- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Portsmouth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Sept
Cheapest price on 10 Sept
£91
Average ticket price on 10 Sept
£91
Fastest journey on 10 Sept
3 h 36 m
Average journey duration on 10 Sept
3 h 36 m
Trains on 10 Sept
1
Distance
184 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Portsmouth will cost around £91 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £91.
Fast trains
On Thu 10 Sept, we found 1 trains from Colchester to Portsmouth, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 184 km distance in an average of 3 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 36 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.
7:013h36Colchester10:37Portsmouth£911One-way0 changes
- 7:013h36Colchester10:37Portsmouth£911One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Portsmouth
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £44 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £44, while a train costs an average of £92.
Distance: 184 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£92 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Portsmouth is a coach with an average price of £44.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Portsmouth:
A coach is £49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Portsmouth costing on average £92.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Portsmouth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 37m.
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Portsmouth including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £92 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-56.95. The journey takes 3h 37m versus 2h 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Colchester to Portsmouth train times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Portsmouth trains for tomorrow, Thursday 10 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:01 Colchester | 3h36 | 10:37 Portsmouth | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester 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.
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
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11 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Portsmouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Colchester to Portsmouth run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £92 but you can travel from only £39 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:03, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 184 km distance in 3h 29m.
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 £39
Distance 184 km |
Average train duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £92 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 4:03 |
Last train 21:38 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 £39
Complete guide to Portsmouth
Things to do in Portsmouth
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
- Recommended
HMS Alliance
This working museum ship reveals cramped Victorian submarine life and the engineering behind one of Britain’s earliest submarines.
- Recommended
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
Portsmouth’s city museum covers local history, football heritage and art, with exhibits spanning the city’s people and places.
- Must visit
Old Portsmouth
A historic waterfront district with cobbled lanes, pubs, sea walls and several key heritage sites within easy walking distance.
- Must visit
Southsea Seafront
A long pebble beach promenade with piers, gardens and open sea views, well suited to relaxed walks along the Southsea seafront.
- Recommended
Southsea Common
A broad common by the Solent, popular for walks, picnics and views of passing ships, the Isle of Wight and seafront landmarks.
- Vegetarian
Hampshire hog cake
A rich fruit cake packed with dried fruit, spice and treacle, long associated with Hampshire baking and often enjoyed at Christmas and local celebrations.
- Gluten-free
South Coast crab
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.
- Gluten-free
Fisherman’s pie
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.
The Fisherman's Kitchen
Popular Southsea spot for classic fish and chips and fresh seafood, with a casual atmosphere close to the seafront.
The Briny
Smart waterfront restaurant in Old Portsmouth serving modern British dishes with strong seafood options in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Still and West
Historic pub in Old Portsmouth known for traditional British cooking, cask ales and harbour views in a characterful setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in summer, but dining and local buses remain manageable for most city-break budgets.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Book a Journey
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Portsmouth Harbour -> Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses in Portsmouth. Buy before boarding only if your chosen operator or ticket type requires it.
- Guildhall Square and the Commercial Road bus hub are central for onward travel. Portsmouth Harbour is about 1 mile from the city centre, so walking is practical in good weather.
FAQs: Colchester to Portsmouth train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Colchester to Portsmouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £92, while the average price tends to be around £92.
The train journey from Colchester to Portsmouth covers a distance of 184 km and takes approximately 3h 29m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Portsmouth is 184 km.
The first train from Colchester to Portsmouth leaves at 4:03.
The last train from Colchester to Portsmouth departs at 21:38.
Trains from Colchester to Portsmouth run approximately 7 times per day.
To get from Colchester to Portsmouth, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Portsmouth.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Portsmouth is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Portsmouth is by coach, costing approximately £39.
Booking trains from Colchester 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 Colchester to Portsmouth offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through picturesque countryside, including parts of the South Downs National Park, and coastal areas, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Colchester to Portsmouth is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 29m, with a distance of 184 km. Trains operate 3 times per day.
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.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from Colchester to Portsmouth.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Portsmouth
Most Colchester to Portsmouth trains use the Colchester to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Fratton. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Colchester
Arrival train stations in Portsmouth
Which Colchester station do trains to Portsmouth leave from?
Trains from Colchester to Portsmouth leave from Colchester. The station is 2 km from Colchester city centre at Colchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD.
ColchesterColchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester from Colchester city centre
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainClacton-on-Sea - London Liverpool Street, Clacton-on-Sea - Colchester, Colchester Town - London Liverpool Street, Colchester Town - Colchester, Walton-on-the-Naze - Colchester · 8m · £0.90 · every ~5 min
Bus2A, 68, 87, 53, 53A, 52, 51, X20 · 6m · £2 · every ~31 min
Colchester train station facilities and services
Colchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Hythe (Essex)Hythe station, Station Road, Hythe, Essex, CO2 8JR
City-centre transport
Getting to Hythe (Essex) from Colchester city centre
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainColchester - Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester - Walton-on-the-Naze · 4m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus54 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
54 · 11m · £3 · every ~11 min
Hythe (Essex) train station facilities and services
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hythe (Essex): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Colchester TownColchester Town station, St. Botolphs Circus, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EF
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre
Bus43 · 1m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
68, 55, 68A · 1m · £3 · every ~4 min
Colchester Town train station facilities and services
Colchester Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester Town. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester Town: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Portsmouth station do trains from Colchester arrive at?
Trains from Colchester to Portsmouth most often arrive at Portsmouth & Southsea. Some services arrive at Fratton, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Portsmouth arrival station.
Portsmouth & SouthseaPortsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth & Southsea from Portsmouth city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.
Portsmouth & Southsea train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
FrattonFratton station, Selbourne Terrace, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5AW
City-centre transport
Getting to Fratton from Portsmouth city centre
Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPortsmouth Harbour - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Eastleigh, Portsmouth Harbour - Southampton Central, Portsmouth & Southsea - Southampton Central, Portsmouth Harbour - Woking, Portsmouth & Southsea - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Guildford, Portsmouth Harbour - Winchester, Portsmouth Harbour - Basingstoke, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woking, Portsmouth Harbour - Woolston, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woolston, Portsmouth Harbour - Petersfield, Portsmouth Harbour - Fareham · 3m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
Bus1 · 4m · every ~30 min
13 · 6m · £2 · every ~6 min
Fratton train station facilities and services
Fratton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Fratton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Fratton: 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.
Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth Harbour station, The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3PA
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth Harbour from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth Harbour 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 Harbour train station facilities and services
Portsmouth Harbour has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth Harbour: 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.
Most popular train connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Portsmouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Portsmouth and Colchester
Most popular train connections to Portsmouth
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