Shuttle bus to RHS Garden Hyde Hall: Frequently asked questions

• The ticket price for a return journey from Chelmsford or Wickford train stations to RHS Hyde Hall is £4 for an adult and £2 for a child under 16
• You cannot purchase a single / one-way ticket; you must purchase a return ticket
• Tickets must be pre-purchased online, once purchased you will receive a confirmation email with your booking reference number that will need to be shown to the driver on the day of travel
• Only tickets purchased directly can be redeemed on the shuttle bus service
• Shuttle bus ticket prices are the same for all adults, including carers and RHS Members, and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis
• Tickets are to be purchased for specific return journey times. You will only be permitted to travel on the journeys you have purchased tickets for

• If you did not receive your email confirmation with your ticket, or if you wish to change your booking or request a refund of your bus ticket, please email hydehall@rhs.org.uk, including the date, time and booking reference of your visit in the email subject, or call 01245 402019

The shuttle bus runs on the below days between Friday 18 April 2025 and Sunday 31 August 2025:  

• Every Saturday and Sunday
• All bank holidays, excluding Monday 5 May 2025
• RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show, 30 July–3 August 2025

The 45-minute shuttle bus service operates three times daily in both directions:

Shuttle bus timetable – inbound: Chelmsford > Wickford > RHS Hyde Hall:

Shuttle bus timetable – outbound: RHS Hyde Hall > Wickford > Chelmsford:

• Departs RHS Hyde Hall: 2pm > Wickford train station 2.15pm > Arrives Chelmsford train station 2.45pm
• Departs RHS Hyde Hall: 3.15pm > Wickford train station 3.30pm > Arrives Chelmsford train station 4pm
• Departs RHS Hyde Hall: 4.30pm > Wickford train station 4.45pm > Arrives Chelmsford train station 5.15pm

The shuttle bus is labelled Hailstone Travel. The shuttle bus drop-off and collection points for each location can be found below:
 
Chelmsford train station  
The shuttle bus stop at Chelmsford train station is stand 10 on Duke Street, directly outside the station entrance / exit. The bus stop has seating and a shelter. The location of the bus stop can be found on Google Maps. 
 
Wickford Train Station  
At Wickford train station, exit the station from platform 1 / 2 (car park / taxi rank side of station). The bus stop is located directly in front of you on the station approach. The bus stop has seating and a shelter. The location of the bus stop can be found on Google Maps. 
 
RHS Hyde Hall  
The shuttle bus stops at the coach pick up/drop off bay in front of the Welcome Building. The bus stop does not have seating or a sheltered area.

• Shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair access and designated wheelchair space
• Buggies should be collapsed and stored in wheelchair spaces on the bus, if they are not in use
• Bikes and folding bikes cannot be accommodated on our bus shuttle service due to limited space
• Assistance dogs are welcome and encouraged on the shuttle bus service at all times
• There are no toilet facilities on the shuttle bus
• All seats on the shuttle bus service are fitted with seatbelts. It is highly recommended that these are used by passengers while the bus is in transit. Passengers are required to sit for the duration of their bus journey. Standing is not permitted on any of the shuttle bus services
• Babies and infants will only be permitted to travel in a car seat, which needs to be provided by parent/guardian

If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions, please call Hailstone Travel on 01268 561305. 

• The RHS has contracted Hailstone Travel to run the shuttle bus service. Hailstone Travel is a family run, coach-hire company based in Wickford, Essex. Within its diverse fleet of coaches, there are top of the range coaches and minibuses with eight to 34 seats. Every minibus and coach for hire in the fleet is fitted with seatbelts, and comes with air conditioning, CCTV and tracking. Its PCV-licensed drivers will ensure a smooth and relaxing journey for all

• There is limited space available for storage on the shuttle bus, if you have specific requirements call Hailstone Travel on 01245 402019. Plants can also be purchased via our online RHS Plants shop and delivery is available to all UK mainland addresses and UK islands
• For any personal items or property left on the bus, please contact Hailstone Travel on 01268 561305