Ditch the lifts

Think about the start and end points of your journey then use our Journey Planner, to help you plan your journey.

This short video will show you how to plan a journey:

They’re a quick and easy way to check when your bus is coming, no more guessing or waiting around. Just scan the code and get live bus times straight to your phone.

Watch the video below to see how it works and make getting to school easier!

It’s completely normal to feel unsure the first time you go somewhere by yourself, especially if it’s a new place. But with a bit of planning and the right advice, you can build confidence and make the journey much easier.

Just One Norfolk – provides information, support, and resources for young people across topics like mental health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, school, and growing up. It’s designed to help build confidence and independence, with advice that can support someone preparing to travel on their own for the first time.

• Try to get to the stop about 5 minutes early.

• Wait calmly and stay aware of your surroundings.

• Let people get off the bus before you try to get on.

• Be respectful to other passengers and staff.

• Have your travel pass or money ready before you board.

• If you don’t need a priority seat, leave it free for someone who might.

• Keep your belongings close on your lap is a good spot so you don’t forget them.

• Keep noise to a minimum headphones in, volume down.

• Watch out the window so you don’t miss your stop.

Let’s be honest even with the best planning, things don’t always run smoothly. Buses get delayed or can be busy at peak hours and sometimes it just doesn’t go how you expected. That’s okay here’s what to do:

Don’t Panic

The most important thing is to stay calm. If something changes or goes wrong, call a parent, carer, or someone you trust. They can help you figure out what to do next and make sure you’re safe.

Stuck in traffic?

Traffic happens and it can delay buses. If your journey’s taking longer than planned, don’t worry – just let a friend know you’re on your way. If you have a connecting bus then check the Travel Norfolk website for live bus timetable information to see when the next service is due.

Bus too full to stop?

Sometimes buses are already full, so even if you put your hand out, they won’t be able to pick you up. If that happens, wait for the next one (if it’s a regular service), and let someone know you’re running late. If you’re unsure, ask for help or check if another route is an option.

Top tip:

Keep your phone charged before you travel so you can call someone if anything unexpected comes up.

Travelling on your own can be a big step but with loads of cool benefits like being able to listen to whatever you want, travelling with your mates and not having to rely on your folks! We want you to enjoy your journey, get there and back confidently, and return home safely.

Top Tips:

Do:

• Show your parents/carers you can be responsible it’ll help them worry less.

• Stick to well-lit paths and always use road crossings.

• Stay aware of your surroundings headphones can make it harder to hear what’s around you.

• Give yourself extra time so you don’t need to rush.

Don’t:

• Don’t take shortcuts, follow your planned route.

• Don’t accept lifts from anyone you don’t know, no matter how friendly they seem.

• Don’t cross between parked cars or before a bend where you can’t see what’s coming.

When you get on the bus if you’re under 20 then always ensure you ask for a ‘young person’ as this will  give you a discounted rate compared to adult fares. If you’re travelling by bus several times a week then you probably want to look at a weekly or monthly tickets to give you best value.

First Bus

You can get a Student Savers for School, College or 6th Form

Studying at the UEA? Click here for some special UEA prices.

Studying at CCN? Click here for some special CCN prices.

Studying at Norwich University of the Arts? You can get “Student Saver Solo one-term”

Konectbus

A range of discounted young person tickets available. They have “5-19” age fares / bundles for young people (student / youth)

UEA students, there is a special fare on the 512 route (show student ID)

Sanders Coaches

Sanders offer a reduced fare for young people aged 16-19, with a 15% discount off the adult fare. This is for single, return and weekly tickets.

You can buy tickets on the bus – just ask for an Inbetweeners Ticket.  

Lynx bus

Annual and termly tickets available for students

Simonds CountryLink

You can get a youth discount (16-19) ticket from the driver.  Simonds also offer student season tickets (termly/annual) on certain routes, available from Simonds’ head office. 

West Norfolk Community Transport – Go To Town services

Go to Town serve West Norfolk and offer discounted fares to 16-19 year olds.

There’s loads of useful information on the Travel Norfolk website to help you plan your journeys whether you’re travelling to college by bus, exploring local attractions with friends, or using Beryl bikes. You can use the journey planner to compare routes, check bus times, and find the best way to get where you need to go.

The video below shows these options in more detail, helping you choose the best way to get from A to B: