Getting to and around the Park

There are two public transport networks in the North York Moors. Firstly, are the regular, all the year round train and bus services to and within the National Park. These contain a number of routes, notably along certain main roads in the north and east (from Teeside, York and Scarborough), which enjoy high quality, regular services on seven days a week throughout the year, plus a rather sparse, weekdays only network in the south and west.

This is overlaid, during the summer months by Moorsbus, a special network of recreational bus services (special unlimited travel tickets available), which provide services for local people and visitors through and across the National Park, including many destinations not normally served by public transport.

From the start of July until the 22nd and from the 3rd of September until the 30th, Moorsbus will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in addition to Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are known as B days and operate a limited service (long haul services operate).

From 23rd July until 3rd September the Moorsbus will be operating daily. Every day becomes an A day meaning that all services will operate (both long haul and short haul).

There are three main "Gateways" by public transport into the North York Moors National Park all served by the Trans Pennine rail network - York and Malton to the south, Scarborough to the East also on Hull-Scarborough line, and Middlesborough to the North. Local bus service operate from all three centres, including Coastliner services which link Leeds, York and Malton with Whitby via Goathland. The Esk Valley Line provides a highly scenic route to the northern part of the park, calling at Castleton, Danby and Whitby. Esk valley rail tickets are also valid on Moorsbus services.

Leisure Tickets: Moorsbus tickets - £3 on all services within the Inner Zone, £6 for the Outer Zone.

From the start of July until the end of September, most local bus services which run throughout the year but are not part of the Moorsbus network will issue and accept Moorsbus tickets.

Timetables: Moorsbus website (downloadable pdf file) - or free of charge from Park Centres and TICs, or ring 01439 770657 (also available on all Moorsbus services).

Best places to stay without a car: Whitby, Scarborough, Helmsley, Pickering (when Moorsbus operates).