Getting Around Bath

On Foot

Bath city centre is fairly compact and mainly pedestrianised, so it is makes it fairly easy to walk to most of the popular attractions. Most of the historic sites and tourist attractions in the city are grouped together so its easy to spend the day going from one to the other.

By Bike

Bicycle hire is currently not available in the city. Bicycles can be hired from the Bath & Dundas Canal Company (tel: (01225) 722 292) at Monkton Combe by the Somerset Canal some 8km (5 miles) from Bath.

By Bus

If you are not staying in the city centre or you are looking to go outwith the city you will find that Bath has a good bus network, First Somerset and Avon (tel: 0845 606 4446) is the largest bus operator in Bath and northeast Somerset, operating city, inter-urban and rural services. For its services within Bath, the company sells single tickets, day tickets and week tickets (the latter being a good option for visitors staying more than three days).

In Bath, the main bus station is in Manvers Street (01225 464 446). It has clearly marked bays and an information desk to help you avoid getting on the wrong bus. Tickets can also be purchased from the driver on the bus, who will be happy to notify you when you reach your destination. In addition, Badgerline also runs a 'purple bus' service which follows many of the popular routes. This service allows easy access for wheelchairs and buggies and the bus is cleaned every hour. All buses departing from Bath Bus Station are non-smoking.  

By Car

Driving in Bath can be a bit of a nightmare, and it's best to avoid it if you can. If you're going to Bath for a whole day or more, it is worthwhile to use the city's four Park and Ride schemes, i.e. leave your car in a car park outside of the city and use one of the frequent bus services connecting these car parks with the city centre. These out-of-town car parks are all signposted along the roads leading into Bath. These are recommended due to their cheaper fares and ease of access to the busy city centre.For more information, see National Park and Ride Directory  

By Taxi

Taxis are available at the train station, and can also be found near New Bond Street at the Podium Shopping Centre.  Unless you catch a taxi from the taxi rank at the station or one of the other ranks in town, you will need to telephone for a taxi. All hotels, restaurants and pubs will be able to provide you with a taxi number or will phone for you. Hotels will often have listings of preferred taxi companies.