frequently asked questions
click on a question to reveal its answer
ticketing
where do I purchase my day ticket?
You can buy day tickets and Hoverbus add-ons directly from the bus driver, or via the First Bus app.
You can also pay using the RingGo app, register online, or call 023 9298 0098 and pay by credit or debit card. Quote location code 1398.
can I purchase my ticket on the bus?
Yes, you can buy day tickets and Hoverbus add-ons directly from the bus driver.
how do I use the daily ticket?
Up to five passengers can travel on one ticket. You can hop on and off at any stop on the park and ride route.
how can I buy a weekly, monthly or annual smartcard?
You can now purchase and top-up your smartcard digital tickets via the First Bus app.
If you prefer a physical card for your wallet, register and top-up online. The card will be sent to your address within five working days.
Up to five passengers can travel on one smartcard. You can hop on and off at any stop on the park and ride route.
how do I check the remaining balance on my smartcard?
For digital smartcards purchased via the First Bus app, use the app to check your balance.
For card balances, call 023 9284 1347 or email parkandride@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to find out what your remaining balance is.
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 8290 (lines open 7 days a week 7.00am - 10pm) 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. 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 may 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 (6′ 11″). 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 Gunwharf Quays area there are unrestricted height spaces available at 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 are observed in relation to the use of CCTV in vehicles.
does the car park have CCTV and lighting?
For the visitor's safety the car park has CCTV and 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 Solent operates the pr1 and pr3 services for 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.
what facilities are in the terminal building?
The terminal building has a well-lit, heated waiting area which is monitored by CCTV. The terminal also has a large information screen.