Purbeck Breezer: Open Top Bus Bournemouth to Swanage [2023]

The Purbeck Breezer is an open top bus from Bournemouth to Swanage. These Bournemouth open top bus routes are one of the things I love about living in the area during summer, as you can travel around simply while getting great views and lots of fresh air.

For anyone wondering how to get to Swanage from Bournemouth, the Purbeck Breezer 50 route is perfect. It operates all year round – not only during the warmer months. This open top bus from Swanage to Bournemouth and vice versa travels via unspoiled Studland and well-heeled Sandbanks, so there’s plenty to see along the way. We love hoppong on board for a family adventure!

In fact the Purbeck Breezer bus 50 from Bournemouth is just one of the routes operated by morebus, a local company. The Purbeck Breezer 40 is another, which runs between Poole and Swanage via Wareham and Corfe Castle.

Other Purbeck Breezer routes include the 30 which takes in Swanage, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Dorchester and more; and the 70 which calls at Canford Cliffs and Westbourne when travelling between Poole and East Cliff (which lies immediately east of Bournemouth town centre).

This post will focus on the open top buses from Bournemouth to Swanage, but will share all the information and links you need to plan a trip on any of the Purbeck Breezer routes.

Covered is why you should travel this route plus where the bus departs from, stops at and ends. You’ll also discover all you need to know about ticketing and fares. An alternative is also recommended for those who want to discover as much of this part of Dorset as possible in a day.

Why travel on the Purbeck Breezer?

Bournemouth on Britain’s south coast boasts seven miles of clean golden sands, sparkling blue water and stunning views. Along the Purbeck Breezer 50 bus route you can also glimpse the Needles off the Isle of Wight coast and the sweeping, unspoiled bays of the Isle of Purbeck.

Why worry about where to park or train stations that aren’t convenient for the places you want to visit, when you could enjoy the journey as much as the destination? Unlike some of the Purbeck Breezer routes serving campsites, holiday parks and other destinations, the 50 bus route runs all year round.

Watch a short (two minute) morebus Purbeck Breezer video here.

Purbeck Breezer 50 route

The Purbeck Breezer 50 bus from Bournemouth to Swanage makes the following stops:

• Bournemouth train station – start/end point
• Bournemouth square
• Alumhurst Road, Westbourne
• Canford Cliffs parade
• Sandbanks ferry
• Shell Bay ferry
• Beach Road, Studland village
• Swanage bus station – end/start point

Purbeck Breezer 50 timetable

The open top bus from Bournemouth to Swanage timetable varies throughout the day, week and year. At peak periods the 50 bus timetable from Swanage to Bournemouth or vice versa includes two buses per hour calling at all the destinations named above.

Between approximately 9am and 6pm there are up to two buses per hour. Check the current timetable with morebus here. Select ‘Breezer 50’ (or another route that you want). Once you arrive on the timetable page for the bus from Swanage to Bournemouth or vice versa, make sure you click on ‘View today’s timetable’ (or input other dates you require).

Purbeck Breezer 50 tickets

There are various ticketing options open to those who wish to travel on the Purbeck Breezer. The price you’ll pay depends on how far you travel, how many trips you make and during what timescale.

Zone ABC tickets from morebus Bournemouth will take you between the town centre and other places across the south coast. Destinations stretch beyond the Dorset boundary, taking in the likes of Lymington in Hampshire and Salisbury in Wiltshire.

Purbeck Breezer 50 prices

Unlimited one day passes

At the time of writing, the adult fare for a one-day zone ABC pass is £9.50, while a child pays £6.20. A group fare is £25, and covers up to 5 adults. All day passes allow unlimited travel within zones A, B and C for one day.

Unlimited weekender passes

You can also buy a weekender pass, which is ideal for those staying overnight somewhere en-route. It’s also ideal if you want to try out the routes during Saturday and Sunday.

An adult weekender fare is currently £16.50, so it’s considerably cheaper than buying separate tickets on two consecutive days. Do note that this one cannot be used on night buses.

morebus child fares

On the morebus network, child fares apply to all under 18s. Up to 2 kids aged under 7 per paying passenger or pass holder can travel for free. Extra children and those age between 7 and 18 pay the applicable child fare.

morebus group fares

Morebus group fares cover up to 5 people travelling together, so they’re good for families or groups of adults alike.

morebus ways to pay

The great news is that morebus offers many ways to pay. You can use cash, a contactless credit or debit card, or Android or Apple Pay on every bus. Tickets can also be bought in advance buy using the app. If you do this, make sure to scan it as you enter the bus.

Find out more about morebus fares, ticketing and ways to pay here

Alternatives to the Purbeck Breezer

If you fancy an even simpler way to travel, why not book an organised day trip from Bournemouth to the Isle of Purbeck and Jurassic coast?

This affordable full day trip is operated by Discover Dorset tours, and includes small group travel by minibus. En route you’ll see and explore Studland, Old Harry Rocks, Durlston Country Park in Swanage, Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Lulworth Crumple and Durdle Door.

Click here to find out more about the Jurassic Coast & Purbeck full day tour

Will you take a trip on the Purbeck Breezer?

Whether you were wondering about bus times from Bournemouth to Swanage, where to stop along the way or if the route 50 bus timetable operates all year, I hope this guide has been helpful.

From Westbourne’s smart shops and restaurants to the windswept beaches of Canford Cliffs, Sandbanks and Studland to the beautiful, peaceful and compact resort of Swanage, there’s lots to see when exploring the Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck by bus!

Polly x

If you’re planning a visit to the Bournemouth and Poole area, don’t miss the following guides:

• Bournemouth hotels with indoor pool
• Best bottomless brunches in Bournemouth
• Best places to go in Poole
• Bournemouth restaurants with a view
• Beach hut hire guide to Bournemouth

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