pass can also be used to travel on bus services outside of Cornwall between 9.30am and 11.00pm, Monday to Friday.

You can apply online and by post or email for a free concessionary bus pass, or at participating libraries. Find further information, on the Cornwall Council website.

Tap and Cap scheme

If you use the bus for multiple journeys in a day or a week, the Tap and Cap scheme will automatically charge the best price for your trips.  You tap your bank card when you get on the bus at the beginning of each journey and again when you leave. 

Special assistance

Many bus operators provide Journey Assistance Cards for passengers who may have limited vision or hearing, difficulty in communicating (including if English is not your first language), special educational needs or for passengers who need extra time or help to find a seat.

Go Cornwall Bus

Provide Help-Me cards as well as Help-Me Destination signs (for passengers who experience difficulty seeing destination displays on buses and at bus stops).

Cornwall by Kernow (First)

Provide Extra Help to Travel cards, for people with a disability to use on their buses. They are available from travel shops, or you can download one on the First Bus website.

Travelling with mobility equipment

Many services provide wheelchair-accessible buses with low floors and a ramp which the driver can extend to help you get on and off. Some bus stops also have raised kerbs to allow wheelchair users to board and alight easily.

There will be a dedicated area on the bus for a passenger to sit in a wheelchair.

Bus companies have different rules regarding the size and type of mobility scooters which they will allow on board. However, in general, scooters should be no more than 600mm wide and 1000mm long and be able to turn within a space of 1200mm. 

You should contact a bus company before travelling, to check operator criteria and to find out if your wheelchair or scooter will be accepted.

Go Cornwall Bus

If you are planning to travel with your wheelchair or mobility scooter, you may find it helpful to talk to an Accessibility Officer from Go Cornwall Bus. 

They can arrange an appointment to check that your scooter or wheelchair can fit on to the bus. This also gives you an opportunity to practice turning your equipment around and positioning it in the correct space on the bus.

You can find further information on the www.gocornwallbus.co.uk/accessibility, or contact the Customer Experience Team on 0808 196 2632 or ask@gocornwallbus.co.uk

Cornwall by Kernow (First)

You can arrange an appointment with an Accessibility Officer to check that your mobility scooter can fit on to a Cornwall by Kernow bus. You will also have the opportunity to practice turning and positioning your scooter. 

If your scooter meets the criteria, a permit to travel will be issued. Cornwall by Kernow will also accept permits provided by other operators.  

All Cornwall by Kernow buses are low-floor, making getting on and off easier. For tips and advice regarding travelling with a disability, mobility equipment and assistance dogs, visit the operator’s website. 

Stagecoach

The Stagecoach app shows which buses have guaranteed wheelchair access.

Routes and timetables

You can find bus route information and timetables online or by phoning your local authority or bus company. 

Stagecoach

Stagecoach bus journey planner

Cornwall by Kernow (First)

Firstbus journey planner

Go Cornwall Bus

Go Cornwall Bus journey planner

Traveline

Traveline is a partnership of transport companies, local authorities and passenger groups which have come together to bring you routes and times for all travel in Great Britain by bus, rail, coach and ferry.