Bus Travel

Durham Region Transit (DRT) bus driving on a road in the winter in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Plan your visit with Durham Region Transit

Recreate the magic of winter in Durham Region—where every journey feels like a seasonal story ready to unfold. Cozy up with warm drinks at charming cafes, glide across rinks and explore festive small-town shops and holiday events that bring back the wonder of the season. Take Durham Region Transit (DRT) and make your winter adventures easy, accessible and unforgettable.

Check out DRT's preplanned routes to help you make the most of the season in Durham Region.

Plan Your Route, Shop Local, Make A Difference

DRT connects you to the places that matter most. So, grab your PRESTO card, hop on board, and celebrate Shop in Durham Week by supporting the artisans, makers, and entrepreneurs who make Durham Region shine. Whether you're picking up holiday gifts, grabbing a bite to eat, or browsing for something special, every local purchase makes a difference.

Multi-vendor marketplaces

Support dozens of local makers under one roof:

Markets Ontario, Bowmanville – Routes 902 and 502

The Cove, Port Perry – Route 905

Unique Town Boutique, Whitby – Route 302

Picks and Giggles Holiday Market, Oshawa Centre – Routes include: 917, 405, 409, 901, 902, 403, 410, 423 (weekday only), 421 (weekday only), 411 (weekends) and 900 (on King and Bond).

Boutique shopping with timeless charm

Discover curated finds and handcrafted treasures:

Bean & Basket, Ajax – Route 900

Bonita Clothing & Co., Port Perry – Route 905

Gather, Bowmanville – Routes 902 and 502

Hometown Heart Store, Cannington – Route 618

That Place on Queen, Port Perry – Route 905

The Bridge Social, Uxbridge – Routes 905 and 605

The Lemonade Stand, Uxbridge – Routes 905 and 605

Petit Nordique, Bowmanville – Routes 902 and 502

Pink Lemon Decor, Bowmanville – Routes 902 and 502

Words on Wood, Whitby – Routes 302 and 900

Malls and shopping centres

Explore shopping and restaurants in one of our major shopping centres—home to global retailers, locally-owned businesses, pop-up events, maker markets and more:

The Shops at Pickering City Centre – Routes include:  900 121, 112, 916, 920 (weekday only), 921(weekday peak only), 118 (weekdays only), 211(weekday peak only) and 917.

Oshawa Centre – Routes include: 917 405,409,901,902,403,410,423 (weekday only), 421 (weekday only), 411(weekends) and 900 (on King and Bond).

Glide Without The Drive To Durham’s Skating Spots

From scenic waterfront rinks to community hubs, these skating spots are perfect for frosty fun. Grab your skates and hop on DRT. Remember that for the safety of you and other passengers, all skates must have skate guards when using DRT services.

How to ride

Take Route 216 or 915 to Ajax’s Audley Recreation Centre for a family-friendly rink surrounded by winter trails.

Hop on Routes 917, 224 or 216 to Pat Bayly Square in Ajax and skate in the heart of downtown under twinkling lights.

Travel via Route 915 to McLean Community Centre in Ajax for a cozy community rink just steps from the bus stop.

Use Route 302 to Peel Park in Whitby and enjoy a quick skate in a historic neighborhood setting.

Take Route 405 to Delpark Homes Centre in Oshawa for a spacious outdoor rink perfect for a winter workout.

Ride Route 401 to South Oshawa Community Centre and skate near the waterfront for a refreshing winter breeze.

Hop on Route 902, or 411/421 to Courtice Community Centre for a convenient rink in the heart of Courtice.

Use Route 902 or 502 to Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex in Bowmanville and skate on the baseball diamond turned winter wonderland.

Take Route 905to Palmer Park in Port Perry for a magical skate on Lake Scugog’s edge at the Lakefront Skate & Market.

Continue onto Route 905 to Elgin Pond in Uxbridge for a picturesque skate surrounded by nature.

Trip tip

Check the rink status before you go to ensure it’s open. Ice-making and maintenance are weather-dependent. And don’t forget your skate guards.

From Bus To Barista: Find Your Perfect Seasonal Sip

Winter in Durham Region calls for cozy cups of comfort. From aromatic coffees and soothing teas to seasonal specialty drinks, local cafés offer a warm escape from the chill. Whether you’re craving a classic brew or an inventive creation, these spots serve up the perfect sip for frosty days and festive nights—all easily reached by DRT.

How to ride

Ride Route 900 to Pickering Village and cozy up at Bean & Basket, where their special holiday menu, brings joy to your cup.

Route 900 also takes you to Brock St. Espresso for an artisan coffee in the heart of downtown Whitby.

Travel east along Route 902 or 502 to Bowmanville to discover Roam Coffee, where indulgent hot chocolate meets small-town holiday charm.

Take Route 905 north to Port Perry for Nexus Coffee, where people from all over come together over a cup of freshly brewed coffee and onto Uxbridge for The Bridge Social, featuring locally sourced ingredients and cozy winter vibes.

Connect from Route 905 to 618 to Sunderland, Cannington, and Beaverton to complete your northern adventure at River Street Café, Canter Coffee, and Shortiss Café and Bar, each offering a warm welcome and a festive cup.

Visit Goldies Café in Ajax via Routes 917, 216 or 224 for a hot chocolate flight—perfect for a quick winter treat.

Route 56 takes you right into downtown Oshawa, where you can visit BOND|ST Event Centre, a chic café in a historic space serving bold espresso tonics and creamy matcha lattes.

Discover more local cafés to visit this season

Towns That Feel Like A Holiday Romance Movie

Looking for that cozy, picture-perfect holiday magic? Durham Region’s small towns deliver all the charm of a Christmas movie—twinkling lights, historic streets, and festive markets that make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a film set. And in some cases, you actually have! These towns have been featured in real Hallmark productions, so when you visit, you’re walking through scenes that have lit up TV screens.

How to ride

Route 905 to Uxbridge Terminal – Stroll historic streets dressed in holiday décor, browse artisan shops for unique gifts, and visit the Uxbridge Holiday Trail or Christmas Market for seasonal treats.

Route 507 to Newcastle – Explore charming boutiques and pop-up holiday markets, then warm up with a festive drink at a local café.

Route 905 or 615 to Port Perry – Enjoy waterfront views and shop the Port Perry Holiday Market, featuring local makers and magical light displays.

Route 618 to Beaverton Terminal – Discover lakeside charm and festive community events, from tree-lighting ceremonies to artisan craft fairs.

Bus fares and passes

DRT makes getting around affordable, convenient, and easy for visitors of all ages. Kids 12 and under ride free, while teens and seniors enjoy discounted fares. Adult fares start at just $3.73 with PRESTO. Travelling into Durham by GO Train or GO Bus? You can transfer to DRT at no extra cost. Even better—PRESTO users can connect seamlessly and ride free between DRT and the TTC, Brampton Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit. With simple fares and smooth connections, DRT is your best ride in Durham Region.

Plan your trip at DurhamRegionTransit.com/fares

Discover more to explore

Photo by poodz of a Durham Region Transit bus in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada.

DRT bus routes and schedules

Photo by poodz of a GO Transit at a train station in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada.

Getting here with GO Transit

Photo by James Meloche of a person cycling along Lake Ontario waterfront at sunset in Durham Region, Ontario

Experience Durham by bike

Make it a weekend getaway with these overnight accommodations

Add these upcoming events to your trip

Check out these foodie favourites nearby