Getting Around the Howe

Using Public Transport  

If you're planning to travel in the Howe using public transport, and don't know routes, times or fares, panic not!

The Traveline Scotland journey planner makes it easy. 

Click here to plan a journey or search for the quickest public transport route between any two bus train, air or ferry terminals. Or call the 24 hour hotline 0871 200 22 33. You can also get bus times texted to your mobile phone - see txt2traveline

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bus Transport

Stagecoach (Tel 01383 642 394) is the main coach operater in the Howe and runs several local bus services around the Howe and further afield to Glenrothes, Cupar, Perth and beyond as well as the express network to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.

The F1 & F2 bus services from Newburgh to St Andrews (via Kingslettle, Muchty, Collessie & Ladybank) are no longer branded Go Flexi. Stagecoach now operate this route with similar times, but now numbered as Services 94 & 94A. Click here for a timetable.

See column on left for more local bus operator info and links.

Wheelchair Accessible Buses

Some passengers may find difficulty using traditional 'high step entrance' buses but many routes in Fife now use wheelchair accessible buses. Which routes use these buses?  If you have a disability or communication impairment Stagecoach's Making Your Journey easier leaflet may help.

Bikes on Buses

There are currently no bus services operating in the area that can carry bikes. On longer distance services such as Citylink, bikes will be carried free of charge in the luggage compartment - provided they are in an approved carrying box or bag and subject to sufficient space being available.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bus Fares & tickets

There are many special tickets and fares for travelling around Fife. Some of the most popular include:.

• Dayriders - unlimited travel all day on Stagecoach services
• Megariders - unlimited travel for 1, 4, 13 weeks or 1 year on Stagecoach services
• Multirides - unlimited travel for 7 or 28 days or 1 year on Stagecoach services. This is a zonal ticket and prices vary depending on the number of zones you choose to travel through within Fife
• Uniriders - unlimited travel for 4 or 12 weeks on Stagecoach services for university or college students only 
• Edinburgh Family Ticket - special day return fares are available from some towns in Fife for journeys on Stagecoach services to Edinburgh.
• The One-Ticket scheme allows travel with various bus companies throughout east central Scotland (and on some trains)

Please check operator website for full details.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rail Transport

Fife has 19 railway stations, though Ladybank is the only hub remaining in the Howe and has good facilities and regular services to and from Edinburgh and Perth. Markinch, not far from Freuchie, is also convenient for regular travellers to Edinburgh. 

For impartial advice on train services, times and fares throughout Scotland, visit National Rail or visit operator's own websites

• Scotrail 
• East Coast   
• Cross Country

All stations are seved by buses (see above). Ask for a PlusBus ticket - a discount price 'bus pass' that you buy with your train ticket . It gives you unlimited bus travel around town, at the start, the finish, or both ends of your train journey.

Bikes on Trains

ScotRail: bikes go free but on Edinburgh - Aberdeen services, reservations are mandatory as space is limited. On Fife Circle services between Edinburgh and Dunfermline/ Kirkcaldy reservations are not necessary, but space is limited. Cycle reservations can be made at principal staffed stations or through ScotRail Telesales when buying your travel ticket on 08457 55 00 33. Tandems, tricycles, cycle trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, motorised cycles and scooters are not carried on any of ScotRail services.

East Coast:  1 cycle free of charge per customer if you have a valid ticket, but you must reserve online or by calling your local station (maximum of 5 cycles per train.) Please label your cycle with the relevant reservation ticket ensuring that it clearly shows your name, contact details and destination station. Bikes will be stored in the guard's van.

CrossCountry : carry bikes on most services (but you need to make a bike reservation). When you arrive at the station ask one of the CrossCountry team where you should wait so that you can board the train quickly.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leaflets & Timetables

Leaflets and timetables are available at many different locations 

• Bus stations - Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, St Andrews, Glenrothes, Leven
• Fife Council Local Service Centres - Auchtermuchty, Cupar etc
• Hospitals - Forth Park, Queen Margaret & Victoria Hospital
• Libraries - including Falkland & Ladybank
• Tourist information centres - Anstruther (seasonal), Dunfermline, St Andrews, Crail (seasonal), Kirkcaldy

You can also download many of them directly from Fife Direct website.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Walking & Cycling

With the help of local people, Smart Community Fife has started to develop a directory of walks and cycleways in Fife. Search to find something to suit you...even better add your own favourite route!

View all Routes
Add a Route
More on Walking & Cycling in Fife

Back to the homepage