County Durham buses

County advice overview

The County Durham area is covered by several bus companies, with many services utilising low floor buses. 

This type of bus features a powered or manual ramp to make boarding easier for disabled people, as well as a dedicated wheelchair space. Handrails and poles, which are easy to see and easy to grip, are provided to help with balance while you look for a seat.

All drivers and conductors have received assistance training and can provide help for passengers when required.

Key tips 

If you are no longer driving, one of your transport options is to use the bus. If you live near a bus route, this can be an easy way to do shopping and make other essential or leisure trips. 

Consider in advance if your nearest bus stop and your destination stop are accessible, especially if you are travelling with a scooter or wheelchair.

Bus routes

Buses can only stop at marked bus stops, so you need to be sure where you are getting off in advance. There are often announcements, both spoken and on a screen, to tell you the next stop. You can also ask the driver to let you know when your stop is approaching.

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

Bus stops

Your nearest bus stop should provide seating and shelter in case you have to wait for a bus. In the bigger towns and cities, it may also include live information on when the next bus is due.

Tickets

You may also want to think about buying your ticket, what it will cost, can you pay by cash or card and can you buy it in advance online. Be aware that online tickets for buses are often non-refundable if you cannot make your journey.

Operators

Go North East

https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/

Go North East connects the region’s towns and villages with the cities and towns of County Durham.

Arriva

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/north-east

Arriva buses run throughout the county and nationally. Information regarding routes, fares and accessibility on buses is available online.

Scarlet Band Buses

http://www.scarletbandbuses.co.uk/index.php

A local company operating buses throughout Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Sedgefield, Barnard Castle and surrounding areas.

Weardale Travel

https://www.weardale-travel.co.uk/wpc2.html

A local bus company serving areas such as Crook, Consett, Framwellgate and surrounding areas.

Hodgesons

http://www.hodgsonsbuses.com/

A local bus company that covers areas of County Durham such as Richmond, Leeming, Northallerton and surrounding areas.

Help with cost

Older Person’s Bus Pass

Concessionary bus passes are available for older people who have reached state pension age and are a resident in County Durham. 

The Older Person’s Bus Pass entitles you to free travel on bus services throughout England from 9.30am to 11.00am, Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.

Residents of County Durham can apply for an Older Person’s Bus Pass on the Durham County Council website.

Disabled Person’s Bus Pass

If you have a disability, and reside in County Durham, you may be entitled to a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass. 

There is no upper age restriction for the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass. The pass will also give you free access to the park and rides in County Durham

Information on eligibility and how to apply is available on the Durham County Council website.

Special assistance

Bridge Card Scheme

Durham County Council operates the Bridge Card Scheme in partnership with Arriva North East and Go North East. 

If you struggle when travelling on a bus alone because of your age, a disability or illness, or just lack confidence, carrying a Bridge Card can help.

You can show your card to the driver or bus station staff, they will help you with things like counting your money, or getting on and off the bus.  More information can be found on the Durham County Council website.

Travelling with mobility equipment

All local bus services should now provide wheelchair accessible buses with low floors and a ramp which the driver can extend to help you get on and off.

There will also be a dedicated area for a passenger to sit in a wheelchair.

Travelling with a scooter

Bus companies have different rules about the size and type of scooters that they will allow on board. 

In general, scooters should be no more than 600mm wide and 1000mm long and be able to turn in a space of 1200mm. Always contact your local bus company before travelling, to check the rules in your area and to find out if your scooter will be accepted.

Assistance Dogs

All recognised guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed to travel for free on buses.

Routes and timetables

Traveline

North East 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 and to provide it in as many different ways as possible. 

You can plan your journey and check when the next County Durham buses are due at your chosen stop, on the North East Traveline website.

Durham County Council 

Provide a journey planner, timetables and travel updates.

Go Northeast

Provide a journey planner, live times, fare and ticket information.

Arriva

Provide a journey planner, and ‘Find my Bus’ service.