Note: The Open Top Bus tours around Ipswich were discontinued at the end of 2019. An update to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) meant that as of 2020 the bus would no longer be DDA compliant. The story below from 22 July 2016 is part of the archive of stories published on this site.

The open top bus at Woodbridge Station

For several years, Ipswich Buses’ popular 1976-vintage open top double-decker bus has provided tours of Woodbridge and Felixstowe during the summer months. Local residents and visitors can see all the sites and sounds of both market towns, including Sutton Hoo. The bus service stops at Woodbridge, Melton, and Felixstowe rail stations enabling visitors to make easier connection with the hourly train services on both the East Suffolk Line and Felixstowe Line. The Felixstowe service, which runs to/from Landguard Fort, also connects with trains from Ipswich. All stops are marked with special placards.

Both buses run in a circular loop about every hour on a ‘turn up & go’ basis; fares are £6.00 for an adult Day Ticket, £3.00 for those under 20 and £4.00 for people with a concessionary bus pass and £13.00 for a Family Ticket. The ticket allows you to hop and off the bus all day. Due to the age of the vintage bus wheelchairs cannot be carried and buggies must be folded before you board.

The Woodbridge open top bus will run every Thursday and Saturday from 23 July through 27 August 2016; the Felixstowe open top bus runs every Sunday and Wednesday from 24 July through 31 August.

A PDF leaflet which includes a map and bus timetable is available for download.

connects with trains

Funding for the services has been provided by by Suffolk Coastal District Council, Woodbridge Town Council, National Trust Sutton Hoo, the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership and Felixstowe Travel Watch.