Buses in Portsea
Local bus routes and services
Bus services in Portsea are centred on The Hard Interchange, the main bus terminal situated between Portsmouth Harbour railway station and Gunwharf Quays. The interchange provides connections to routes serving all parts of Portsmouth and beyond, making it the most important public transport hub in the district after the railway station itself.
First Bus operates the majority of services in the Portsmouth area. Several routes serve The Hard, connecting Portsea to Southsea, Fratton, North End, Cosham, Fareham and other destinations. The frequency of services varies by route, but the principal corridors generally see buses every 10 to 15 minutes during the day, with reduced services in the evening and on Sundays.
The Eclipse bus rapid transit service provides a fast, frequent link between Fareham, Gosport and the Gosport Ferry terminal. Passengers using this service can cross to Portsea via the ferry, creating an efficient public transport connection from the western side of Portsmouth Harbour.
Bus stops are also located along Edinburgh Road and at other points within the Portsea area, providing access without the need to walk to The Hard. National Express and other long-distance coach services also serve Portsmouth, with stops accessible from the Portsea area.
For regular users, various ticket options including day tickets, weekly passes and contactless payment make bus travel straightforward. The compact size of the Portsea district means that most journeys within the area itself are easily made on foot, but buses provide the essential link to the wider city and region.