Travel support

There are two bus companies that serve our campus locations. These are First Bus and Stagecoach which run services in Portsmouth, Hampshire & Sussex areas.

You can purchase a heavily discounted annual or termly bus pass from the bus companies directly.

Alternatively, if you are eligible for a bursary, you may be able to receive a free annual pass. Further information on the application process is available on our Financial Support webpage.

First Bus

First Bus mobile tickets: First Bus mTickets (mobile tickets) are available to buy in the First Bus app. Look for COPC student tickets relevant to your area when you buy your bus pass. The pass is kept securely in your virtual wallet in the First Bus app on your phone.

First Bus smartcards: If you are unable to use your mobile phone for your bus pass, you can request a physical ‘smartcard' from First Bus (charges apply). The smartcard is equivalent in size to a bank card and will incur an additional cost for a replacement if it's misplaced. These can be purchased from the Travel Shop at The Hard or by phone (02392 863353).

First Bus Customer Services – 0345 464 0707.

Click here to view the First Bus app & mTicket user guide.

Stagecoach bus

Digital passes: Buying your student pass on the app is quick and easy, and once you've bought your pass it’ll instantly be stored securely on your phone. Just show your driver the mobile ticket in the the Stagecoach bus app along with your student ID card (if asked).

Physical passes: If you require a physical StagecoachSmart student card, the card must be requested at the time of purchase. You will then receive your card in the post in around three working days. You can use this on the bus every time you travel. If you already have a StagecoachSmart student card, you can reload your card by choosing 'select a smart card' at the checkout.

Stagecoach Customer Services – 0345 241 8000.

Click here to view the Stagecoach app FAQ's.

Planning your bus journey

Before you start College, we recommend that you check the bus timetables to find the best route and bus to take to ensure you arrive for your lessons on time.

All the bus companies have a journey planner on their websites which will tell you exactly how long the bus will take to your destination and exactly what time it stops at each bus stop. Please visit the bus company website that serves your area to plan ahead.

If you plan to travel to College by train, we advise you to purchase a railcard to take advantage of the below offers.

16-17 Saver railcard:

You can get a 16-17 Saver railcard if you are aged 16 or 17. It will give you 50% off most rail fares and can be purchased online at www.16-17saver.co.uk. The current cost is £35 for a year.

16-25 Railcard:

You can get a 16-25 Railcard if you are aged between 16 and 25, or you are a mature student. The railcard will give you 1/3 off a range of tickets as well as other discounts. Railcards can be purchased online at 16-25railcard.co.uk or at any staffed ticket office. The current cost is £35 for a year.

If you are eligible for a bursary, you may be able to receive a contribution of up to 75% towards the cost of travel by train. The College will consider the discounts achievable from either of the above railcards when awarding financial support for travel by train.

Further information on the application process is available on our Financial Support webpage.

Travelling from the Isle of Wight

If you are travelling from the Isle of Wight (Ryde or Fishbourne), we will offer you the Wightlink pass or a Hovercraft pass, depending on which one suits you best.

Buying your pass through the College can save you upto 50% off the retail price of a ferry/hovercraft ticket.
For example, students traveling from the Isle of Wight by ferry will be offered the Wightlink ferry annual ticket through the College at a cost of £583, which is half the full price of £1166 listed on the Wightlink website. This is an exclusive COPC offer when purchased directly and not through the travel companies.

Once you arrive in Portsmouth, you may require a bus pass to help you get to the campus that you are studying at, please see the ‘travel by bus’ section for more information.

Travelling from Gosport

If you are travelling from Gosport - you can purchase the COPC Student: Hants (All Zones) & Ferry termly ticket, which allows for travel on the ferry and all bus zones within Hampshire. This ticket is heavily discounted and available on the First Bus app.

Bursary students

If you are eligible for a bursary, you may be able to receive a free annual ferry pass. Further information on the application process is available on our Financial Support webpage

Ferry journey planner

We advise you to check which ferry routes are best before starting College. All the ferry companies have a journey planner on their websites, which will tell you exactly how long the journey will take to the destination and the expected arrival time. Please visit the ferry company website that serves your area to plan your journey ahead.

If you drive - you can travel to College in your own vehicle and we do not charge for parking on College premises, but availability of a parking space is on a first-come-first-served basis.
There is ample parking at both Sixth Form and Highbury Campuses, limited parking at North Harbour Campus and no parking on the premises at Arundel Campus.

If you are eligible for a bursary, you may be able to receive a contribution towards the cost of travel by car. Further information on the application process is available on the Financial Support webpage.