Enjoy a Car-Free Stay in Portsmouth AT the Royal Maritime Hotel

Travelling sustainably doesn’t have to be complicated, and staying at the Royal Maritime Hotel makes it even easier. Portsmouth is a compact, walkable city with excellent public transport links, so you can explore without relying on a car.

Many of the city’s highlights are just a short stroll from the hotel. Gunwharf Quays offers shopping, dining and entertainment, while the Spinnaker Tower provides stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline. The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard allows you to immerse yourself in maritime history.

Walking through the city not only reduces your environmental impact, but also gives you the chance to discover hidden corners and local gems along the way.

For attractions a little further afield, Portsmouth has an efficient public transport network that makes sustainable travel simple and stress-free.

Choosing sustainable travel has many benefits. It reduces pollution and congestion, saves money on fuel and parking and keeps you active while sightseeing.

Bikes, E-bikes and E-scooters

E-bikes and e-scooters are available to hire across Portsmouth on a jump-on, jump-off basis through the Voi scheme. With around 360 bikes at more than 90 bays, users have covered over 44,000 km in the first nine months, with 4,100+ active riders. The city is also expanding on-street and segregated cycle lanes and bike parking options, making it easier than ever to explore sustainably. Find out more information on the Voi website.

Train

Guests arriving by train can step off at Portsmouth Harbour station and walk to the hotel in just a few minutes, without needing taxis or car hire. There are also two other train stations in the city, one in Portsmouth City Centre and one close to Fratton Park Football Stadium. 

Walking

Many of Portsmouth’s major attractions, including the Historic Dockyard, the seafront and Gunwharf Quays are easily reached on foot. You can enjoy lovely long walks along the seafront promenade, discovering interesting places along the way. Old Portsmouth is perfect for exploring hidden corners and charming cobbled streets. For a relaxing break, the two Spice Island pubs offer the chance to watch ships pass by, while enjoying stunning views of Gunwharf Quays.

Coach

Those coming by coach will arrive at the Hard Interchange, just a few minutes' walk away from the hotel. Another sustainable option is to use the city's Park & Ride service, again just a 10-minute walk away. 

Buses

Local buses are mainly electric and have electronic signage to help you plan your journey or see when the next bus is coming. They are also accessible.

We actively promote local bus services, bike and scooter hire, and Park & Ride information on our website and at reception so that guests can plan low-carbon journeys around the city. Our team are always happy to help guests choose the most convenient sustainable option.

FERRIES

Portsmouth is a hub for ferry travel, with regular services connecting the city to destinations across the UK and Europe. Visitors can enjoy a day trip to the nearby Isle of Wight - or simply enjoy seeing the iconic hovercraft in action, a unique part of the city’s maritime heritage.

Sustainable travel pages on the Visit Portsmouth website offer additional guidance on travelling by train, bus, ferry, bike and on foot. 

By choosing car-free travel, visitors reduce congestion, cut emissions and get to experience Portsmouth at street level—discovering independent shops, cafés and hidden viewpoints along the way.