- 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.
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£32
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£32
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
4 h 13 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
4 h 13 m
Trains on 14 Oct
2
Distance
161 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Canterbury to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Canterbury to Portsmouth will cost around £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
On Wed 14 Oct, we found 2 trains from Canterbury to Portsmouth, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 161 km distance in an average of 4 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 13 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 13 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.




Trains from Canterbury to Portsmouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:48, the last at 21:23. The fastest train covers the 161 km distance in 2h 43m.
Distance 161 km |
Average train duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 3:48 |
Last train 21:23 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 days |
The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Portsmouth trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:03 Canterbury | 4h13 | 11:16 Portsmouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:03 Canterbury | 4h13 | 12:16 Portsmouth | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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
Portsmouth Harbour -> Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury to Portsmouth by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Portsmouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Canterbury to Portsmouth trains use the Canterbury West to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Canterbury West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury West.
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Canterbury West: Parking, WC.
Available at Canterbury West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: two within concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Canterbury East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury East.
ATMs are available at Canterbury East.
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Canterbury East: Parking, WC.
Available at Canterbury East: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The Ticket Vending Machines's can only be accessed when the station building is open as they are in the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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