Getting Around Dover: A Complete Guide to Public Transport

Editor: Diksha Yadav on Nov 06,2024

Dover is the capital of Delaware and is served by a comprehensive system of public transport. Prices this low let you not spend too much going around Dover and nearby towns. Besides the quaint city, there's also more to this small town that is full of historical places with exciting transportation that lets you roam around without having to get a car rental. Whether you are here to see the historical sites, attend the NASCAR races, or just pass through, knowing your way around Dover's public transport can make all the difference in your travel experience.
 

In this guide, we will dive into the main modes of public transport in Dover, share some valuable transportation tips, and cover everything you need to know to navigate the city efficiently.
 

1. Understanding Dover's Public Transport Options

Above all, the public transport system focuses mainly on DART First State, which is Delaware's public transit. The bus service connects cities across the entire state, including Dover. From buses to seasonal shuttle services and taxis, you can find options that may interest you depending on your travels or needs.

DART Buses: The Backbone of Dover's Public Transport

The Delaware Transit Corporation operates buses known as DART First State, which traverse the city of Dover at very affordable fares to most of the highly visited venues. DART buses facilitate riders to access quite a lot of routes of historic destinations, shopping complexes, and recreational areas. Some routes include:

  • Route 101: Connecting downtown Dover with the Delaware State University and malls.
  • Route 107: Services residential areas as well as the Dover Mall, a great shopping destination
  • Route 117: Services to the Dover Air Force Base of interest for military enthusiasts.

DART makes it pretty straightforward to access the schedules and the maps available for all the routes. Or, just check schedules at convenience stores and in the transit stations around your location.

Seasonal Beach Bus Services

If you are visiting Dover in the summer and have some beach time on your agenda, DART offers seasonal beach bus routes to destinations such as Rehoboth Beach. These routes make it easy for travelers to enjoy Delaware's scenic coastline without having to navigate beach traffic.

Taxis, Rideshares, and Car Rentals

There are taxis and even rideshare services like Uber and Lyft if you prefer to have direct transportation. While a bit more expensive than the bus, they can be accommodating when traveling with much luggage or to areas of Dover that public transit does not reach.

Car rentals are also provided if you would prefer to have your vehicle. Keep in mind that parking within the downtown areas could be troublesome depending on the season or when some major event is happening, such as a NASCAR race.

2. Bicycling in Dover

Dover is very bike-friendly, and on a nice day, there is no better way to explore the scenic neighborhoods of the city. Biking is a favorite pastime of the locals and students from Delaware State University and Wesley College. The town provides dedicated bike lanes along major roads, and some trails connect directly to Dover's parks and recreational areas.

Bike Rentals and Trails

If you are a bicycle enthusiast, look for local bike rentals that are within proximity to the downtown area. Dover has many popular trails, such as the Capital City Trail, which is an incredibly scenic route connecting the Silver Lake Park area with downtown. Biking can be an excellent way to explore the city at your own pace and is very sustainable since you don't have to take the bus or taxi that's usually over-packed.

3. Traveling Around Dover without a Hitch

To make your experience in navigating Dover, DE public transport seamless, here are some practical tips:

Know Your Route and Check Schedules Ahead

The DART buses in Dover are usually on time, but one can be prepared by checking schedules to avoid waiting, especially during the weekends or off-peak hours when buses run at a lesser frequency. One can even track live updates and schedule changes using the DART transit app, which is very convenient to know.

Save with a DART Pass

If you will be commuting on public transportation frequently to get around during your trip, you may want to consider purchasing a DART Daily Pass. These passes enable unlimited travel for one day on all local bus routes. This is convenient and keeps you from having to make changes for each ride. Purchases can be made through the internet or at prominent bus stops throughout Dover.

 

Seats without passengers.

Plan Seasonal Variations

Some of these transport systems, such as the beach bus routes that run seasonally, are seasonal themselves; others may have variant routes or operating hours over winter. It is best to check the DART website or app for up-to-date seasonal timetables before you plan your travel.

4. Main Attractions to Visit by Public Transport in Dover

Some attractions within easy reach by the city's public transport system include:

Dover Historic District

For history enthusiasts, the Dover Historic District is a treasure trove; its landmarks are the Old State House, John Bell House, and The Green. DART buses run direct routes there so that you can delve right into the rich history of Delaware's capital.

Dover Downs Casino and NASCAR Events

The Dover Downs Casino is not any less known than Dover International Speedway. This is so since many NASCAR fans view the speedway as the best attraction, and DART buses add some extra service or shuttle routes during NASCAR events to ensure that getting there does not require any car.

Silver Lake Park

Silver Lake Park is within walking distance of downtown, has beautiful facilities for outdoor recreation, features walking trails and picnic spaces, and includes a small lake where one may relax. Many DART routes pass close to the park, and it's a breeze to spend the day outdoors there without much trouble.

Delaware State University Campus

The buses that service DART also provide several routes that stop at or near the Delaware State University campus, which helps students and visitors navigate with or without a car.

5. Public Transport Safety and Accessibility

For persons with disabilities or access challenges, DART First State has a vehicle available in its routes that meet ADA standards. Additionally, DART offers a paratransit service that caters for persons with disabilities who are eligible to use such transport to move safely around the city and to have easy access to all destinations of the city.

Public Transport Safety in Dover: it is relatively safe, but use a few words of wisdom as follows:

* It's better not to go during the night unless necessary, otherwise.

* Do be aware of your luggage while riding a bus.

* Avoid stopping cars while waiting.

* Under no circumstances accept a ride from anyone whom you don't know well. 

  • Always be mindful of your belongings while traveling on public transport, especially during peak hours.
  • Avoid isolated stations and routes at night; use common sense if it's dark and you know not that place.
  • The bicycle routes should be followed to a certain extent, where people bike and wear safety gear around the city as per local rules.

6. Making the Most of Your Stay Using a Flexible Tour

Dover's public transport allows for a wide variety of adventures, from cultural landmarks to outdoor explorations. Your visit should be planned according to the transit options: one day for Dover's historic downtown, another for natural spaces like Silver Lake, and maybe yet another day for visiting nearby attractions with seasonal services that are operational during summer trips.

This means you can make the best use of a DART Day pass and take a relaxed stroll between the places to soak up the feel of Dover to its fullest extent.

Conclusion: Getting around Dover

From reliable DART buses to bicycle-friendly streets and seasonal beach routes, Dover public transportation offers a number of options for exploring this lively city at affordable and convenient prices. With a little advanced planning, you can quickly get around Dover without needing your car, freeing up time to enjoy the history, culture, and other scenic spaces of the city.

Whether you're looking for landmarks, attending an event, or just soaking in the atmosphere of the local spot, navigation through the public transportation of Dover is undeniably a moment you never want to forget because you need to concentrate on what it's all about making special memories.


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