Bus Services in Southsea

Routes, operators, and getting around by bus

Southsea is well served by bus services operated primarily by First Bus, with routes connecting the area to Portsmouth city centre, Fratton, Cosham, and destinations beyond. The main routes running through Southsea include the number 1 and 2 services, which follow different routes through the area's streets and along the seafront, providing frequent connections to the city centre and the railway stations.

The number 3 service covers the Eastney area, running east along the seafront and through the residential streets. The Coastliner 700 service runs along the coast between Portsmouth and Brighton, passing through Southsea and providing connections to Havant, Chichester, Bognor Regis, Worthing, and Brighton.

Bus stops are located on most main roads in Southsea, including Palmerston Road, Albert Road, Elm Grove, Highland Road, and the seafront. The pedestrianised section of Palmerston Road means that buses use the surrounding streets to bypass the precinct.

Daytime services are generally frequent, with buses every ten to fifteen minutes on the busiest routes. Evening and Sunday services are less frequent. Real-time information is available at some bus stops and through smartphone apps. Fares can be paid by contactless card or through the operator's app.

For most journeys within Southsea, walking or cycling is practical, but buses are useful for reaching the railway stations, the city centre, the Historic Dockyard, and destinations outside Portsmouth.