Two cyclists following a dirt track in the New Forest.

Sustainable travel

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Sustainable and active travel options in the New Forest

Choose a greener way to explore the New Forest by leaving the car at home and making the most of the many public transport and active travel options available. Travelling by train, bus, bike or on foot not only helps protect this special landscape, but also allows you to experience the Forest at a slower, more enjoyable pace. If you do plan to drive, you’ll find helpful information about car parks and parking options below to help you plan your visit.

Bus

The New Forest National Park is well served by a public bus network.

For connections from the Southampton area, see the Bluestar website.

Bluestar 8: Southampton | Totton | Marchwood | Applemore | Hythe | Fawley | Calshot
Bluestar 6: Southampton | Totton | Lyndhurst | Brockenhurst | Lymington
Bluestar 9: Southampton | Applemore | Hythe | Langley

For connections from the Bournemouth and Salisbury areas, see the Morebus website.

Tour

Enjoy grandstand views of the National Park from the open-top New Forest Tour each summer.

Choose from three scenic routes around magical landscapes, picture postcard villages and popular attractions.

Hop on and off the New Forest Tour where you like and switch routes – all on the same ticket. You can even bring your bikes, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

See our New Forest Tour page for more info.

A cyclist waits at the railroad crossing at Brockenhurst station.

Train

Let the train take the strain and enjoy unforgettable views as you travel to the National Park.

Brockenhurst station is in the heart of the New Forest and just 90 minutes from London Waterloo.

There are also rail stations at Ashurst, Beaulieu Road, Sway, New Milton, Lymington Town and Lymington Pier.

South Western Railway serves Brockenhurst with connections from London Waterloo, Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth, and the Isle of Wight via ferry connections to Lymington Pier station.

Cross Country Services connects the New Forest with Reading, Oxford, Birmingham and all points further north.

Ferry

The New Forest is connected with the Isle of Wight between Lymington and Yarmouth.

Your onward journey couldn’t be easier with Lymington Pier rail station right beside the ferry, as well as the New Forest Tour green route during the summer.

Visit www.wightlink.co.uk for more info on the vehicle ferry, which also takes foot passengers.

Visit Quay 2 Quay for other foot passenger service options.

Bicycle

Cycling is a great way to get around the Forest, see wildlife and discover new places.

Please ensure that you cycle on the waymarked cycle routes and linking roads. Find out more about cycling in the Forest and cycling routes you can enjoy on our cycling webpage.

Walk

From heathland to woodland, quaint villages and a stunning coastline, explore the special qualities of the National Park at your own pace.

The New Forest has an extensive network of walking routes, many of which are accessible for those with wheelchairs, mobility aids and pushchairs.

Find out more about walking routes in our walking section.

Find out about our work to improve access to the New Forest National Park

Access for all Access for all

Parking

The National Park Authority does not own or manage any car parks. Learn about charges and links to car park owner websites for further details.

• Car parking information

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