- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Portsmouth to Margate
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£22
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£22
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
6 h
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
6 h
Buses on 05 Sept
1
Distance
185 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Portsmouth to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Margate will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.
Fast coaches
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 1 buses from Portsmouth to Margate, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 185 km distance in an average of 6 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 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.
18:256h00Portsmouth0:25Margate£221One-way0 changes
- 18:256h00Portsmouth0:25Margate£221One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Portsmouth to Margate
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, while a train costs an average of £32.
Distance: 185 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £32 Average Price | £39 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 33m Average total duration 7h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Margate is a coach with an average price of £24.
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Margate:
A coach is £9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Margate costing on average £32.
The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Margate is by train with an average journey time of 5h 5m.
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Margate including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £24 compared to roughly £39 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £15. The journey takes 7h 3m versus 2h 37m 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.
Live departures
Portsmouth to Margate bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Margate coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:25 Portsmouth | 6h00 | 0:25 Margate | 0 changesdirect | |
| 18:29 Portsmouth | 5h56 | 0:25 Margate | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Margate by coach or train
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.
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Portsmouth to Margate run on average 10 times per day, taking around 7h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:05, the last at 19:15. The fastest coach covers the 185 km distance in 6h 35m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 185 km |
Average bus duration 7h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 6h 35m |
First bus 3:05 |
Last bus 19:15 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Complete guide to Margate
Things to do in Margate
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
- Recommended
The Crab Museum
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
- Recommended
Tracey Karloff
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
- Must visit
Margate Main Sands
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
- Recommended
Margate Harbour Arm
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
- Recommended
Margate Old Town
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
Fish And Chips
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Or Pickled Herring
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Barletta
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Angela's
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
The Greedy Cow
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up small taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but spare change is welcome.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Margate, Marine Terrace -> Margate Town Centre, Cecil Square
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach operates most local buses in Margate, including the Loop linking Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses.
- If you plan several bus journeys in Thanet, a DayRider may be better value than separate single fares. Buy tickets on board or in the Stagecoach Bus app.
FAQs: Portsmouth to Margate coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Portsmouth to Margate can start from as little as £20 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Portsmouth to Margate is £24; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Portsmouth to Margate is 6h 35m to travel the 185 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Portsmouth to Margate leaves at 3:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Portsmouth to Margate leaves at 19:15.
A trip to Margate from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Portsmouth to Margate is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Margate including taking a coach and train.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Portsmouth to Margate.
No, the coach from Portsmouth to Margate has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Portsmouth to Margate.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Portsmouth to Margate.
No, luggage for the coach from Portsmouth to Margate needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Portsmouth to Margate.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Portsmouth to Margate.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Portsmouth to Margate.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Portsmouth to Margate.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Margate
Most Portsmouth to Margate buses use the Portsmouth, University to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair, with some services arriving at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Margate bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Portsmouth
Arrival bus stations in Margate
Portsmouth, University
Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · £2 · every ~214 min
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Southsea, Clarence EsplanadeClarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southsea, Clarence Esplanade from Portsmouth city centre
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23 · 23m · £2 · every ~27 min
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade bus station facilities and services
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade. ATMs are available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade: Bus station is accessible for persons with reduced mobility.
Which Margate station do buses from Portsmouth arrive at?
Buses from Portsmouth to Margate most often arrive at Margate, Marine Terrace. Some services arrive at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Margate arrival station.
Margate, Marine TerraceMargate, Station Approach, Margate CT9 5AD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Marine Terrace from Margate city centre
Bus35 · 7m
944, 8 · 10m · £3 · every ~4 min
Margate, Marine Terrace bus station facilities and services
Margate, Marine Terrace has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court from Margate city centre
Bus69 · 9m · £3 · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Margate
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Margate and Portsmouth
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