Portsmouth is a compact city built largely on an island, and that makes it surprisingly simple to explore once you know your options. Whether you arrive by train, hop on a bus along the seafront or skim across the water to the Isle of Wight, you rarely need a car to get where you are going.
This guide to getting around Portsmouth sets out every practical choice, from the two city railway stations to the little hovercraft that locals are quietly rather proud of. Pick the combination that suits your day and the city opens right up.
Arriving and travelling by train
Portsmouth has two central railway stations, and knowing which one you want saves time. Portsmouth and Southsea sits in the heart of the city, close to the Guildhall and the main shops. Portsmouth Harbour is the end of the line and the handiest stop for the waterfront, with the Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and the Spinnaker Tower all a short walk away.
Direct services link the city with London, Southampton, Brighton and plenty of other towns across the south, so arriving by rail is often quicker and far less stressful than driving.
Buses, the seafront and The Hard
A network of local buses connects the city centre, Southsea, the university and the suburbs, running frequently along the main routes. Most are low-floor for easier boarding, and the Southsea seafront is especially well served, making it simple to hop between the beach, the attractions and the shops.
The Hard Interchange
Right next to Portsmouth Harbour station, The Hard Interchange gathers buses, coaches, the harbour ferry and the trains in one spot. It is the natural hub for switching between different forms of transport, and a sensible place to begin a day on the water.
Crossing the harbour and the Solent
Portsmouth is a city of ferries, and half the fun is choosing your crossing. Here is how the main water routes compare:
| Service | Route | Good for |
| Gosport Ferry | Harbour to Gosport | A quick few-minute hop across the water |
| Wightlink | To Ryde and Fishbourne | Foot passengers and cars to the Isle of Wight |
| Hovertravel | Southsea to Ryde | The fastest crossing, around ten minutes |
From the Southsea front, the Hovertravel hovercraft glides across to Ryde in about ten minutes. It is the only passenger hovercraft service of its kind still running anywhere in the world, so even the commute feels like a small adventure.
Driving, parking and park and ride
If you are coming by car, the M275 feeds straight into the city from the motorway network. Because the centre gets busy, the Park and Ride on the edge of the city is often the easiest answer: leave the car, take the bus in, and skip the hunt for a space. There are also car parks near the main sights, including a large one at Gunwharf Quays.
Cycling and walking
As one of the flattest cities in the country, Portsmouth is made for two wheels and two feet. The seafront promenade offers a long, level route with sea views, there are cycle lanes on many roads, and wandering on foot is often the best way to stumble on the old streets and quiet corners. A few pointers worth remembering:
- The seafront promenade is level and ideal for cycling or an easy stroll;
- Portsmouth Harbour station puts the main waterfront sights within walking distance;
- Park and Ride saves the stress of city-centre parking on busy days;
- Ferries and the hovercraft make the Isle of Wight an easy day trip.
Fit it all together
With trains, buses and boats all close at hand, planning a day in Portsmouth is really a matter of deciding what you most want to see. Our visitor information guide helps with that, the Spinnaker Tower is an easy first stop by the harbour, and if you have access needs our guide to an accessible Portsmouth covers step-free routes and assistance.