The New Forest Without a Car: A Practical Transport Guide

Getting here by train

Direct services run between London Waterloo and Brockenhurst, although journey times and stopping patterns vary. From other parts of the country, Southampton Central is a common interchange. Brockenhurst has accommodation and visitor facilities near the station, while the Lymington branch line connects with Lymington and onward ferry travel. Check current National Rail information before relying on a particular connection.

If you are flying in, Southampton Airport connects to Brockenhurst by rail via Southampton Airport Parkway — or see our airport transfer pages for the door-to-door option.

Comparing ways to get around

Cycling. Cycle hire is available near Brockenhurst Station, and designated routes provide access to woodland, heath and neighbouring villages. The National Park Authority publishes route descriptions and distances. Off-road cycling is allowed only on permitted, waymarked routes; forestry work can also cause temporary closures. Choose the route for the least experienced rider rather than treating every named village as an easy ride.

Walking. Brockenhurst provides access to nearby woodland and open Forest routes. Check the route, surface, daylight and weather, and remember that accommodation described as “Brockenhurst” may not be within an easy walk of the station.

The New Forest Tour bus. In 2026, the seasonal open-top service is scheduled to run from 4 July to 13 September on three routes connecting different combinations of Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, Burley, Lymington, New Milton and other stops. Check the official New Forest Tour information because not every place is served by every route and the service does not operate year-round.

Regular buses. Services connect a number of larger settlements, but frequency and evening or Sunday coverage vary by route. The current morebus timetables and maps are more useful than a generic bus map: check the stop nearest the actual accommodation and the final return of the day.

Pre-booked taxis and private hire. These can cover journeys that do not match a timetable, rural addresses away from a stop, luggage transfers and early departures. Brockenhurst Station has an adjacent taxi rank, but immediate availability elsewhere — or at a particular time — should not be assumed. Private hire must be booked through a licensed operator, and all journeys remain subject to confirmation and availability.

Three practical car-free day plans

• Brockenhurst cycling day: arrive by train, collect pre-arranged bikes and choose one of the official routes beginning around Brockenhurst, such as a suitable Rhinefield or Lyndhurst loop. Check distance, surface and closures before setting out, and leave enough time to return the bikes before closing.
• Lymington day: take the branch line to Lymington, explore the harbour and local walks, and consider a ferry trip only after checking the return rail and ferry timetables.
• Beaulieu day: Beaulieu has no rail station. The seasonal Tour bus, a suitably planned cycle route or a pre-booked road transfer may work, depending on the date and the visitor's needs.

Where a pre-booked taxi may help

Examples include luggage transfers between a station and accommodation, journeys outside service hours, early airport or ferry connections and rural addresses away from a bus stop. Request the journey in advance and provide exact addresses, times, passengers and luggage. View local taxi service information.

Frequently asked questions