Portsmouth to Cambridge train with South Western Railway

Mon 20 Jul
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South Western Railway
Thameslink
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Great Western Railway
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2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge

Showing times and prices for 20 Jul

Cheapest price

£23

Average price

£44

Fastest journey

3 h 24 m

Average duration

3 h 29 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

177 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Portsmouth for Cambridge every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 177 km distance in an average of 3 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 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.

  • South Western Railway
    8:193h24
    Portsmouth
    11:43Cambridge
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Thameslink
    8:333h36
    Portsmouth
    12:09Cambridge
    £311One-way
    0 changes
  • South Western Railway
    6:153h28
    Portsmouth
    9:43Cambridge
    £551One-way
    0 changes
  • South Western Railway
    5:153h28
    Portsmouth
    8:43Cambridge
    £561One-way
    0 changes
  • South Western Railway
    6:443h29
    Portsmouth
    10:13Cambridge
    £561One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Portsmouth to Cambridge

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a train costs an average of £21.

Distance: 177 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£35

Average Price

£34

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 51m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 57m

Average total duration

5h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Portsmouth to Cambridge train times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cambridge trains for tomorrow, Monday 20 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
South Western Railway5:15 Portsmouth
3h28
8:43 Cambridge0 changesdirect
South Western Railway6:15 Portsmouth
3h28
9:43 Cambridge0 changesdirect
South Western Railway6:44 Portsmouth
3h29
10:13 Cambridge0 changesdirect
South Western Railway8:19 Portsmouth
3h24
11:43 Cambridge0 changesdirect
Thameslink8:33 Portsmouth
3h36
12:09 Cambridge0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Cambridge by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul
Thu
23 Jul
Fri
24 Jul
Sat
25 Jul
Sun
26 Jul

Why should you book Portsmouth to Cambridge trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as Thameslink offer trains services from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Cambridge.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 21:44. The fastest train covers the 177 km distance in 3h 24m.

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
Distance
177 km
Average train duration
3h 21m
Cheapest ticket price
£21
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 24m
First train
0:40
Last train
21:44
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
6 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

Train companies: South Western Railway, Thameslink from Portsmouth to Cambridge trainsSouth Western Railway, Thameslink trains will get you between Portsmouth and Cambridge from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
£21
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 31m
Cheapest Price
£31
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

FAQs: Portsmouth to Cambridge train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £35.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Cambridge covers a distance of 177 km and takes approximately 3h 24m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Portsmouth to Cambridge is 177 km.
The first train from Portsmouth to Cambridge leaves at 0:40.
The last train from Portsmouth to Cambridge departs at 21:44.
Trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
To get from Portsmouth to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
The train station in Portsmouth that goes to Cambridge is Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The cheapest way to get from Portsmouth to Cambridge is by train, costing approximately £21.
Booking trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Cambridge is not typically considered scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and suburban areas with limited views of noteworthy landscapes.
A day trip from Portsmouth to Cambridge is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 24m each way. Trains run 5 times per day over a distance of 177 km.
In Cambridge, you can enjoy punting on the River Cam for scenic views of the colleges and bridges, visit the interactive Cambridge Science Centre, explore the historic Market Square for local produce and crafts, attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, or take a guided walking tour to discover the city's rich history. Some of the best sights include King's College Chapel, The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, Trinity College, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Two to three days in Cambridge allows you to explore its historic university, enjoy punting on the River Cam, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and stroll around the city's beautiful gardens and colleges.
Yes, you can take the train from Portsmouth to Cambridge.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Cambridge

Most Portsmouth to Cambridge trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge North. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Portsmouth
Arrival train stations in Cambridge

Which Portsmouth station do trains to Cambridge leave from?

Trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge leave from Portsmouth & Southsea. The station is from Portsmouth city centre at Portsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQ.
Portsmouth & SouthseaPortsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQWifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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 3PAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
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 · £0.89 · 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.

FrattonFratton station, Selbourne Terrace, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5AWWifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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 · £0.89 · 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.

More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Cambridge

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cambridge Portsmouth to Cambridge train

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