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Getting around by bus
During term-time we run 2 bus services to help you get around easily.
These routes operate Monday to Friday during term-time. Simply join First’s Student Travel Club and sign up with your uni email address to access your ticket, and you’ll get unlimited travel on the U1 and U2 bus services.
The U1 takes a circular route around Portsmouth and the U2 goes to the Langstone sports site and back.
Our U1 service has been converted from diesel to electric, meaning you can get around easily and it's better for the environment.
Everything you need to know to get started
Follow this easy guide if it's your first time using our bus service
Download the First Bus App
- Download the First Bus app via the Play Store or App Store
- Confirm your device's location as Portsmouth
- Set up your account using your @myport.ac.uk email address to verify your student status
Register for the Student Travel Club
- Sign up online for First’s Student Travel Club
- Make sure you use your @myport.ac.uk email address for this part too
Off you go
- When you're ready to go, tap the Tickets button in the app to find your ticket
- Scan your pass and show your University ID card to the driver
- Repeat as many times as you want Monday to Friday during term time
Find out more about our bus routes
U1 - Circular around Portsmouth
The U1 service has now finished and will return in the new academic year (September 2026)
This route 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
This 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.
U2 - Langstone Campus
The U2 service has now finished and will return in the new academic year (September 2026)
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 student, you’ll enjoy unlimited travel on the U1 and U2 bus services when you join the Student Travel Club.
Yes, this year, we’ve made the process simpler and more streamlined.
You'll need an exclusive University of Portsmouth pass to travel on the U1 and U2 University bus services.
- Register or log in to the First Bus app using your @myport.ac.uk email address
- Select your travel area as ‘Portsmouth’
- Register online for the Student Travel Club, also using your uni email address
- Check back in the app to find your ticket
Make sure you’ve used your @myport.ac.uk uni email address to register for both the Student Travel Club and the First Bus app. If you use a different email address, your student status won’t be verified.
If you don’t have access to a smartphone, please contact [email protected] 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. Always bring your Student ID card to be safe.
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.
Unfortunately this can happen during peak travel times as our bus services are very popular. Both services are very regular, with multiple buses per hour, but we'd advise planning ahead if you know you're going to be travelling during a busy time.
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.
The University of Portsmouth and First Bus have a zero tolerance policy towards any alcohol or other illegal substances being brought onto the vehicle whilst using these services.
This is to ensure the safety of both you and other users of the bus. If you are found to have brought anything, such as alcohol or drugs, onboard our bus services you will be refused service and removed from the bus.
If you or anyone you know have concerns about drug and alcohol use contact Student Wellbeing or visit our Wellbeing resources and other support page for further advise and resources.
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 [email protected] for additional support.
We want to hear from you. Please email [email protected] if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.
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