Enjoy the romance of the beach without the hassle of parking, thanks to a variety of public transportation options.

This summer, vacationers heading to the Delaware beaches can look forward to a more convenient and pleasant trip. The State of Delaware is offering a range of public transportation options to help beach visitors enjoy their holidays comfortably, free from the worries of driving and parking. Especially noteworthy are the efforts to reduce service intervals and extend operating hours during peak season to enhance visitor convenience.

Bethany Beach Trolley: Free Beach Loop Service

The Bethany Beach Trolley operates from Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) through mid-September, running from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Service may be partially reduced during driver rest periods (12:30 PM to 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM).

This trolley runs along the entire Atlantic Avenue in downtown, crosses Route 1, and goes west to Lake Bethany, connecting many communities between these two roads. You can flag down the trolley anywhere along its route, and there is no fare to ride. The Bethany Beach Trolley is very useful for short-distance travel within the beach area or when visiting major attractions, making it popular with both locals and tourists.

DART Bus: Extensive Service Connecting Delaware to Maryland

DART (Delaware Transit Corporation)'s Beach Bus service will operate from May 19th to September 1st this year, running between Lewes and Ocean City, Maryland. These buses stop at various locations throughout the day and operate from early morning until late at night, allowing for extensive travel. The fare is $4 per day, offering the advantage of affordable travel across a wide area.

On weekends and holidays, DART buses transport passengers from Wilmington to the beach areas. A fare of $10 per day applies for travel across all three counties within Delaware, and $8 for travel across two counties. The DART Pass app is the easiest way to pay fares and check various information, including bus routes and operating hours. From May 24, 2024, until Labor Day, DART's Route 305 Beach Connection service will resume on weekends and holidays, with the last bus time adjusted on Saturdays and some service changes on Sundays. Furthermore, according to the official Rehoboth Beach website, buses will run every 10 minutes on weekends and holidays, and every 15 minutes from Monday to Thursday, promising even more convenient usage.

Jolly Trolley: Convenient Travel Between Dewey and Rehoboth Beaches

The Jolly Trolley begins operating between Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach on weekends starting from Memorial Day weekend. It is scheduled to run daily from June 13th, operating from 3:00 PM to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM on other days.

One-way ticket fares are $4 for adults and $2 for children aged 5 and under. Day passes are $8 for adults and $4 for children aged 5 and under. The Jolly Trolley is the most efficient means of transportation between the two beaches, especially useful for travel between the busy downtown Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. In beach areas where parking is difficult to find, the Jolly Trolley will be a smart choice to save time and money.

Tips for Using Delaware Beach Public Transportation

Plan Ahead: It's advisable to check the latest schedules and fares on each operator's website or app, and purchase tickets or download apps in advance if necessary.
Consider Traffic Congestion: Public transport can be crowded during peak season weekends, so it's a good idea to leave with ample time.
Utilize Mobile Apps: Mobile apps like DART Pass offer various features, including real-time bus tracking, fare payment, and route information, to facilitate convenient travel.
Environmental Protection: Using public transportation helps reduce carbon emissions by decreasing personal vehicle use, contributing to the preservation of the beach's clean environment.
The Delaware beaches are popular vacation destinations offering beautiful nature and diverse attractions. This summer, why not plan a more relaxed and enjoyable beach trip by utilizing convenient public transportation, free from parking worries?