Getting around by bus
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.
Changes to accessing the University bus services
By Monday 13 October 2025 you’ll need the First Bus app and a free annual digital ticket to scan as you board the U1 and U2 bus as well as your student ID card.
Tickets aren't live yet, but you can download the app via the Play Store or Apple Store. You'll need the app to download your bus pass and scan each time you board the bus. You’ll need to renew the ticket each year. First bus can support any issues with the app or for any other support please contact estates.helpdesk@port.ac.uk.
How to get your free bus ticket
Tickets are not yet live on the app, but you can get ready by downloading the First Bus app and checking back at a later date. Once the tickets are live, you'll be able to find the tickets by tapping the Tickets button in the app. Click buy, choose your area (Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport) and find the University of Portsmouth section. Select your student ‘mTicket’ from the product catalogue and purchase for a refundable 1p admin fee. First Bus will refund you so you can get your pass for free. Download the pass to your phone to scan when you board the bus
U1 and U2 Services start Monday 15 September
The bus timetables for the new academic year beginning in September will be uploaded soon.
Term-time bus services
The U1 and U2 services run Monday to Friday during term-time:
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Monday 15 September 2025 to Friday 19 December 2025 inclusive
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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 term time.
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 every 15 minutes during weekdays in term time. 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's)
- 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. Buses run frequently throughout the day from Monday to Friday during term time. 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).
FAQs for changes to the bus from Autumn 2025
By Monday 13 October, you’ll need to download the First Bus app to access U1 and U2 buses. Alongside your Student ID, you'll scan a free digital bus pass in the app each time you board.
Yes, if you’re a current student, your annual U1/U2 bus pass is free via the First Bus app after paying a 1p admin fee which will be refunded by First Bus. You’ll need to renew your pass each year.
There will be a grace period of one month at the start of term, but all students must use the app and have their Student ID by Monday 13 October. In the meantime please keep showing your University ID when boarding the bus.
Tickets are not live yet on the app. You can prepare by downloading the app and checking back regularly.
If you don’t have access to a smartphone, please contact estates.helpdesk@port.ac.uk as early as possible. 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.
During the grace period up to Monday 13 October, you may still be allowed to board but after that, you won’t be able to use the bus without a valid ticket in the app.
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 Additional Support and Disability Advice service for advice. You can apply for a disabled persons bus pass or older person’s bus pass from the Portsmouth City Council website. Alternatively contact estates.helpdesk@port.ac.uk for additional support.
Possibly, at first but the grace period will allow more time for users to download the app and have their tickets ready for scanning.
We want to hear from you. Please email estates.helpdesk@port.ac.uk if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Safety on and around campus
Read our tips and advice on how to look after yourself and your friends, and find out how we're keeping our campus – and our city – a safe and welcoming place to live and study.
Maps and directions
Find out how to get to/around Portsmouth and our campus with our interactive and downloadable maps.
