London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour Trains From £12.00*

Travel from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour in approximately 2 hours 9 minutes with South Western Railway.

The London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour route operated by South Western Railway (SWR) is a popular journey connecting London with the south coast of England. The journey is a comfortable one, going through the countryside of Surrey and Hampshire, with views of towns like Woking, Guildford and Haslemere. As the train approaches Portsmouth, you’ll also spot coastal views and naval landmarks.

South Western Railway has an impressive network that goes through London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Devon. It offers regular services from London Waterloo to key destinations such as Portsmouth, Southampton, Weymouth, and Exeter.

Departing from London Waterloo

London Waterloo is one of the busiest and most centrally located railway stations in London, situated on the South Bank of the River Thames. It’s a short walk from popular attractions such as the London Eye, Southbank Centre and the Houses of Parliament. 

The station is easily accessible via the London Underground - you can get on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines from London Waterloo - buses, taxis and National Rail services. Waterloo also connects with Waterloo East.

From Waterloo, you can travel directly to a wide range of destinations across southern England, including Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton, Weymouth, Exeter, Salisbury and Guildford. The station is primarily operated by South Western Railway.

Main stops

There’s various stops between London Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour on the South Western Railway service, including Woking, Fleet, Winchester, Cosham, Fratton, Portsmouth & Southsea.

Arriving at Portsmouth Harbour

You’ll find Portsmouth Harbour Station towards the south of the city, by the waterfront, offering convenient access to the historic and maritime heart of Portsmouth. It’s positioned next to the Gunwharf Quays shopping centre and within walking distance of key attractions, such as the Spinnaker Tower, Historic Dockyard Portsmouth and the lively Gunwharf Quays.

Portsmouth Harbour Station is served by direct train services from major cities such as London Waterloo, Southampton, Brighton and Cardiff, operated mainly by South Western Railway and Southern. The station also connects with local ferry and bus services, making it a hub for travel across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and beyond.

South Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Standard Class on South Western Railway provides a relaxed journey option, enabling you to buy cheap train tickets between London and Portsmouth. With comfortable seating, generous legroom and free onboard Wi-Fi on most services, it's ideal for everyday travellers. Many trains on this route also provide power sockets, fold-down tables and larger tables. You can save one third when you buy a cheap train ticket if you have a railcard.
• First Class: The London Waterloo to Portsmouth First Class route offers wider seats, more legroom and a peaceful carriage. You’ll usually find power sockets at each seat and, on selected trains, wireless charging. The added space makes it a great choice for business travellers.

South Western Railway travel advice

Here’s what you should know before boarding your South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Portsmouth:

• Luggage - You'll find overhead racks for smaller bags and dedicated storage areas for larger suitcases on South Western Railway trains.
• Bicycles - Folding bikes are allowed on all services, as long as they can be safely stowed. Space for full-sized bikes is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
• Children - Children under 5 travel free with a paying adult, while those aged 5 to 15 receive 50% off most fares. Young travellers aged 16 to 17 can also benefit from discount railcards.
• Pets - Up to two pets can travel free of charge. Dogs must be kept on leads, and smaller animals must be transported in a secure carrier.
• Passenger Assistance - South Western Railway offers accessible travel options, including step-free access at many stations, priority seating, and assistance with boarding and luggage.