The College operates two subsidised bus services from Farnham and Liphook. Details of the routes and timetables are set out below. For the 2023/24 academic year the cost per student is £1,100 for each route.
Please note that to make it possible for the College to provide these services we require commitment to pay for the full academic year. Details can be found below about payment plan options, as well as how the College Bursary Fund may be able to help. The College reserves the right to review the ticket price each academic year.
07.00 | Upper Hale, Tesco Express |
07.10 | Farnham Train Station |
07.20 | Royal Oak, Wrecclesham |
07.25 | Hare & Hounds, Rowledge |
07.35 | Shortfield Common, Holly Bush |
07.40 | St Mary’s School, Frensham |
07.45 | Crossways, Churt |
07.50 | A287 Beacon Hill (near Lloyds Chemist) |
07.53 | Royal Parade, Tilford Road, Hindhead |
08.00 | Wey Hill, Haslemere |
08.00 | The Georgian, Haslemere |
08.05 | Grayswood Church |
08.10 | Brook, Dog & Pheasant |
08.30 | Godalming College, Main Building |
16.30 | Return Journey |
07.15 | Post Office Sorting Office, Liphook |
07.20 | Flying Bull, Rake |
07.23 | Hillbrow (White Rose Garage), Rake |
07.25 | Tesco, Liss |
07.35 | Greatham, lay-by on A325 (near roundabout) |
07.40 | Whitehill (lay-by opposite motorcycle shop) |
07.45 | Old Post Office/One Stop Shop, Bordon |
07.50 | Royal Exchange, Lindford |
07.52 | Holly Bush, Headley |
07.55 | Old Garage, Beech Hill |
07.56 | Carlton Road (bus stop) |
08.00 | St Luke's Church, Grayshott |
08.05 | Crossways Road (near Mowatt Road junction), Grayshott |
08.10 | Lay-by off A3, Thursley |
08.30 | Godalming College, Main Building |
16.30 | Return journey |
Tickets are available to purchase via the Parents Portal. Terms and Conditions apply. For those in financial hardship an application can be made to the College Bursary Fund to help cover costs. New students however will not receive their Parent Portal log in details until after Enrolment, and hence in the meantime please reserve your space on the College buses by emailing finance@godalming.ac.uk providing the name of the student wishing to travel, and which of the two routes you wish to travel on. Around the time of Enrolment the Finance team will be in touch to process your payment, or direct you to the Parent Portal.
Services will commence on the first day of teaching for students.
Please find Frequently Asked Questions about the bus services below. For further information contact the Finance Office by email at finance@godalming.ac.uk or by telephone 01483 423526.
How do I book a place on the bus?
Tickets for 2023/24 will be available to purchase via the Parents Portal. New students however will not receive their Parent Portal log in details until after Enrolment, and hence in the meantime please reserve your space on the College buses by emailing finance@godalming.ac.uk providing the name of the student wishing to travel, and which of the two routes you wish to travel on. Around the time of Enrolment the Finance team will be in touch to process your payment, or direct you to the Parent Portal. To book a place on the Portal, select the service that you require and your pick up point. Payment is required by credit or debit card.
Can I buy a ticket for single days or for part of the year?
Unfortunately not. Please see our terms and conditions which require you to commit to pay for the bus in advance for the full academic year.
Will you give a refund if we change our mind or have a change in family circumstances?
If you change your mind before the end of the first week of teaching (ie when your son/daughter has their timetable for lessons) we will give you a full refund. We will consider refunds after this time in exceptional circumstances only, such as moving house. Please note that we are unable to give refunds if the student passes their driving test and wishes to drive to College.
Can I pay the annual fare by instalments?
Yes, we will be happy to discuss an instalment plan with you. Please contact finance@godalming.ac.uk.
Can I use the Surrey Fare Pass to obtain a discount fare on the bus?
Unfortunately not. The Surrey Fare Pass can only be used on public buses and trains. The College bus services are operated by private coach operators and are funded direct by the College. The College provides a subsidy of around 30% towards the costs of operating the services.
When will the student receive the pass to use the bus?
We don’t issue a permit, instead the Student ID card is endorsed with “Bus User”. If you book before enrolment (when i/d cards are normally issued) this will be arranged automatically. If you book at a later date the student will need to call at the IT Helpdesk in the Gill Student Centre to collect a new i/d containing the “Bus User” endorsement. The ID must be carried at all times when using the bus (and in College), checks of bus users will be made periodically by the drivers and College staff.
Can the bus stop at differenet points to those advertised?
The driver is only authorised to pick up and drop off at the published points. These have been agreed between the bus operator and the College taking into account student demand, safety considerations and timings. If you have any specific requests please let us know and we will explore the feasibility with the bus operator. Contact finance@godalming.ac.uk
Are the timings indicated strictly adhered to?
The timings have been agreed with the bus operator to ensure that the bus will arrive at College in sufficient time before first lessons commence at 8.45 am. Students must be present at the pick-up point before the published departure time. Unfortunately no leeway can be given. Occasionally the bus may be delayed due to traffic congestion or an emergency situation. The buses carry a tracking device so if there are any concerns about delays in the morning (beyond say 15 minutes) we suggest that you contact the bus operator direct using the contact details above. It’s always a good idea for the student to have this number in their phone contacts. For any delays in the afternoon departure from College one of the College staff will keep students informed.
I'm not sure where the bus stop is. Who can I ask?
You can contact the bus operator direct (see telephone numbers above) or the College Finance Department finance@godalming.ac.uk.
Can another student (without a pass for the bus) travel with me?
This is strictly not possible on any morning journeys (as it might result in another student who has a pass not being able to get on the bus at a later stop). We may be able to consider this for journeys home in the afternoon by prior arrangement with the Finance Office and payment of £5 for a temporary pass. This arrangement will only be possible if there is sufficient capacity on the bus.
Can I travel on the Liphook Bus and home on the Farnham Bus (or vice-versa)?
This will not normally be possible as it may impact on the capacity of the two buses. The services are also operated by two different operators. If there are exceptional circumstances please let us know and we will consider your request.
Will the buses run during exam times?
Yes, the buses will operate on all teaching days and days when exams are taking place even if this falls on an Inset Day.
What happens if it snows or the weather is bad?
If the College is closed due to snow or any other exceptional reason we will put messages out on the College website, Facebook, Twitter, Godalming Online, Greatest Hits Radio and if possible a message on the main switchboard number. The bus operators will also be made aware. We try to make the decision and arrange the necessary messages before 6.45 am.
If College remains open (ie no messages given about closure) but the bus has problems due to the weather conditions the operator may decide that it is unsafe to operate the bus. In this case if the bus fails to arrive within 15 minutes of the departure time or if there are any concerns the student should contact the bus operator by phone to check the position.
Do I need to let you or the bus operator know if I will not be using the bus on a particular day?
No this isn’t necessary. The drivers and operators are aware that students have different timetables and personal requirements which may mean that they use the bus intermittently.