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We run 2 bus services to campus – the U1 takes a circular route around Portsmouth, and the U2 goes to the Langstone sports site and back – at certain times of year.
You'll need to scan your digital ticket and bring your University ID card each time you board the bus. If the bus is full, you'll need to wait for the next one. No alcohol is allowed on the bus service.
How to get your bus ticket
Download the First Bus app and tap the 'Tickets' button in the app. Click 'Buy', choose your area (Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport) and find the University of Portsmouth section. Select your 'Portsmouth Uni Annual' mTicket from the product catalogue and purchase for a refundable 1p admin fee, which you'll need to claim back from First Bus. Download the pass to your phone to scan when you board the bus. You'll need to renew your ticket each academic year.
Support and app enquiries
If you experience any issues activating your annual pass or encounter issues with the First Bus app, please contact First Bus directly.
Support is available via the First Bus website, where you will find guidance and frequently asked questions.
University bus services
The U1 and U2 services run Monday to Friday during the following dates:
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Monday 15 September 2025 to Friday 19 December 2025 inclusive
-
Monday 12 January 2026 to Friday 27 March 2026 inclusive
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Monday 20 April 2026 to Friday 12 June 2026 inclusive.
There are no services running on Bank Holidays or out of these dates.
The late U2 running sports return service from Langstone stops at start of Easter break on 27 March 2026
U1 – Circular around Portsmouth
Converted into electric buses from refurbished diesel vehicles, the U1 University Bus is convenient and frequent. Buses run up to every 15 minutes during peak times. The U1 bus doesn't run at weekends, during the academic holidays or on public holidays.
Circular route around Portsmouth and Southsea to campus, stopping at:
- University House, Winston Churchill Avenue
- University of Portsmouth Library, Cambridge Road
- Elm Grove
- Kings Theatre
- Festing Road
- Eastney Health Centre
- Bransbury Park, Eastney
- Prince Albert Road
- Francis Avenue (outside Lidl)
- Fratton Bridge
- Somers Road
The service also stops at all First bus stops along the route (only times for the main stops listed above are shown in the U1 timetable).
View the route map.
U2 - Langstone Campus
The U2 bus makes travel to Langstone Campus simple, and buses run frequently. Please check the timetable for details and service dates. The U2 bus doesn't run at weekends, during the academic holidays or on public holidays.
- Spinnaker Building, Cambridge Road
- University Learning Centre, Winston Churchill Avenue
- Fratton Bridge
- Prince Albert Road
- Langstone Campus
The service also stops at all First bus stops along the route (only times for the main stops listed above are shown in the U2 timetable).
University bus FAQs
If you’re a current student, you'll need to pay a 1p admin fee for your annual U1/U2 bus pass, which you can claim back from First Bus. You’ll need to renew your pass each year.
You'll need an exclusive University of Portsmouth pass to travel on the U1 and U2 University bus services.
Download the First Bus app and tap the 'Tickets' button in the app. Click 'Buy', choose your area (Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport) and find the University of Portsmouth section. Select your 'Portsmouth Uni Annual' mTicket from the product catalogue and purchase for a refundable 1p admin fee, which you'll need to claim back from First Bus. Download the pass to your phone to scan when you board the bus. You'll need to renew your ticket each academic year.
If you don’t have access to a smartphone, please contact estates.helpdesk@port.ac.uk and we’ll help you find an alternative solution so you can still access the bus.
Yes. Support with the First Bus app is provided by First Bus with more information on their website.
Yes – to prove eligibility, you may be asked to show your University Student ID card when boarding.
Drivers can check IDs. Your University Student ID card and digital pass together confirm your status and allow free boarding.
You'll need a valid ticket on the app to be able to use the bus.
In exceptional circumstances (e.g. late at night), drivers may use discretion if you don’t have your app or pass – but this is for emergencies only.
If you're disabled or neurodivergent which impacts your use of the app, you can contact the Disability Advice service for advice. You can apply for a disabled person's bus pass or older person’s bus pass from the Portsmouth City Council website. Alternatively contact estates.helpdesk@port.ac.uk for additional support.
We want to hear from you. Please email estates.helpdesk@port.ac.uk if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.
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