Thurrock Buses: Ensignbus and First Routes, Bus Passes and Where They Go

Thurrock Council does not run buses. It publishes timetables from the operators, and you should use the operator's own pages for times, fares and tickets. This guide uses the Ensignbus timetable page and the council's bus timetable page, last checked in October 2026.

Who runs buses in Thurrock?

The council's bus timetables page names five operators: Ensignbus, First Essex, NIBS Buses, Transport for London and Central Connect. Ensignbus's own timetable page lists most of the local routes. The council notes that TfL routes 347, 370 and 372 are cash-free: you cannot pay with cash and must use contactless or Oyster. It also suggests Traveline for planning a journey in Thurrock and beyond.

Which routes go where?

From Ensignbus's timetables page, with the route descriptions it gives (the page marks most as from 29 August 2026):

• 22: Aveley (Usk Road) to Grays bus station via South Ockendon, Lakeside and West Thurrock
• 44: Lakeside to Grays bus station via Uplands Estate, Garrison Estate, Purfleet rail station and Stonehouse Corner
• 44A: Ockendon rail station to Grays bus station via South Ockendon, Aveley, Uplands Estate, Garrison Estate, Purfleet and Stonehouse Corner
• 73: Lakeside to Tilbury Asda via West Thurrock, Grays, Socketts Heath and Civic Square
• 83: Lakeside to Chadwell St Mary via West Thurrock, Grays and Socketts Heath
• 88 and 88A: Chafford Hundred to Orsett Hospital via Grays, with some journeys extending to Lakeside
• 99: a Tilbury circular linking the town station, ferry terminal and dock areas
• X80: express from Lakeside to Bluewater via Greenhithe station

Ensignbus also lists First Bus routes: 100 (Lakeside to Basildon) and 200 (Grays to Basildon via Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary). The council's page says Ensign changes take effect from 29 August 2026 and First Essex route 200 changes from 30 August 2026, so check the current timetable rather than older printed ones. The council also lists route 201, 269, 375 and 565 timetables.

Ensignbus gives a 24-hour customer line, 01708 86 56 56, and the email customerservices@ensignbus.com. Its site also covers tickets, live times and its app.

What about the Tilbury to Gravesend ferry?

The council's ferry page says that from April 2024 the Tilbury to Gravesend ferry will not operate until further notice, and suggests buses and trains via Bluewater, Lakeside bus station and Chafford Hundred station. Check the page for any update.

How does the older and disabled persons bus pass work?

The council's bus pass page says the national concessionary pass gives free off-peak local bus travel. For journeys within Thurrock, it can be used Monday to Friday 9am to midnight and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. Outside Thurrock the weekday times are 9.30am to 11pm, with all-day weekend and bank holiday use. Disabled pass holders may have a companion who travels free within the combined area of Thurrock, Essex and Southend. The council says you can apply online or at any Thurrock library in opening hours, and enquiries go to the Passenger Transport Unit, Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, RM17 6SL, or bus.pass@thurrock.gov.uk. Eligibility rules are on the council's application page.

Which buses reach the hospitals?

Route 88 and 88A run to Orsett Hospital, where the minor injuries unit is. For emergencies see our urgent care guide. For trains, see our train stations guide.