Southampton residents and visitors be aware: the annual Christmas Market is coming and with it changes to the Bluestar bus routes in the city centre. From Friday, November 8th, until Friday, January 10th, several Bluestar bus lines will be rerouted due to the closure of Bargate Street to accommodate the Christmas Market. The changes are:
Affected Routes and Changes
- Bluestar 1 & 2: Towards Winchester/Fair Oak, catch your bus at a temporary stop outside Bella Italia, and it will continue its normal route from Above Bar onwards. Heading towards the City Centre, these buses will not stop at Civic Centre, ASDA/Marlands, West Quay, or Hanover Buildings. Instead, they will drop you off at Above Bar and a temporary stop at Bella Italia after Guildhall Square.
- Bluestar 3 & 16: If you’re heading towards Hedge End/Townhill Park, start your journey at Above Bar, and your bus will go via Vincents Walk and Palmerston Road before continuing its normal route from Solent University. Note that the normal stops at Bargate Street, ASDA/Marlands, Civic Centre, and Park Walk will not be served. Coming into the City Centre, these buses will terminate at Above Bar.
- Bluestar 10, 13 & 17: In both directions, these buses will divert between Vincents Walk and Bernard Street, not serving West Quay or Holyrood Church.
- Bluestar 14 & 18: Travelling from the City towards Bitterne, your bus will divert after Vincents Walk via Palmerston Road and continue its normal route from Solent University. The normal stops at Bargate Street, ASDA/Marlands, Civic Centre, and Park Walk will not be served. However, buses are unaffected when travelling from Bitterne towards the City Centre.
- Bluestar 19: In both directions, these buses will divert between Vincents Walk and High Street/Telephone House via Queensway and Briton Street. The normal stops at West Quay and Holyrood Church will not be served.
- Bluestar 15: Towards Hamble, your bus will serve Central Station, Above Bar, and Vincents Walk as normal, then divert to continue on the normal route from Bernard Street. The normal stops at Civic Centre, West Quay, and Holyrood Church will not be served. Buses are unaffected when heading towards the City Centre.
Plan Ahead and Be Patient
Bluestar advises that they will be working hard to maintain reliability on their services, but this may not always be possible due to the rerouting. Bluestar apologises for any disruption caused and would like to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this challenging period. Plan your journeys in advance, and check the Bluestar website for the most up-to-date information.
How do you feel about the Christmas Market changing bus routes in Southampton? Please let us know.
