Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to St Ives among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £51 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 9h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £51, while a train costs an average of £275.
Distance: 318 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price Cheapest | £275 Average Price | £63 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 8m Average total duration 9h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 38m Average total duration Fastest 9h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to St Ives:
A coach is £225 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to St Ives costing on average £275.
Other travel options to St Ives take longer:
Coach takes on average 9h 38m.
Tickets start at around £51 compared to roughly £63 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £13. The journey takes 9h 38m versus 4h 45m 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 train and coach 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 St Ives run on average 6 times per day, taking around 9h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £51 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 05:20, the last at 22:14. The fastest coach covers the 318 km distance in 12h 15m.
Distance 318 km |
Average bus duration 9h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 12h 15m |
First bus 5:20 |
Last bus 22:14 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of St Ives — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Ives trip today.
Seafront gallery showing modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and dramatic views over Porthmeor Beach.
Former artists’ studio and home of Barbara Hepworth, featuring sculptures displayed in the garden and preserved rooms.
Local museum covering fishing, mining, art and maritime life, with varied exhibits that explain St Ives past.
Compact harbour area with beaches, boats, galleries and winding lanes; ideal for soaking up the town’s atmosphere.
Sheltered beach and promenade beneath Tate St Ives, loved for surfing, sunsets and easy access to the coast path.
Headland path and grassy viewpoint above the beaches, popular for sea views, picnics and watching the sunset.
Cornish pasty is a baked pastry with beef, potato, swede and onion. It is Cornwall’s best-known portable meal and strongly tied to local mining history.
Stargazy pie is a traditional Cornish fish pie, usually with pilchards baked under pastry with the fish heads showing. It is a famous local winter speciality.
Cornish sardines, often called pilchards locally, are a signature catch of Cornwall. They are prized for their freshness and long fishing heritage.
Popular traditional bakery for Cornish pasties, pies and sweet treats. A dependable stop for classic local food in casual surroundings.
Harbourside seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish and shellfish. Relaxed modern setting with strong views over St Ives harbour.
Established seafood restaurant by the harbour, focused on local catch, oysters and crab. Smart but approachable atmosphere.
St Ives is pricier than many UK seaside towns, especially in summer. Hotels, seafood meals and parking add up, though buses and simple cafés can keep costs manageable.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and spare change is fine in cafés.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to St Ives 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 St Ives, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to St Ives buses use the Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange to St Erth, A30 station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and St Ives 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.
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