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London to Portsmouth train ticket prices
€15.22
On Wed 06 May
London to Portsmouth train timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:05 London Victoria | 2h 11m, Direct | 17:16 Portsmouth & Southsea | Southern | Find tickets |
15:09 London Waterloo | 2h 4m, Direct | 17:13 Portsmouth & Southsea | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:30 London Waterloo | 1h 27m, Direct | 16:57 Portsmouth & Southsea | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:35 London Victoria | 2h 3m, Direct | 17:38 Portsmouth & Southsea | Southern | Find tickets |
15:40 Vauxhall | 1h 49m, 2 change | 17:29 Portsmouth & Southsea | South Western Railway | 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
Travelling by train from London to Portsmouth is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London, you can reach Portsmouth in just 1h 27m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Portsmouth?
The average fare from London to Portsmouth is approximately €15.22, 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.
What is the best way to travel from London to Portsmouth by train?
What is the fastest train from London to Portsmouth?
The fastest train journey time from London to Portsmouth is 1h 27m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
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?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are London to Portsmouth trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London to Portsmouth trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the London to Portsmouth route?
The London to Portsmouth route is operated by Thameslink. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized 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 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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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
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
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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