Getting Around, Swanage Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Swanage, Dorset, England, UK)



View of the townRoads lead into and out of central Swanage, being very well signposted and plied by regular bus transport. Buses offer one of the cheapest ways to travel to attractions around Swanage, although most holiday makers choose to bring their own car and travel to their own timetable.

For short journeys, taxis are a popular alternative to bus transport in Swanage, while for something a little more atmospheric, do consider travelling on the town's famous steam train to Corfe Castle. Several pleasure boat and ferry services are also available alongside the pier.


Airports / Arriving by Air

Although Swanage doesn't have its own airport, there are a number relatively close by. Bournemouth International Airport (BOH) is the closest by far and is just 43 km / 27 miles away, while also within reach is the Southampton International Airport (SOU), which is some 85 km / 53 miles from this part of Dorset. If you are planning to fly into London and then drive to Swanage, then you will find that London Gatwick (LGW) is the nearest at 220 km / 137 miles followed by London Heathrow (LHR), which is around a 182-km / 113-mile drive.

Image of beachfront road

Car Rental

The road network around Swanage is excellent and using your own set of wheels really is the best way to travel to your chosen destination in Dorset. Corfe Castle is just over ten minutes away from the town centre by car, as is both Kingston and Studland, while a little further away it is possible to drive to Dorchester, Ferndown, Weymouth and Wimborne in under an hour. Swanage is well connected by several major roads, such as the A31 and the A35, and is also close to the M27 motorway.

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Buses and Coaches

Local bus transport within the Swanage area is provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company, which is based in Poole. Buses regularly travel between Swanage and Poole (bus numbers 44 / 44), while bus number 50 connects Bournemouth, via the busy chain ferry from Studland (see ferry travel section below). Double Decker buses known locally as 'Purbeck Breezers' are a common sight during the sunny summer months.

Railway picture

Trains

The town of Swanage has its very own steam railway, which was been thoroughly restored and now operates throughout the year. This popular railway stops at Norden (park and ride), Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Hertson, before finally arriving in Swanage town centre, with occasional rail services using the Wareham line and travelling as far away as London. The closest mainline rail transport is available at the nearby market town of Wareham, which is just 20 minutes away by road and is a good way to travel to Dorchester, London Waterloo, Southampton and Weymouth, amongst other destinations.

Photo of local station

Taxis

Most places of interest surrounding Swanage are just a short drive away from the town centre and if you don't have your own car, then using a taxi is the next best thing. Taxi transport is available at ranks on Station Road and the Railway Station Approach. Most public telephones also feature the phone numbers of local taxi firms, which are usually quick to arrive upon request.

Photograph of local boats

Boats and Ferries

There is limited ferry transport travelling between Swanage Pier and Poole Quay, and these boats do tend to be used by local residents on a shopping trip, or by tourists looking for a pleasant day trip. Drivers headed from Swanage to either Poole
or Bournemouth will be able to reduce their journey by approximately 25 minutes, by using the Sandbanks / Studland chain ferry. Accommodating around 50 cars, the Sandbanks / Studland ferry travels across the narrowest point of Poole Harbour, crossing between Sandbanks and Shell Bay in a matter of minutes.