Coronavirus Travel Advice

When travelling, you may decide to walk or cycle to your destination or for part of your journey.

Check our Active Travel page for tips and help planning your journey.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands before and after cycling.

• Plan your walk with our journey planner
• Plan your cycle journey on Better By Bike

• Plan your journey in advance using our journey planner;
• Check with your operator regarding any policies they may have in place, you can find contact details in our help centre;
• Check the status of your bus service in advance, or check for any planned changes, on our Bus disruptions page;
• Current and upcoming bus timetables can be found on our Routes & Timetables page. Simply change between Timetable Option to see what’s available;
• Plan your journey in advance and check the status of rail services on the National Rail Enquiries website;
• Download the NHS COVID-19 app before travelling.

On your journey:

• wait for passengers to get off first before you board;
• please open windows to help with ventilation;
• face coverings are expected and recommended, exemptions apply. Visit Gov.UK for a full list of exemptions;
• was or sanitise your hands regularly;
• avoid touching your face;
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing;
• avoid consuming food and drink on public transport, where possible;
• be aware that some individuals may have hidden disabilities;
• choose contactless payment to buy tickets, where possible.

Always wash and sanitise your hands for 20 seconds before and after your journey.

• Where possible, check in using the NHS COVID-19 app if you enter a venue that has an official NHS COVID-19 QR code poster at the entrance – alternatively, you can provide your contact details.

Seek assistance if you need it

If you require assistance when travelling, contact your transport operator as you would normally do. Assistance is still being provided, but bus operators may be providing it in a different way. To find out who runs your bus service and their contact/website details, please use the search on this page.

The requirement to wear face coverings in law have been lifted. However, the government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport. It is recommended you wear a face covering when travelling in a private vehicle with people you do not usually meet.

Plan your route, including any breaks, before setting out.

Download the NHS COVID-19 app, if possible.

On your journey, open windows to let fresh air in where possible.

At garages, petrol stations and motorway services, where possible, check in using the NHS COVID-19 app if you enter a venue that has an official NHS COVID-19 QR code poster at the entrance. Alternatively, you can provide your contact details.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands often, and always when exiting or re-entering your vehicle.

Even after you have received a vaccine, you should continue to follow this guidance on how to travel safely when using taxis or private hire vehicles.

Follow the advice of the operator and driver. For example, you may be asked to sit in the back left-hand seat if travelling alone. You may want to check with your taxi or private hire operator before travelling if they have put any additional measures in place.

The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, the Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport. It is recommended you wear a face covering when using a taxi or private hire vehicle.

You should use contactless payment if possible, or find out if you can pay online in advance.
Be aware of the surfaces you touch. Be careful not to touch your face. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.

Where possible open windows for ventilation when in the vehicle.

When finishing your journey, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands as soon as possible.

How are you keeping passengers safe at bus stops and buses?

Bus services are operated by commercial operators, all of them are carrying out extra cleaning of their buses. Some bus operators may be providing hand sanitiser on board. If you’d like more information, find out who runs your bus service and their contact/website details.

Bus stops are managed by Local Authorities, however, we have been working closely with them to install posters at bus stops with safer travel guidance.

Can I pay with cash on the bus?

We are encouraging everyone to pay by contactless if they can. Most services will be accepting cash on board, but to minimise risk of transmission please use the correct change. Contact the bus operator in advance to check if they’re accepting cash on their service. Find out who runs your bus service and their contact/website details.

I have more questions about bus services, how can I contact you? What are your opening times?

For any bus service queries, please contact the bus operator or visit their website. Find out who runs your bus service and their contact/website details.

• Find bus operators contact details

Two major bus operators in the West of England have launched an update to their mobile apps which allows passengers to see live locations and capacity for their buses.

For more information, and links to download their apps, please visit the following pages (external):

• First Bus App (it also shows if the wheelchair space is occupied)
• Stagecoach Bus App

Our Routes & Timetables page has current and upcoming timetables for the majority of services. Where timetables are not available on our website, please check with the operator.

If you prefer, below are direct links to where two of the major operators in the West of England are hosting their timetables:

• Routes & Timetables on Travelwest
• First Bus: Coronavirus service information for the West of England
• Stagecoach West: Coronavirus service information for Bristol & South Gloucestershire