Lowestoft Rail Passengers Get Better Bus Links to Suffolk Coast Attractions

Visitors heading to the Suffolk coast this summer will have easier public transport links from Lowestoft railway station, with improved bus connections being introduced to key attractions including Pleasurewood Hills, Kessingland beach and Africa Alive!.

From Tuesday 26 May, passengers arriving at Lowestoft by rail on the East Suffolk and Wherry Lines will be able to connect more easily with onward bus services. The changes are aimed at people travelling from Ipswich to Lowestoft and Norwich to Lowestoft, giving them a simpler way to continue their journey without needing a car.

The improved links form part of a wider push by rail, bus and local authority partners to make travel across the region more joined up, affordable and sustainable. The move also comes as closer collaboration is being developed across Anglia’s railway following the creation of a unified leadership team bringing together Greater Anglia, c2c and Network Rail Anglia.

Under the changes, the X1 service to Pleasurewood Hills and route 99 to Africa Alive! and Kessingland will additionally call at Lowestoft railway station. Buses will run every 30 minutes to and from the station throughout the day, providing a more direct connection for visitors arriving by train.

The initiative also promotes PlusBus, the combined rail-and-bus ticket which includes onward bus travel within the local fare zone. Railcard holders can receive further discounts on PlusBus tickets, potentially making the journey cheaper for families and day-trippers.

Africa Alive! is also supporting the scheme with a summer offer. Visitors who buy entry tickets at the attraction’s ticket office can have the price reduced by the value of their PlusBus ticket, effectively refunding the cost of the bus add-on while still allowing unlimited bus travel within the PlusBus zone on the day.

Those behind the project say the changes are designed to strengthen connections across East Suffolk and support sustainable tourism along the coast, while making it easier for residents and visitors to reach local attractions and seaside destinations.

Martin Halliday, Officer for the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership, said:

“Improved connectivity remains a key priority for the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership. We began discussions with First Bus more than a year ago about how we could better promote integrated services in and around Lowestoft. Following the opening of the Gull Wing Bridge and improvements to traffic flows across the town, we have been working together on opportunities to strengthen public transport links along the coast, including connections towards Southwold via Pakefield and Kessingland, and northwards towards Great Yarmouth via Hopton and Gorleston. We are delighted to see these enhanced station bus links introduced in time for the summer season. Through the Lowestoft Central Project and our station shop and tourist information office, we have also been supporting visitors with clearer route information and guidance about local bus connections. In the coming months, further passenger information will be added within the rail and bus interchange at Lowestoft station.”

Thalia Woodgate, Officer for the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership, said:

“We are delighted to support this initiative, which showcases how integrated rail and bus travel can help people enjoy the very best of Suffolk without needing to rely on the car. The East Suffolk Line provides a fantastic gateway to the coast, and these improved onward connections from Lowestoft station will make it easier for residents and visitors alike to access attractions, seaside destinations and local communities across the area.”

Scott Dolling, Partnerships Manager at Greater Anglia, commented:

“Better rail and bus connections make it easier for people to visit some of Suffolk’s best-loved attractions without relying on the car. The East Suffolk and Wherry Lines are a scenic and sustainable way to reach the coast, and this is a strong example of practical partnership working making public transport simpler, more useful and better connected across the region.”

Paul Martin, Commercial Manager for First Bus in the East of England, said:

“We’re pleased to support our rail partners and the county council in giving visitors an easier way to travel and enjoy local attractions. Our team is ready to welcome customers on board this summer for a quick and comfortable journey, which helps reduce traffic on local roads and the problems of congestion.”

Timothy Stephenson, Head of Passenger Transport, Suffolk County Council, said:

"This is great news for Suffolk’s coast and it’s encouraging to see such a strong commitment to sustainable travel. Strengthening the links between rail services and key attractions like Pleasurewood Hills, Kessingland beach and Africa Alive! shows real ambition to make public transport the natural first choice for visitors. With buses timed to meet trains at Lowestoft station, people can step off the rail network and continue their journey smoothly, confidently and without the stress of driving or parking."

Joshua Hunter-Harl, Sales and Marketing Director, Africa Alive!, said:

“We are delighted to support this initiative, helping to make it easier and more affordable for visitors to travel sustainably to Africa Alive! and enjoy everything the Suffolk coast has to offer. Improving public transport connectivity is an important step in supporting sustainable tourism across the region, while also improving access for local communities and visitors travelling without a car. By working in partnership with Greater Anglia, First Bus and local stakeholders, we hope these enhanced connections will encourage more people to discover Africa Alive!, support the local economy, and inspire visitors to connect with wildlife and conservation.”

Image: Greater Anglia