Many of us are finding the cost of traveling in and around the city difficult to manage as the overall cost of living increases. Here are some lower-cost, sustainable options to help you get around Portsmouth or travel further afield.
Low-cost travel
Cheaper travel
Walking is your cheapest travel option, but we appreciate this is not an option for everyone or every journey. Cycling could be a low-cost alternative. There are a number of second-hand bike shops and bicycle recycling projects in Portsmouth that will help reduce your costs of travel, including Portsmouth Cycle Exchange in Southsea and the Community Cycle Centre in Walsall Road. Many of the community bike centres also offer more affordable repairs, to keep you on the road.
Repair & Ride workshops start on 11 March
If your bike needs a repair or some TLC, join our free Repair & Ride workshops and learn the practical skills to maintain your bike at home. The hands-on workshops can be booked as a course of five, or mixed and matched as stand-alone units. We’re holding the workshops in five locations with flexible times to suit you, including during the day, evenings and on Saturday mornings. Find out more and book your place
Public transport
Catch the bus for FREE in March ’23 Local people across Portsmouth will be able to travel by bus for free on Sundays in March. The Portsmouth City Council designed scheme will help families and other passengers save money this spring. Read more about the Bus Service Improvement Plan, a scheme that will transform bus travel for Portsmouth residents.
Travel on a bus in Portsmouth for £2 Bus tickets in Portsmouth have been capped at £2 for the winter under a government-backed campaign to encourage people back on to public transport. Read more about the scheme here.
Bus passes Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get free bus travel with an older persons or disabled persons bus pass, or get cheaper travel on buses, trains and coaches through a range of railcards.
- If you are disabled, you can apply for a Disabled Persons Bus Pass for free travel any time.
- Portsmouth residents over the age of 66, you can apply for an Older Persons Bus Pass, for free travel from 9am to 11pm weekdays and all-day weekends and bank holidays. Time restrictions are lifted if you can show proof that you’re attending a hospital appointment
More ways to travel cheaply:
- National Express offers 1/3 off the cost of coach tickets with a Young Persons Coachcard, Senior Coachcard, or Disabled Coachcard.
- National Rail has 1/3 off train tickets through a variety of railcards, available for 16-25 year olds, 26-30 year olds, the over 60s, disabled persons, Veterans, two people traveling together, family and friends and members of HM Forces.
- Job seekers can take advantage of a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card giving 50% off train travel to boost job searches and help job seekers back to work. Find out whether you are eligible.
- Stagecoach offers 50% off single and return bus rides for those on Job Seekers Allowance, free travel for over 60s and those with certain disabilities, and up to 40% off unlimited tickets for college or university students.
Voi e-scooters
The Voi e-scooters are a quick and easy way to get around the city. Voi also offers a number of discounts.
If you are on a low-income, a veteran or a member of HM Forces, or you are employed by the NHS or emergency services, you can get a 50% off, and students get 20% discount too.
Beryl shared bikes
The ‘Beryl bikes by Breeze‘ is a bike share scheme, providing a quick and easy way to travel in the city centre.
If you are employed by the NHS you get free bike rides if you register using your NHS email address.
Lower-cost parking from Park and Ride
If you need to travel into the city by car, you can use Park & Ride all day, including the shuttle bus, for £4 – one ticket covers up to five passengers. Flexipasses are also available, starting at £2 a day, or unlimited travel within a chosen timeframe from £1.65 a day.