- Must visit
Secret Wartime Tunnels
Interactive wartime tunnels beneath Dover Castle covering evacuation, defence and command operations. A compelling underground experience.
Cheapest price
£11
Average price
£16
Fastest journey
7 h 36 m
Average duration
7 h 57 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Portsmouth to Dover is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Dover will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £11.
Of the 3 buses that leave Portsmouth for Dover every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 172 km distance in an average of 7 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 36 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 16 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Dover among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 172 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price |
6h 23m Average total duration 5h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Dover coaches for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX030 · NX007 | 18:29 Portsmouth, University | 7h16 | 1:45 Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX007 | 18:45 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 7h00 | 1:45 Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) | 1 change | |
| Friday 21 August | |||||
![]() | 14:09 Portsmouth | 8h16 | 22:25 Dover | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Portsmouth to Dover run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:30, the last at 20:37. The fastest coach covers the 172 km distance in 6h 55m.
Distance 172 km |
Average bus duration 5h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 6h 55m |
First bus 4:30 |
Last bus 20:37 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Dover — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dover trip today.
Interactive wartime tunnels beneath Dover Castle covering evacuation, defence and command operations. A compelling underground experience.
Museum inside Dover Museum displaying the Bronze Age Boat and local archaeology. Essential for the town’s deep maritime history.
Specialist museum on Dover’s maritime, military and social history, run by local volunteers. A good lesser-known stop near the seafront.
Famous chalk cliff viewpoint with sweeping Channel panoramas and coastal paths. One of Dover’s signature outdoor experiences.
Historic fortifications and paths above town with big views, tunnels and dramatic earthworks. A rewarding area for walkers and history fans.
Clifftop reserve and walking area near South Foreland Lighthouse, known for sea views, birdlife and open coastal scenery.
Fresh Dover sole, usually grilled or pan-fried with lemon and butter. Landed on the Kent coast, it is the town’s best-known seafood speciality.
Native oysters from the Kent coast, often served raw with lemon. They reflect Dover’s long maritime and shellfish traditions.
A rich fish stew from nearby Kent ports, made with mixed white fish and shellfish. It showcases the day’s coastal catch.
Popular harbour-side seafood restaurant known for fish and chips, grilled fish and casual waterside dining.
Historic hotel restaurant with British and European cooking, suited to a quieter meal near Dover Castle.
Smart brasserie in the seafront hotel serving modern British dishes, seafood and afternoon tea in a polished setting.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually a little cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most tourists.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) -> Pencester Gardens, Dover
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Dover 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 Dover, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to Dover buses use the Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange to Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Dover bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) is 1 km from Dover city centre. Public transport options include:
Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several eateries within walking distance.
Wi-Fi is available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre). ATMs are available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre).
Ticket office support is available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre).
Available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre): Wheelchair accessible paths available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need