Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport Trains From £8.00*

Linking the historic naval port of Portsmouth Harbour with Gatwick Airport in around 1 hour and 40 minutes, Southern is the only operator to run direct services from England's south coast to the airport. With regular departures throughout the day, it’s a convenient option for travellers on the coast heading to Gatwick without having to change trains in London.

What amenities are there in the Southern Standard Class?

In Standard Class, passengers can expect comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and plug sockets on many services, making it easy to work, stream or stay connected throughout the journey. Luggage racks provide space for bags, while large windows offer views of the Sussex countryside along the route.

Is there a Southern First Class option?

Some Southern services include First Class seating, offering wider seats and a quieter carriage for a more relaxed journey. Facilities, however, are limited compared with long-distance intercity trains, and many services operate with Standard Class only.

How much luggage can you take on Southern trains?

There is ample room for luggage on Southern services. Smaller items fit in the overhead racks or beneath your seat, while larger suitcases can be stored in the end-of-carriage luggage areas.

Is there food and drink on Southern trains?

Southern trains on this route do not usually offer onboard catering, so it’s best to pick up any drinks or snacks before boarding at Portsmouth Harbour station.

Covering a distance of around 60 miles, the journey from Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport is quick and straightforward. Here are a few station tips and platform shortcuts to help the trip go smoothly.

Portsmouth Harbour: Getting to the Platform

Sitting right on the waterfront between Gunwharf Quays and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth Harbour is one of the UK’s most unusual railway stations. Built on a pier above the harbour, it also connects directly with ferries, buses and local transport at The Hard Interchange.

• The Platform Tip: Southern and South Western Railway services towards Gatwick Airport usually depart from Platforms 3, 4 or 5. Departure screens inside the booking hall show the latest platform information, so check before heading onto the pier.
• Pre-Departure: The station entrance sits beside the ferry terminal, with ticket machines, small cafés and shops nearby if you want to grab a coffee or snack before boarding. Ferries from Gosport and the Isle of Wight arrive just outside, while buses and taxis stop at the interchange directly in front of the station.

Onboard trains from Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport

Once you’ve boarded at Portsmouth Harbour, the train follows the scenic south coast route through Hampshire and West Sussex before turning inland towards Gatwick Airport.

• The View Alert: For the best scenery, try to sit on the left-hand side of the train. After leaving Portsmouth, the railway runs close to Chichester Harbour, offering views across the tidal estuary and the wide coastal marshland stretching towards the sea.
• Key Landmarks: As the train passes through Bosham, look out for the village's Saxon church right at the water's edge. Between Ford and Arundel, the hilltop outline of Arundel Castle dominates the skyline, one of the most dramatic views on the entire route.

Arriving at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport station sits directly beside the South Terminal, with lifts and escalators taking you from the platforms straight up into the airport concourse.

• The South Terminal: Follow signs from the platforms to the South Terminal, which connects directly to the station building. You can be inside the terminal in just a few minutes, with check-in desks, security and departure halls just a short walk away.
• The North Terminal: If your flight departs from Gatwick Airport North Terminal, take the free inter-terminal shuttle from the South Terminal. The automated service runs every few minutes and takes around two minutes to reach the North Terminal.
• Onward Travel: If Gatwick is not your final destination, buses and coaches depart from stops just outside the South Terminal, while taxis are available nearby for local journeys across Sussex and Surrey.