- 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 04 Sept
£65
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£84
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
4 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
4 h 39 m
Trains on 04 Sept
5
Distance
221 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Plymouth to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plymouth to Portsmouth will cost around £84 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £65.
On Fri 04 Sept, we found 5 trains from Plymouth to Portsmouth, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 221 km distance in an average of 4 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 27 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 45m. 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 £38, while a train costs an average of £76.
Distance: 221 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£76 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest | £46 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 31m Average total duration 7h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Plymouth to Portsmouth:
A coach is £37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Portsmouth costing on average £76.
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 1m.
Tickets start at around £76 compared to roughly £46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-29.37. The journey takes 4h 15m versus 3h 43m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Portsmouth trains for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:20 Plymouth | 5h27 | 13:47 Portsmouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:27 Plymouth | 4h20 | 13:47 Portsmouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:15 Plymouth | 4h35 | 14:50 Portsmouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:27 Plymouth | 4h20 | 14:47 Portsmouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:15 Plymouth | 4h35 | 15:50 Portsmouth | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Plymouth to Portsmouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £53 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:41, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 221 km distance in 4h 32m.
Distance 221 km |
Average train duration 4h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £53 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 32m |
First train 3:41 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
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
The earliest train weekday travellers can catch from Plymouth to Portsmouth and Southsea departs around 5:30 a.m. While Saturday morning departures are roughly the same time, Sunday services begin at around 8:30 a.m. This service involves either one or two changes, either at Exter St. Davids, Salisbury or Bristol Temple Meads. Furthermore, journey times range from 4 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours and 30 minutes. The last weekday service departs Plymouth just before 7:00 p.m. without much variation at the weekends. Most noteworthy is that there is also a sleeper service. Great Western Railway is the train operator and services are frequent with at least two an hour.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth 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 Plymouth to Portsmouth trains use the Plymouth to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth Harbour. Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: 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 via lifts and the station subway. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Devonport is 2 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Devonport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Devonport.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Devonport: Parking.
Available at Devonport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Devonport: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B3 station – “Some step-free access, may be in one direction only.” Step free access possible to South bound platform, there is no step free access for services to Plymouth. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Fratton.
Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.
Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.
Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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