ToursGaGa

Public transport

First Southampton (tel: +44 333 014 3480; www.firstgroup.com/southampton) operates a comprehensive network of buses linking all parts of the city. Blue Star (tel: +44 1202 338 421; www.bluestarbus.co.uk) and UniLink (tel: +44 23 8059 5974; www.unilinkbus.co.uk) also offer comprehensive services throughout the city.

Discounted fares, day travelcards and passes are available for some services. For full details about fares, routes and discounts, contact the relevant bus company directly.

Solent Go (www.solentgo.co.uk) is a smartcard which allows you to travel on buses and ferries throughout South Hampshire.

Taxis

Taxis can be hailed on the street or at ranks at the railway and bus stations. To pre-book a taxi try Abbeytax (tel: +44 23 8032 2480), Radio Taxis (tel: +44 23 8066 6666) or Streamline Taxis (tel: +44 23 8022 3355).

Driving

Prices for metered parking vary according to location. You can usually park for a maximum of either two or four hours in the city centre. See www.southampton.gov.uk/roads-parking/parking for a map of car parks and street parking spots.

Car hire

There are numerous car hire firms operating in Southampton, including Alamo (tel: +44 23 8065 3700; www.alamo.co.uk), Avis (tel: +44 844 544 6095; www.avis.co.uk) and Europcar (tel: +44 371 384 3418; www.europcar.co.uk).

Bicycle hire

Southampton is relatively small and, for the most part, flat, so a bike is a great way to get around. There's bike hire from Coastal Leisure (tel: +44 23 8033 2323; www.cyclehiresouthampton.co.uk) on the Town Quay.

GA Cycles, 65 Shirley Road (tel: +44 23 8063 6648; www.gacycles.co.uk), sells a good selection and is just a short walk from Southampton Central railway station.