- Must visit
HMS Victory
A major naval museum where visitors can board Nelson’s flagship and explore life at sea through preserved decks and displays.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barnstaple to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £58 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £58, while a train costs an average of £88.
Distance: 210 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£58 Average Price Cheapest | £88 Average Price | £42 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 5m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Barnstaple to Portsmouth:
A coach is £30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barnstaple to Portsmouth costing on average £88.
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 35m.
Tickets start at around £58 compared to roughly £42 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-15.64. The journey takes 8h 35m versus 3h 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Barnstaple to Portsmouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £58 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:56, the last at 13:50. The fastest coach covers the 210 km distance in 7h 25m.
Distance 210 km |
Average bus duration 8h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £58 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 7h 25m |
First bus 3:56 |
Last bus 13:50 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
A major naval museum where visitors can board Nelson’s flagship and explore life at sea through preserved decks and displays.
This working museum ship reveals cramped Victorian submarine life and the engineering behind one of Britain’s earliest submarines.
Portsmouth’s city museum covers local history, football heritage and art, with exhibits spanning the city’s people and places.
A historic waterfront district with cobbled lanes, pubs, sea walls and several key heritage sites within easy walking distance.
A long pebble beach promenade with piers, gardens and open sea views, well suited to relaxed walks along the Southsea seafront.
A broad common by the Solent, popular for walks, picnics and views of passing ships, the Isle of Wight and seafront landmarks.
A rich fruit cake packed with dried fruit, spice and treacle, long associated with Hampshire baking and often enjoyed at Christmas and local celebrations.
Fresh crab landed on the South Coast, usually served simply in sandwiches, salads or dressed shells, prized for sweet meat and Portsmouth’s seaside setting.
A classic Portsmouth and Hampshire pub dish of smoked haddock, potato and onion in a creamy sauce, baked until golden and comforting in coastal weather.
Popular Southsea spot for classic fish and chips and fresh seafood, with a casual atmosphere close to the seafront.
Smart waterfront restaurant in Old Portsmouth serving modern British dishes with strong seafood options in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Historic pub in Old Portsmouth known for traditional British cooking, cask ales and harbour views in a characterful setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in summer, but dining and local buses remain manageable for most city-break budgets.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.
Official public transport app
The Hard Interchange -> Commercial Road, Portsmouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barnstaple to Portsmouth by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Portsmouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Barnstaple to Portsmouth buses use the Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) to Portsmouth, University station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. Use this guide to compare Barnstaple and Portsmouth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station).
Available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station): Ramp and accessible toilets available.
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Portsmouth, International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth, International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the terminal (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, International Port.
Available at Portsmouth, International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, International Port: Elevators, ramps.
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