Port open day – pre event information

Portsmouth International Port open day – pre event information 

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our port open day on Saturday 13 June. To make sure everyone can access the event, we wanted to update you on what to expect and some key timings for the day to help you plan your visit. 

Getting to the port 

Visitors to the open day are asked to walk, cycle, use public transport, or a Voi e-scooter or e-bike to reach the port if possible. 

If you are travelling by car, parking is available at the park and ride, just off of the M275 which is a 5 minute bus ride from the port. Southbound, you can get off at the Portsmouth International Port bus stop and use the pedestrian crossing and underpass to walk over to the port. When leaving, please embark at the Mile End Road/International Port stop northbound. This will all be signposted on the day.  

Plan your journey here. 

We also have an onsite multi-storey car park, however parking is limited at this site. Just follow the signs when you arrive. Charges will apply. Please note we cannot ensure availability on the day, so we strongly advise using the park and ride. 

Disabled parking is available in the coach lanes directly outside the front of the terminal building. 

On arrival 

All visitors for the open day will enter through the southern entrance to our terminal, which will be clearly signposted. A quick bag search will be completed on the door along with checking of tickets. Visitors will then head upstairs to experience our cruise terminal, where exhibitors and refreshments will be available.  

Once through to check in, adults will need to present a form of named ID (e.g. bank card/driving licence) to pick up a sticker which will act as your ticket for the day.  

Further security checks will be conducted before entering the exhibition, demonstrating the live port environment. This will be relaxed and informal, and is designed to get everyone through as quickly as possible. Our security teams will be happy to answer any questions you have as you pass through. 

On the day 

Once downstairs, attendees will be able to explore a range of interactive stands from our port partners and maritime exhibitors. Look out for competitions, raffles and lots of exciting prizes to be won!  

We will be opening up our quayside for visitors to walk through and get onboard ships. Our cargo terminal operator, Portico, will have a show of port equipment and there will be direct access from the quay to board vessels. Our port staff will all be around and available on the day for you to chat to and ask any questions. 

There will be marshals to help guide you on the day, but please stick to the designated walkways and areas which will be clearly cordoned off. We are a working port so make sure you are wearing appropriate, sensible footwear and keep children close at all times. Toilets and refillable water stations are available inside the terminal. Please note the outside areas are exposed with little shelter, so please dress and pack appropriately for weather conditions. 

Timetable of events 

Blue Funnel will be running water tours of Portsmouth harbour, exclusive to open day visitors. Narrated tours take half an hour and will set off every 45 minutes – a full timetable can be found below. Adult tickets will be £5, with under 16s going free. 

Keep an eye on our social media for exciting updates ahead of the event. 

 Disabled access 

Our port and is fully accessible, with lifts available throughout the terminal. Access to the quayside is by foot, so wheelchairs and mobility scooters are advised. Please note wheelchair access to board vessels may be limited due to tidal restrictions.