New route - Bluestar 26
Yesterday
Introducing the new Bluestar 26
A brand-new connection between Southampton and Whiteley
Launching Sunday 30 August 2026, our new Bluestar 26 route will make it easier than ever to travel between Southampton and Whiteley — connecting communities, shopping, work and leisure along the way.
Running hourly seven days a week (2 hourly on the Sunday) , this new service will provide a direct link between Southampton city centre and Whiteley Shopping Centre, serving:
- Bitterne
- Hedge End Town Centre
- Botley
- Whiteley
Whether you’re commuting to work, heading into the city, meeting friends, shopping or enjoying a day out, Bluestar 26 offers a simple and convenient new travel option across south Hampshire.
Designed around growing communities
The new route has been introduced to support the continued growth of North Whiteley and improve public transport connections for local residents, businesses and visitors alike.
It will also create better access to jobs, education, retail and leisure opportunities across the region, while strengthening links with Southampton as the area’s major city centre destination.
Service Information
- Hourly service (2 hourly on a Sunday)
- Running 7 days a week
- Approximately 6am to 9.30pm daily
- Launching Sunday 30 August 2026
- View timetable
Fares and Tickets
- All single bus fares are currently capped at £3
- Bluestar 26 is in our Network fare zone
- Period passes and multi-day tickets can be purchased on our app – these tickets can be used on all Bluestar services within the appropriate fare zones.
- You can use your contactless bank card to tap on and off, and you fare will either be capped at the single, day or weekly rate depending on how often you travel.
Opening offer!
- To welcome you to Bluestar we have a huge discount for you of over 70% discount on your first 5 Dayriders' (in our Bluestar Network Zone) if bought via our app, meaning you can travel all day on any Bluestar or Unlink bus for just £3! Use code NEW26 at the checkout. This offer is valid for new app customers only and up to 5 purchases. It is available to buy between 30 August and 30 September 2026.
A better connected journey
With comfortable buses, great value tickets and new connections across the Bluestar network, our new star, Bluestar 26 is designed to make travelling between Southampton, Hedge End, Botley and Whiteley easier than ever before without the need to change buses.
Our App
If you are new to Bluestar we recommend you download our app. It has so many fantastic features keeping you in control of your journey. Including:
- Journey planning
- Live bus times – that update every 10 seconds!
- Buying tickets
- Service updates/alerts
- Personalisation – mark your regular bus stop and route as a favourite
Extra support
If you would like to come and see us in person, we will have a promotional stand at Whiteley Shopping Centre on Saturday 22, Sunday 23, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August. Or visit us in our Bluestar shop on Castle Way Southampton