frequently asked questions
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ticketing
where do I purchase my day tickets?
From any of the machines situated around the car park. You can pay with coins or use your credit or debit card and a receipt will be given. No change is given from the machines and notes are not accepted.
can I purchase my ticket on the bus?
No, you cannot buy tickets on the bus, they must be purchased before boarding.
how do I use the daily ticket?
Just show the ticket to the bus driver. Up to five passengers can travel on one ticket. No additional tickets are issued by the driver. The ticket should be used whenever you get on the bus that day. Remember you can hop on and off at different stops as you wish.
what should I do if there is a problem with the ticket machines?
If there is a fault or you require a refund for tickets purchased at the machines please email parking@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9268 8290 for assistance.
how can I buy a weekly, monthly or annual smartcard?
You can go to our online smartcard portal to register for a card. This will be posted directly to your home address in up to 5 working days.
Or you can buy it from the ticket machine inside the park & ride building using a credit or debit card - your smartcard will be issued instantly from the machine and will be ready to use immediately.
You can top up your smartcard using both machine and online options;
To use the smartcard, touch the card against the ticket machine when you get on the bus - this validates the journey.
A maximum of 5 passengers can travel on one smartcard. You have unlimited use of the service for the day and unlimited travel between all park & ride stops by presenting your smartcard on the bus each time you board.
how do I check the remaining balance on my smartcard?
You can ask the driver when you board the park & ride bus, contact us by phone 023 9284 1347 or email parkandride@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to find out what your remaining balance is.
If you have an Android phone you can download the Park & Ride Portsmouth app from Google Play to check your balance.
We will be updating our on-site Smartcard vending machines to allow smartcard balances to be checked.
park & ride service
can I park overnight?
You cannot currently park overnight. Should you wish to park overnight in the city please contact parking for more information on 023 9268 8310 (lines open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm) or email parking@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
when is the park & ride site open?
The Park and Ride operates every day of the year except Christmas Day and News Year's Day. Site gates are opened and closed at the following times:
Monday – Friday 6.30am - 7.45pm
Saturday 7.30am - 7.45pm
Sunday and public holidays 8.30am - 6.30pm
NB times my vary during summer - check last bus departures.
no overnight parking
is there a height barrier installed at the park & ride car park?
Yes. It is 2.1m (6ʹ 11ʺ). If you have a large vehicle, motorhome or minibus we suggest you contact 02392 688 290 for help and advice on where to park larger vehicles in Portsmouth.
For those heading to the Historic Dockyard or the Gunwharf Quays area there are unrestricted height spaces available on The Hard, St Georges Square and Museum Road. For those heading to the seafront, unrestricted height parking is available all along the seafront and in D-Day car park.
can I walk up and use the park & ride?
Yes, you can walk to the park & ride and then pay by using the methods above.
can I use my concessionary fare pass on the park & ride?
Holders of a Free Travel Bus Pass are not able to use their bus pass on the park & ride service. This includes those holding an older person's bus pass.
are the buses fully accessible?
All buses feature a large entry door, step-free entrances that can be lowered to kerb height, fold out ramps, wide step free gangway, a dedicated space for wheelchair users and priority seating for people with reduced mobility.
do the buses have CCTV cameras?
The buses have CCTV cameras fitted to help keep passengers and drivers safe. The provisions of the Data Protection Act 1988 are observed in relation to the use of CCTV in vehicles.
does the car park have CCTV and good lighting?
For the visitor's safety the car park has CCTV and excellent lighting.
can my dog come with me?
A maximum of two dogs are allowed on any one bus at a time, at the discretion of the driver. They must be well behaved and not be a nuisance and of no danger to other customers. Where appropriate, they must travel in accordance with the Dangerous Dogs Act. The driver has the right to ask you to leave the vehicle with your animal at any time if they feel that the animal in question is a danger to the driver, the passengers or you.
are standing passengers allowed on the buses?
No, for safety reasons, because the bus goes via the M275.
can I take luggage on the bus?
Yes, luggage is carried free of charge at the driver’s discretion, provided it does not occupy any part of a seat, inconvenience other customers and does not block a gangway or exit;
what should I do if I leave property on the bus?
Any passenger finding property left on a vehicle by another passenger should hand it to the driver;
The lost property will be held at the First Hampshire & Dorset, Hoeford. If not claimed lost property will be disposed of after one month. The contact number is 07814 164248 or you can use the form on the First website.
who operates the bus service?
First Hampshire & Dorset operate the pr1 service while Xelabus operate the pr3 service in Summer 2023, both under contract to Portsmouth City Council.
how many car parking spaces are there?
There are 665 car parking spaces.
how many disabled and parent & child spaces are there?
There are 3 disabled parking spaces and 8 shared disabled & parent and child parking spaces all located close to the park & ride building.
does the park & ride have electric charging points?
There are two, type 2, 3kw electric charging points located close to the park & ride building. These are located in two spaces that are well signposted. Charging is free.
what if I return after the car park is closed?
Opening and closing times may vary during summer – check last bus departures.
Vehicles left outside of opening hours will be liable to a £50 vehicle release fee.
The site is managed out of hours by Blayde Security. For assistance, call 01329 234411.
can I take my bicycle on the bus?
You can only take a foldable bicycle on the bus due to space restrictions.
are there toilets in the terminal building?
Yes, there are fully accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.
is there a place to buy refreshments in the terminal building?
A vending machine is available.
what facilities are in the terminal building?
The terminal building has Ticket Vending Machines to buy smartcard tickets. There is a heated waiting area that is well lit, covered by CCTV and with a large screen information display.