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London to Portsmouth train ticket prices
€12.14
On Wed 17 Jun
London to Portsmouth train timetable
Journey from London to Portsmouth on the fastest train in 1h 27m, usually 2h 3m. Every day, 108 trains leave from London, starting at 00:02 and ending at 23:54. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
01:02 London Blackfriars | 5h 34m, 1 change | 06:36 Portsmouth & Southsea | Thameslink | Find tickets |
03:40 London Blackfriars | 4h 6m, 3 change | 07:46 Portsmouth & Southsea | Thameslink | Find tickets |
05:01 London Blackfriars | 2h 48m, 1 change | 07:49 Portsmouth & Southsea | Thameslink | Find tickets |
05:05 London Waterloo | 2h 11m, Direct | 07:16 Portsmouth & Southsea | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:05 London Victoria | 2h 45m, 1 change | 07:50 Portsmouth & Southsea | Gatwick Express | Find tickets |
London to Portsmouth train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London to Portsmouth with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Southern vs South Western Railway: Which should you choose?
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Southern | 2h 10m | Quieter journeys, Gatwick arrivals | Free Wi-Fi, some charging points | |
South Western Railway | 2h 5m | Flexibility, speed | Free Wi-Fi, charging points, First Class seats available |
- Southern: Good choice for passengers starting their journey from West London, South London or Surrey. Arrives in the heart of the city (Portsmouth & Southsea). Avoids Waterloo congestion. First Class and charging points not always available.
- South Western Railway: Good choice for passengers starting from Central London. Very frequent departures. It offers some express trains, with the fastest trains taking just 1h 32m. First Class only offers better seating and charging.
Train travel from London to Portsmouth
Trains from London to Portsmouth are a straightforward experience, and our tips help smooth out any possible doubts you may have about departing, arriving and your experience onboard.
London Waterloo & London Victoria: Getting to the platform
- Arrive 15–20 minutes early: This gives you enough time to navigate this busy station, complete with 25 platforms. But there’s no point in arriving any earlier – platform numbers aren’t displayed until 10–15 minutes before departure. Portsmouth platforms aren’t fixed, but are often found in the mid- to high-numbered platforms (Platforms 7–16).
- Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel: If you do arrive a bit earlier than necessary, there are some hidden gems to enjoy, such as the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel. Kickstarted by Banksy in 2008, it’s a 300 m legal graffiti tunnel located underneath the station, and is completely free to view.
- Navigating the station: You’ll want to head for the Western/Central concourse, where Portsmouth services typically depart from Platforms 15–19. Arriving via the Underground will bring you to the central area near the Southern gates.
- Split trains: Trains to Portsmouth from Victoria often split at Horsham or Barnham, with the other half heading to destinations such as Southampton. So make sure to check internal screens before you settle in, to ensure you are sitting on the right coach for Portsmouth.
Onboard trains from London to Portsmouth
This route offers rolling countryside vistas as you leave the Greater London vicinity.
- Scenic highlights: The Surrey Hills and South Downs National Park offer views across steep green hills, church spires and woodlands. Trains to Portsmouth Harbour offer a dramatic finale, as the station is built partially out over the water.
- Get the camera ready: If you nab a window seat (both sides are equally scenic!) and like taking snaps on your journey, then get your camera ready as you pass Havant. From here, you’ll be treated to marshes, creeks and the approach to the harbour.
Arriving at Portsmouth & Southsea
Portsmouth & Southsea is the gateway to the city centre, landing you right in the heart of the city’s retail district. Commercial Road, the city’s main shopping area, is just a 1–2 minute walk away.
- Transport links: As soon as you exit the main station doors, you’ll find a taxi rank right outside. If you’re heading to Southsea or the Hovercraft Terminal (to the Isle of Wight), you’ll find bus links from the nearby Civic Offices area.
- Portsmouth Harbour: If you are heading to the main tourist areas of the Historic Docklands, Gunwharf Quays or getting a ferry across to the Isle of Wight, you should not disembark at Portsmouth & Southsea. Many trains continue to Portsmouth Harbour, which will bring you straight to those attractions. Alternatively, you can hop on the local commuter trains at Platform 2.
London to Portsmouth train travel guide
The train journey from London to Portsmouth combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Portsmouth in just 1h 27m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Portsmouth?
The average fare from London to Portsmouth is approximately €12.14, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from London to Portsmouth?
What is the fastest train from London to Portsmouth?
The fastest train journey time from London to Portsmouth is 1h 27m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from London to Portsmouth?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Portsmouth. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from London to Portsmouth?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find London to Portsmouth train timetables?
London to Portsmouth trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do London to Portsmouth trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London to Portsmouth are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the London to Portsmouth route?
The train from London to Portsmouth is operated by Thameslink. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap London to Portsmouth train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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