Taking the bus is easy once you know where you are going and what to do to catch one. Here are a few tips to make your experience go a little smoother.
Find out when the bus is coming
- Use our Interactive bus map to see the routes in your area and to view or download timetable information.
- Visit Traveline to plan your journey and get times for services across Devon.
How to catch the bus
You can normally catch your bus at any bus stop along its route. Please note that the timetable time is the time when the bus is due to depart or pass the stop if no-one is there, so make sure that you get to the stop a few minutes before the bus is due. When the bus approaches the route number and destination will be shown on the front. To catch the bus, put your hand out in good time for the driver to see you.
Paying your fare
When you get on the bus you need to tell the driver where you want to go and what type of ticket you would like.
Most companies accept contactless payments to buy tickets on their buses. Bus drivers can’t accept cheques, debit or credit cards, so if contactless is not available you’ll need to carry some cash. It’s useful to keep some change with you also, as the driver might not have enough change for large notes.
Stopping the bus
When you want to get off the bus, press the bell in good time before the stop. If you’re not sure where the stops are, you can always ask the driver to tell you when your stop is coming up.
Remember, it’s safer to stay in your seat and wait for the bus to stop before getting up.
Children
Children under 5 travel free – those aged 5 to 15 can normally buy reduced single and return fares.
Dogs
Dogs are generally permitted on buses at the absolute discretion of the driver. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted at all times. There is normally a small charge for taking your dog on the bus.
Mobility scooters
Find out about taking your mobility scooter or wheelchair on the bus.
Bicycles
Bicycles are not generally permitted on buses for health and safety reasons, however, this is at the absolute discretion of each bus operator.
If you are hoping to travel by bus with your bike, you may wish to contact the local bus operator of the service you wish to travel on to ask about their policy on bikes on buses.
Different types of ticket
Single – Only going one way? Ask for a single. Prices vary depending on the length of the journey.
Day return – If you are coming back on the same day ask for a day return, it’s cheaper than buying two singles.
Other tickets – Most bus companies offer season tickets or money saving tickets. You can buy weekly tickets from the driver and get monthly tickets from the bus station.
If you are thinking about making regular journeys – check what’s available with the operator, or see how to save money on our tickets page.
Need a little extra help?
The Devon Access Wallet makes catching buses and trains easier for anyone with communication difficulties, people with disabilities, deaf people and those whose first language is not English. It will also give bus and train staff a better understanding of the requirements of all disabled passengers. Find out more, including how to apply, on the Access Wallet page.