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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth
Showing times and prices for 07 Nov
Cheapest price
£79
Average price
£103
Fastest journey
3 h 17 m
Average duration
3 h 25 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
164 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth will cost around £103 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £79.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Portsmouth every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 3 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 17 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 54 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.
P0838710:303h17
Cardiff Central (CDF)13:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£791One-way
0 changes
P0838509:283h19
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£791One-way
0 changes
P0838308:273h20
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£791One-way
0 changes
P0838911:303h17
Cardiff Central (CDF)14:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£791One-way
0 changes
P08484 · P08536+
L4778211:503h54
Cardiff Central (CDF)15:44Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£1301One-way
2 changes
P0838710:303h17
Cardiff Central (CDF)13:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£791One-way
0 changes
P0838911:303h17
Cardiff Central (CDF)14:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£791One-way
0 changes
P0838509:283h19
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£791One-way
0 changes
P0838308:273h20
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£791One-way
0 changes
P08484 · P08536+L4778211:503h54
Cardiff Central (CDF)15:44Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
£1301One-way
2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Portsmouth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 164 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£78 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration 6h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Portsmouth train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Portsmouth trains for today, Thursday 6 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 08:58
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P08385 | On time 09:28 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h19 | 12:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P08387 | On time 10:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 13:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P08389 | On time 11:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 14:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P08484 · P08536+L47782 | On time 11:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h54 | 15:44 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 2 changes | |
| Friday 7 November | |||||
| P08383 | On time 08:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 11:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P08478 · P08530+L47722 | On time 08:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h07 | 12:44 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Portsmouth by train or coach
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Portsmouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 3h 16m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
Distance 164 km |
Average train duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 16m |
First train 04:01 |
Last train 21:20 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff to Portsmouth trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Portsmouth from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
£40
Great Western Rail frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Price
£109
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
FAQs: Cardiff to Portsmouth train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
A visit to Portsmouth typically requires 2 to 3 days to explore its main attractions, such as the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, and Southsea Beach.
The train distance from Cardiff to Portsmouth is 164 km.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Portsmouth. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Portsmouth covers a distance of 164 km and takes approximately 3h 16m. Trains run 5 per day.
The first train from Cardiff to Portsmouth leaves at 4:01.
To get from Cardiff to Portsmouth, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £78.
The last train from Cardiff to Portsmouth departs at 21:20.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Portsmouth is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth run approximately 5 times per day.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Portsmouth is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Portsmouth
Cardiff
Portsmouth
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Queen Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Queen Street for your trip from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Heath High Level
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
5 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platforms 1 (to Rhymney) via the car park. There are two routes onto the platform, one with a steep gradient and one with a moderate gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via a roadbridge with a walkway but no pavement
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Llanishen
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Station Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: On the road outside the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. Step free access to the platform from Heath Halt Road.
- Accessible public telephones: Low level/text public phones.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Heath Low Level
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
The major train station for arrivals in Portsmouth is Fratton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Fratton for your journey to Portsmouth from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:55 - 19:40 Saturday 05:55 - 19:40 Sunday 09:10 - 18:40
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100
Public transport options for Fratton
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Goldsmith Avenue (for buses in both directions). Goldsmith Avenue is located on the opposite side of the footbridge from the main entrance/taxi rank/Railway club.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 19:00 Saturday 06:30 - 19:00 Sunday 08:00 - 19:00
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. Please be aware that this station has no 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platform 1 and outside booking hall
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Portsmouth Harbour
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Hard Interchange Stands G, H or J
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:30 Saturday 05:40 - 20:30 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Lower Concourse, next to the gateline. The National key toilets are located in the Lower Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Concourse and car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Portsmouth & Southsea
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Portsmouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Portsmouth and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Portsmouth
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