Accessibility

There is indeed, perhaps, no better way to hold communion with the sea than sitting in the sun on the veranda of a fishermen’s cafe. ~Joseph W. Beach

Portsmouth is a historic city located on the Piscataqua River at sea level, with no significant elevations throughout the City, and no dramatic elevations throughout the Seacoast. Downtown Portsmouth offers wide sidewalks, though caution should be exercised by those with unsure footing where brick sidewalks are laid in Market Square. Wheelchairs will find the curbside ramps easy to navigate.

Many of our hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shops are handicap accessible, and our many al fresco dining spots make even more restaurants accessible during the summer months. Although some historic buildings cannot be made fully ADA compliant, please visit Access Navigators to learn which are the best establishments for easy access.

TRANSPORTATION

The COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation) bus and trolley system throughout the Seacoast is committed to providing transportation to everyone. All buses on their fixed route service are fully accessible and ADA-compliant. They also offer reservation-based services within three-quarters of a mile of the fixed route system for curb-to-curb para-transit services. Please visit the Coast Bus for all the details.

The Portsmouth Parking Shuttle offers free weekend parking with a free shuttle to the kiosk at the downtown parking garage during some (but not all) months of the year. All sixteen-passenger shuttle buses are ADA compliant and air conditioned. Visit www.PortsmouthParkingShuttle.com for schedules.

All C&J Commuter Scheduled Service is accessible to persons with disabilities. C&J operates regularly scheduled service between Seacoast gateways and Boston, also with daily service to New York City.