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Bus Travel

Durham Region Transit bus on a road in Durham Region, Ontario

Plan your visit with Durham Region Transit

Make the most of the season with Durham Region Transit (DRT). Explore outdoor skating, warm up with a specialty drink from a local café, shop in charming downtowns and discover seasonal events across the region. Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend outing, DRT can help you get there with convenient and accessible transit options.

Take DRT to make your adventures easy, accessible and unforgettable.


Festive Fun Awaits In Durham's Downtowns

Santa Claus parade in Durham Region, Ontario

Find festive lights, Santa Claus parades, markets and holiday shopping across Durham Region’s historic downtowns. These picturesque communities are perfect for a winter day trip and are easy to visit with DRT.

How to ride:

  • Downtown Uxbridge: Route 905 or 605 to Uxbridge Terminal
  • Downtown Newcastle: Route 507 (weekday peak only)
  • Downtown Port Perry: Routes 905 or 618 (weekdays only)
  • Downtown Beaverton: Route 618 (weekdays only) to Beaverton Terminal
  • Downtown Oshawa: Routes 900, 901 and 902
  • Downtown Whitby: Routes 900 and 302
  • Pickering Village (Ajax): Route 900
  • Downtown Bowmanville: Routes 902 or 502
  • Pickering Nautical Village: On Demand (Specialized Services)

Trip tip: Many events are outdoors—check ahead and dress for the weather.

Glide Without The Drive: Durham's Skating Spots

People skating in Durham Region, Ontario

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

  • Ajax’s Audley Recreation Centre: Take Route 216 (weekday peak only) or 915 to Ajax’s Audley Recreation Centre for a family-friendly rink surrounded by winter trails.
  • Courtice Community Centre: Hop on Route 902 or 421 to Courtice Community Centre for a convenient rink in the heart of Courtice.
  • Delpark Homes Centre: Take Route 405 to Delpark Homes Centre in Oshawa for a spacious outdoor rink perfect for a winter workout.
  • Elgin Pond: Continue onto Route 905 to Elgin Pond in Uxbridge for a picturesque skate surrounded by nature.
  • Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex: Use Route 902 or 502 to Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex in Bowmanville and skate on the baseball diamond turned winter wonderland.
  • McLean Community Centre: Travel via Route 915 to McLean Community Centre in Ajax for a cozy community rink just steps from the bus stop.
  • Pat Bayly Square: Hop on Routes 917, 224 or 216 to Pat Bayly Square in Ajax and skate in the heart of downtown under twinkling lights.
  • Peel Park: Use Route 302 to Peel Park in Whitby and enjoy a quick skate in a historic neighborhood setting.
  • Scugog Lakefront Skate & Market: Take Route 905 to Palmer Park in Port Perry for a magical skate on Lake Scugog’s edge at the Lakefront Skate & Market.
  • South Oshawa Community Centre: Ride PULSE 901 to South Oshawa Community Centre and skate near the waterfront for a refreshing winter breeze.

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

Ride Into Retail: Shop In Durham This Holiday Season

View from behind of two people shopping in downtown Port Perry with large purses and shopping bags

Whether you're looking for a unique gift, a new favourite shop or a place to enjoy lunch with friends, supporting local businesses helps communities thrive. With DRT, it's easy to explore shopping destinations across Durham Region.

Support dozens of local makers, artisan vendors and small businesses under one roof:

Browse independent shops, discover handcrafted goods and find one-of-a-kind items for yourself or someone special:

  • Gather, Bowmanville – Routes 902 and 502 

Looking for a full day of shopping, dining and entertainment? Visit one of Durham Region's major shopping destinations, featuring national retailers, locally owned businesses, restaurants and seasonal events:

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

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

Bus To Barista: Festive Coffees & Cafés

Two sets of hands each holding a cup of coffee from Brock Street Espresso in Whitby, Ontario

Nothing warms up a winter day like a visit to a local café. From handcrafted coffee and specialty teas to rich hot chocolate, Durham Region is home to cozy spots that are easy to reach by DRT. Hop on board and discover your new favourite festive drink.

  • Ride Route 900 to Pickering Village and grab a delicious brew at Bean & Basket.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

  • Route 900, 901 and 902 take 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.

Endless Entertainment: Live Theatre & Events

Couple watching a performance at Regent Theatre in Oshawa, Ontario

Looking for a night out or a dose of local culture? From historic theatres to buzzing event venues, DRT can take you there—no parking, no stress. Whether you're into live music, theatre, comedy, or community events, these cultural hotspots are all accessible by transit.

How to ride:

  • Routes 900, 901 and 902 take you right into downtown Oshawa, where you can catch everything from concerts to comedy at the Biltmore Theatre, Tribute Communities Centre, Regent Theatre, and BOND ST Event Centre.
  • Hop on Route 900 or 920 to explore Pickering Village and check out a show at the St. Francis Centre—a restored heritage venue at the heart of Ajax’s arts scene.
  • Ride Route 905 directly to Town Hall 1873 in Port Perry. This historic venue continues to bring theatre, music, and community together under one roof.
  • Heading to Uxbridge? Route 905 gets you to the Uxbridge Music Hall, a downtown landmark with rich history and top-tier acoustics for live performances.

Trip tip: The Tribute Communities Centre is also home to the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals and Oshawa Firewolves of the National Lacrosse League. Catch a game by taking DRT.


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.