How to Ride
To ensure a smooth ride on Newcastle Buses & Ferries, we recommend you follow these simple steps.
Plan Your Trip
If you know your bus route, go to the Timetables & Maps section and view our PDF timetables.
To see all bus services in your area, go to the Timetables & Maps section and view the network map.
If you are not sure which bus you need or are planning to use various modes of transport, the 131500 TripPlanner makes it easy to plan your trip from A to B.
Purchase your ticket
Prepay by purchasing your ticket from Ticket Agents displaying the purple “Prepay” flag. Pre-purchasing your ticket saves you money and saves time for everyone. Individual time based tickets can be purchased from the driver. Please use small change and try to have your exact fare for the driver.
Check the latest service information
Visit the Breaking News section or call the Transport Infoline and select option 2. You can also visit the RTA website for the latest Northern/Hunter area traffic reports.
Travelling on the Bus
Allow plenty of time to get to your bus stop
We recommend you arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Signal the driver
Ensure you allow sufficient time for the driver to pull into the kerb.
Have your ticket or fare ready
Insert your ticket into the green ticket reader when you board. If using cash, please have the nearest change as our drivers have limited change facilities.
Take a seat
Please move inside the bus and do not obstruct the access areas. Stand clear of red safety areas near the doors.
If you are standing, it is important to move towards to back of the bus and hold on.
Vacate priority seating for disabled, elderly or less mobile passengers. If there are no seats available, hold on to a hand strap or handrail at all times.
Press the Stop button
Press the Stop button when you are approaching your destination. Remember to allow enough time for the driver to stop safely.
If you are elderly or less mobile, please remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop, before standing to alight.
Take everything with you
Ensure you take all of your belongings with you. If you do misplace something, please contact the appropriate lost property department during operating hours.
If you see some lost property or an unattended bag, inform the driver immediately.