Travelling the UK by bus isn’t just about getting from A to B — it can be a journey filled with breathtaking views, charming villages, and landscapes that showcase the very best of Britain. While trains often get the spotlight for scenic journeys, some of the most memorable travel experiences can actually be found aboard a bus.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most scenic bus routes in the UK, from coastal drives to mountain passes, helping you plan affordable and unforgettable journeys.
Why Choose Scenic Bus Routes in the UK?
Travelling by bus offers more than just convenience:
- Budget-friendly – Bus tickets are often cheaper than train fares, making them ideal for budget travellers.
- Eco-conscious – Buses are a greener alternative to private cars, helping reduce your carbon footprint.
- Immersive – With large windows and slower journeys, buses let you fully soak in the landscapes.
- Local experiences – You’ll pass through villages and towns you’d miss on faster routes.
The Most Scenic Bus Routes in the UK
1. The Atlantic Coastline – Cornwall’s Land’s End to St Ives (Bus A1)
Cornwall’s coastline is famous for its rugged cliffs, turquoise seas, and golden beaches. The A1 bus route between Land’s End and St Ives offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, charming fishing villages, and stretches of untouched coastline.
- Highlights: Porthcurno, Sennen Cove, and Zennor.
- Best for: Coastal scenery lovers, photographers, and summer travellers.
2. The Lake District Explorer – Keswick to Buttermere (Bus 77/77A)
If mountains and lakes are your idea of beauty, the Lake District’s 77/77A routes are a must. These buses take you through winding passes surrounded by towering peaks and crystal-clear waters.
- Highlights: Honister Pass, Derwentwater, and Borrowdale Valley.
- Best for: Hikers, nature enthusiasts, and autumn leaf-peepers.
3. Snowdonia’s Scenic Ride – Betws-y-Coed to Llanberis (Bus S2)
Wales offers dramatic mountain views, and the S2 bus route through Snowdonia delivers exactly that. Travelling past slate villages and rolling hills, this ride is as much a cultural experience as a visual one.
- Highlights: Snowdon mountain views, Dolbadarn Castle, and Llanberis Lake.
- Best for: Adventure seekers, campers, and history buffs.
4. The Wild Scottish Highlands – Inverness to Durness (Bus 803)
Known as one of the UK’s most epic bus routes, the journey from Inverness to Durness is a 6-hour ride that takes you deep into the remote Scottish Highlands. Expect dramatic lochs, vast moors, and coastal cliffs.
- Highlights: Loch Assynt, Smoo Cave, and Cape Wrath ferries.
- Best for: Wilderness lovers and travellers seeking untouched landscapes.
5. The Yorkshire Dales Explorer – Skipton to Grassington (Bus 72)
The Yorkshire Dales are rolling green hills dotted with stone walls, barns, and sheep. The bus 72 route takes you right through this classic English countryside, offering postcard-perfect views.
- Highlights: Wharfedale Valley, historic Skipton, and quaint Grassington village.
- Best for: Countryside escapes, picnics, and slow travel.
6. Causeway Coastal Route – Belfast to Giant’s Causeway (Bus 221, Northern Ireland)
One of the world’s most famous coastal drives can be enjoyed without a car. The 221 bus connects Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway, with jaw-dropping ocean views and stops near castles, cliffs, and seaside towns.
- Highlights: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, and Giant’s Causeway.
- Best for: First-time visitors to Northern Ireland.
Tips for Enjoying Scenic Bus Routes in the UK
- Book early: Some popular scenic routes (like Cornwall and the Highlands) fill up quickly in peak season.
- Sit on the right side: Depending on the route, this often guarantees the best coastal or mountain views.
- Use travel passes: Consider a multi-day pass (such as England’s Explorer Pass or Scottish Citylink Explorer) to save money on multiple journeys.
- Travel off-peak: Quieter buses mean better window seats and fewer crowds.
- Pack snacks & a camera: Some routes are long, and you won’t want to miss photo opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Exploring scenic bus routes in the UK is one of the most rewarding and affordable ways to experience the country’s natural beauty. From Cornwall’s windswept coasts to the Scottish Highlands’ dramatic landscapes, these journeys prove that sometimes the best adventures happen when you take the slower, scenic route.
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