travel on uni-link and bluestar with the key

For travel beyond University, the key gives you access to UniLink routes and the Bluestar network - covering the wider Southampton area with links to Winchester and Salisbury.

The key could be particulatly useful if you, for example, decide to stay Southampton over the summer vacation, and need non-Uni-Link services to get to and from work, the shops, or on nights out.

How it works

Follow the steps below to get your key, buy your tickets and start using it!

1. Register online for free
2. Wait for your key to arrive in the post
3. Log in and purchase your tickets
4. Allow 48 hours for your product to be loaded
5. Enjoy travelling with the key on UniLink and Bluestar - for less!

Using the key on unilink

Tickets

Save with freedom

Freedom is the name of Bluestar's period passes. You get unlimited travel on any of our buses in the zone that you have chosen - including UniLink.

Only 30 and 90 day freedom tickets on the key are also valid on UniLink, even though different lengths of time are available. To see a full list of tickets available on the key, please visit theBluestar website.

If you only travel within Southampton (the yellow shaded area on the map) buy the Southampton version, otherwise choose the Network option for travel anywhere else. Download a PDF version of the network map and see the zones in more detail.

Southampton Freedom

30 days                 £42 
90 days                 £105

Network Freedom

30 days                 £81
90 days                 £185

What is the key?

The key is a smartcard that makes paying for bus travel in and around Southampton a whole lot cheaper. Instead of buying a paper ticket each time you travel, you load tickets onto the card in advance, online.

Save money

Convenient and easy to use

• no more waiting to buy your ticket, or searching for change, just top up online
• easy to use – just put your key on the reader when you get onto the bus and wait for the green light
• load several products onto you key at any time for travel convenience

Security and peace of mind

• easy cancellation and replacement if your key is lost, damaged or stolen
• check what tickets you have remaining and manage your account online
• track your journey history

Environmentally friendly

• travel by bus and reduce your carbon foot print
• the key can be topped up again and again cutting back on the use of paper

Got a question? See if ourkey FAQ page can help.