Portsmouth Harbour to London Waterloo Trains From €12.26*

The direct South Western Railway service from Portsmouth Harbour to London Waterloo offers a smooth link between the south coast and the capital. The journey covers 65 miles and takes 1 hour 36 minutes. With 106 trains running daily, passengers have plenty of travel options, from early morning at 04:15 to the last departure at 23:19.

This scenic route runs through the rolling hills of Hampshire and Surrey, with views of the South Downs National Park, picturesque towns like Haslemere, and stretches of countryside perfect for unwinding as you head towards London.

South Western Railway (SWR) operates extensive suburban and regional rail services across London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, and Devon. Its network includes short and long-distance routes, with key services to Reading, Southampton, Portsmouth, Windsor, Exeter, and Bournemouth. SWR also operates the Island Line on the Isle of Wight.

Departing from Portsmouth Harbour

Portsmouth Harbour railway station is located at The Hard, right next to Gunwharf Quays and the Historic Dockyard, placing it at the heart of the city's maritime attractions. It's uniquely built over the water and is a major transport hub, with easy connections to ferries, buses, and bike hire.

First, Stagecoach South, National Express, and Megabus provide frequent bus services to the station. They operate via The Hard Interchange, which is directly adjacent to the station. E-scooter and bicycle hire via Voi is also available nearby for local travel.

Trains from the station are operated by South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, and Southern. SWR provides the majority of direct services to London Waterloo via Fareham and Guildford and regional connections to Southampton Central. The station also serves ferry routes to the Isle of Wight via Wightlink and Hovertravel, as well as local links to Gosport.

Main stops

Direct South Western Railway trains from Portsmouth Harbour to London Waterloo stop at Cosham, Havant, Petersfield, Liphook, Haslemere, Godalming, and Woking, key stations along the Portsmouth Direct Line.

Arriving at London Waterloo

London Waterloo is a central London terminus situated in the London Borough of Lambeth, on the south bank of the River Thames. It's directly connected to the London Underground: Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines. It is located next to Waterloo East station, making onward travel seamless.

This station is the main terminus for South Western Railway, with services to destinations including Southampton, Bournemouth, Winchester, Woking, Exeter, Windsor, and Portsmouth.

Some of London's most iconic attractions are within walking distance of the station, such as the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Southbank Centre, BFI IMAX, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the Old Vic Theatre.

South Western Railway train classes

South Western Railway offers two classes of travel: Standard Class and First Class.

Standard Class offers comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, charging points, and dedicated Quiet Zones for a more peaceful journey. These zones are clearly marked with blue-labelled windows and doors and are ideal for travellers seeking a quieter environment.

First Class offers a higher comfort level, including wider seats, extra legroom, and larger tables. Some carriages even feature wireless charging pads. It's an excellent option for business travellers or those looking to relax in more spacious surroundings on longer journeys, such as Portsmouth to London.

South Western Railway train travel advice

To ensure your journey runs smoothly, here's what to know before travelling with South Western Railway:

• Luggage: Passengers may bring up to three pieces of luggage, stored in overhead racks, under seats, or larger luggage areas. SWR also offers a Luggage Buddy service to send your bags ahead to your destination for added convenience.
• Bicycles: Folding bikes are allowed at all times. Standard bicycles are permitted on a first-come, first-served basis, though e-scooters are prohibited on any SWR services.
• Children: Children under 5 travel for free, while those aged 5 to 15 receive half-price fares. Families can save more with Group Train Travel discounts and Railcards, including the 16 to 25 Railcard and other concession options.
• Pets: You may travel with up to two dogs or small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on leads and kept off seats, but they are welcome in both Standard and First Class. Other small animals must be in a secure pet carrier.
• Passenger Assist: SWR offers an Assisted Travel service, which can be booked in advance. It provides help with boarding, navigating stations, and finding seats. Priority Seat badges are also available to help signal to others when a seat is required.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.