Buses

With six bus companies operating services in Southampton, it can be confusing knowing which bus to catch to your destination. Our Public Transport map shows the bus routes which pass through Southampton and a summary of the main destinations served by each operator is given below. Please visit the bus operators websites via the links below for specific timetable and route information.

For information regarding Concessionary bus travel please see the Smartcities pages

Bluestar Bus Bluestar operates a frequent service between Millbrook and Thornhill via Shirley, the City Centre and Bitterne and the free City Link bus between Southampton Central Station and Town Quay via the City Centre. They also operate regular services from the City Centre to local towns including Totton, Hythe, Marchwood, Lyndhurst, Romsey, Winchester, Eastleigh, Hedge End, Chandlers Ford and Botley.

First Bus operates frequent services between the City Centre and local Southampton destinations including Millbrook, Lordshill, Shirley, Bitterne Park, Townhill Park, Bitterne, Thornill, Woolston, Weston, Sholing, the General Hospital, City College and Taunton's College. They also operate regular services from the City Centre to local towns including Totton (via the Hospital), Hedge End, Fareham and Portsmouth.

Unilink Bus Unilink operates a frequent service between the City Centre and Southampton Airport via the University and Portswood. This service also calls at Southampton Central Station and the Oceanography Centre. They also operate regular services from the City Centre to Southampton General Hospital (via Portswood and the University) and from the City Centre to Bassett (via the University).

Velvet operates an hourly service between the City Centre and Shirley / Freemantle. They also operate a regular service between Eastleigh and Hedge End via Mansbridge and run 6 buses a day between Southampton General Hospital and Winchester.

Wilts and Dorset operates an hourly service between the City Centre and Salisbury (via Totton).

Brijan operates an hourly between the City Centre and Bishops Waltham (via Bitterne)

Bus service FAQ

1. Where do I catch my bus from?

Southampton doesn't have a central bus station but there are several locations commonly served by buses. The public transport map (available to download at the bottom of this page) contains separate maps showing where bus stops are located near central station and the city centre and in the district centres of Portswood, Lord’s Hill, Bitterne and Shirley town centre. It also shows which bus services operate in each area.

2. How do I plan my journey?

The external link below to Traveline will give you your options of how to travel by Bus, Coach, Train or Ferry. Just enter your journey details and travel time. Traveline can also be contacted on 0871 200 2233 for regular timetable or route information.

The external link to the Transport Direct website will give you your options of how to get to your destination by Bus or Coach.

External links to the bus companies websites are also listed below where you will find timetable information. On their Facebook pages you can leave messages or ask questions about their services.

The public transport map (available to download below) displays bus routes in the city.

3. When do Night Buses run?

The night bus service operated by Bluestar provides a safe alternative journey home from the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights to locations across the region including Eastleigh, Hedge End, Lordshill, Millbrook, Shirley, Netley, Bitterne, Thornhill, Waterside and Winchester.

For further information and the latest timetables please visit the nights out page on the Bluestar website.