Ahhh, what fond memories I have of getting the bus to Newtownards' bus station in the mornings, only to be met my a pile of scary teenagers waiting to go to school. It was always a bit of a struggle trying to find my way through the hoards of perilous school kids, their staring eyes fixated on me. Ah yes, fond indeed...
Newtownards bus station serves the wider Ards Peninsula, such as Portaferry, Millisle, Ballyhalbert, Donaghadee and Portavogie, as well as Bangor and Comber, and Newtownards town service buses. Due to the fact that it always busy, the service to Belfast don't leave the bus station, they just arrive here.
This aspect of the bus station is very confusing, and I remember the lady at the help desk trying to explain to two foreign men where Gibson's Lane was (where the buses to Belfast leave from), but to no avail. I ended up showing them where to go (in the nicest way possible), and explaining them how things worked.
Apart from that, Newtownards' bus station is fairly simple. It has a service desk, a little shop, and an inside waiting area...and that's it. I guess it doesn't need to be any more complex.
Just remember, if you're trying to get home to Belfast, do NOT go to the bus station...Gibson's Lane is across the road, and to the left. Easy enough? read more