- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Margate to Portsmouth
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Margate to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a train costs an average of £102.
Distance: 185 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£102 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest | £38 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Margate to Portsmouth is a coach with an average price of £28.
This is compared to other travel options from Margate to Portsmouth:
A coach is £74 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Margate to Portsmouth costing on average £102.
The fastest way to travel from Margate to Portsmouth is by train with an average journey time of 4h 8m.
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Margate 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 £102 compared to roughly £38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-63.91. The journey takes 4h 8m versus 2h 35m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Margate 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 Margate to Portsmouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Margate to Portsmouth run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £102 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:03, the last at 21:08. The fastest train covers the 185 km distance in 4h 8m.
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 £20
Distance 185 km |
Average train duration 4h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £102 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 8m |
First train 4:03 |
Last train 21:08 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 £20
Train companies: Southeastern from Margate to Portsmouth trainsSoutheastern trains will get you between Margate and Portsmouth from £20. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Southeastern
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
3h 51m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£78
Southeastern frequency
16 a day
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: Margate to Portsmouth train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Margate 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 Margate to Portsmouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £102, while the average price tends to be around £102.
The train journey from Margate to Portsmouth covers a distance of 185 km and takes approximately 4h 8m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Margate to Portsmouth is 185 km.
The first train from Margate to Portsmouth leaves at 4:03.
The last train from Margate to Portsmouth departs at 21:08.
Trains from Margate to Portsmouth run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Margate to Portsmouth.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Margate to Portsmouth.
To get from Margate to Portsmouth, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Margate to Portsmouth.
The train station in Margate that goes to Portsmouth is Margate station (MAR), and it arrives at Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS).
The cheapest way to get from Margate to Portsmouth is by coach, costing approximately £20.
Booking trains from Margate 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 Margate to Portsmouth offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and along the coastline near Brighton, providing a mix of charming countryside and coastal landscapes.
A day trip from Margate to Portsmouth is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 8m. However, there are 5 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 185 km.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Margate to Portsmouth.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Margate and Portsmouth
Most Margate to Portsmouth trains use the Margate to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth Harbour. Use this guide to compare Margate and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Margate
Arrival train stations in Portsmouth
Which Margate station do trains to Portsmouth leave from?
Trains from Margate to Portsmouth leave from Margate. The station is 1 km from Margate city centre at Margate station, Station Approach, Margate, Kent, CT9 5AD.
MargateMargate station, Station Approach, Margate, Kent, CT9 5AD+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate from Margate city centre
Margate is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus942, 944, 36, 8 · 8m · £3 · every ~7 min
Margate train station facilities and services
Margate has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Margate.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Margate.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate. 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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Margate: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access from booking hall to platform 1 for services towards Ramsgate. Step free access to all other platforms and interchange via lifts. Stepped access to platforms 2,3 and 4 via subway, 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: station forecourt, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Portsmouth station do trains from Margate arrive at?
Trains from Margate to Portsmouth most often arrive at Portsmouth & Southsea. Some services arrive at Portsmouth Harbour, 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.
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.
HilseaHilsea station, Airport Service Road, Hilsea, Hampshire, PO3 5FT
City-centre transport
Getting to Hilsea from Portsmouth city centre
Hilsea is 3 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPortsmouth & Southsea - Southampton Central, Portsmouth Harbour - London Waterloo, Portsmouth & Southsea - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Basingstoke, Portsmouth Harbour - Eastleigh, Portsmouth Harbour - Guildford, Portsmouth Harbour - Petersfield, Portsmouth Harbour - Winchester, Portsmouth Harbour - Woking, Portsmouth Harbour - Southampton Central, Portsmouth Harbour - Woolston, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woolston, Portsmouth Harbour - Fareham · 7m · £2 · every ~7 min
Bus21 · 23m · £2 · every ~26 min
Hilsea train station facilities and services
Hilsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Hilsea.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hilsea.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hilsea: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Hilsea: Bike Parking.
More options for your journey from Margate to Portsmouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Portsmouth and Margate
Most popular train connections to Portsmouth
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