York Riverbus records busiest summer with passenger surge

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 17:16 · Archive

York Riverbus recorded a 12.4 per cent rise in passengers during summer 2026, its busiest season on record.

York Riverbus recorded its busiest summer on record in 2026, with passenger numbers up 12.4 per cent across the season. The traffic-free service, operated by City Cruises, saw a 14.7 per cent increase during the peak summer months. August was particularly strong, with a 24.7 per cent year-on-year surge in passengers, and the upward trend continued into September with sales up 26.3 per cent compared to the same month in 2025.

Chris Pegg, Head of Regional Commercial, Sales & Marketing for City Cruises, said the success reflected people choosing to experience the city from the water. He attributed the rise partly to good weather over the summer months and noted that the Riverbus offers visitors and locals a scenic, traffic-free way to explore York.

The service connects riverside accommodation at Naburn Lock, Acaster Malbis and Bishopthorpe with King's Staith Landing in the city centre. The wider increase reflects a trend of more UK residents taking domestic breaks and short breaks as staycations, driven partly by higher international travel costs.

York Riverbus records busiest summer with passenger surge — Image: Gazette & Herald (Malton)

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How it is being reported

This unusual traffic-free journey into York has just smashed recordsYork Riverbus has enjoyed its busiest summer on record as more passengers choose the scenic, traffic-free route into the city centre.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 3 Nov, 16:30
This unusual traffic-free journey into York has just smashed recordsYork Riverbus has enjoyed its busiest summer on record as more passengers choose the scenic, traffic-free route into the city centre.The Press (York) · 3 Nov, 16:30

In this story: York Riverbus · City Cruises · York · Chris Pegg · Naburn Lock · King's Staith Landing

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