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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge
Showing times and prices for 06 Dec
Cheapest price
£34
Average price
£52
Fastest journey
3 h 39 m
Average duration
3 h 52 m
Trains per day
4
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 £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Portsmouth for Cambridge 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 177 km distance in an average of 3 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 8 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.
08:084h03
Portsmouth12:11Cambridge
£341One-way
0 changes
07:213h39
Portsmouth11:00Cambridge
£521One-way
0 changes
07:513h39
Portsmouth11:30Cambridge
£561One-way
0 changes
07:334h08
Portsmouth11:41Cambridge
£641One-way
0 changes
07:513h39
Portsmouth11:30Cambridge
£561One-way
0 changes
07:213h39
Portsmouth11:00Cambridge
£521One-way
0 changes
08:084h03
Portsmouth12:11Cambridge
£341One-way
0 changes
07:334h08
Portsmouth11:41Cambridge
£641One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Portsmouth to Cambridge
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 20m. 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 train costs an average of £20, and a coach costs an average of £45.
Distance: 177 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£34 Average Price Cheapest | £54 Average Price |
3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg 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
Portsmouth to Cambridge train times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cambridge trains for tomorrow, Saturday 6 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 13:38
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:21 Portsmouth | 3h39 | 11:00 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:33 Portsmouth | 4h08 | 11:41 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:51 Portsmouth | 3h39 | 11:30 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:08 Portsmouth | 4h03 | 12:11 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Sat
06 Dec
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec
12 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 177 km distance in 3h 21m.
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 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 21m |
First train 00:40 |
Last train 23:53 |
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, Southern from Portsmouth to Cambridge trainsSouth Western Railway, Thameslink, Southern trains will get you between Portsmouth and Cambridge from £20. 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 21m
Cheapest Price
£20
South Western Railway frequency
4 a day
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
Southern
About
Southern Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local commuter services. Its trains include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, and Class 444 and 450. It also offers a variety of ticket types, such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southern Rail are London to Brighton, London to Southampton, and London to Portsmouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 3m
Cheapest Price
£32
Southern frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require a ticket
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
4h 59m
Cheapest Price
£84
Thameslink frequency
1 a day
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.
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.
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.
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.
To get from Portsmouth to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
The cost of a train ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £20, while the average price tends to be around £34.
The cheapest way to get from Portsmouth to Cambridge is by train, costing approximately £20.
The train station in Portsmouth that goes to Cambridge is Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The train distance from Portsmouth to Cambridge is 177 km.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
Yes, you can take the train from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Cambridge covers a distance of 177 km and takes approximately 3h 21m. Trains run 5 per day.
The first train from Portsmouth to Cambridge leaves at 0:40.
The last train from Portsmouth to Cambridge departs at 23:53.
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.
Trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge run approximately 5 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
There is no night train service from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
A day trip from Portsmouth to Cambridge is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 21m each way. Trains run 5 times per day over a distance of 177 km.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Cambridge
Portsmouth
Cambridge
The major train station for departures in Portsmouth is Fratton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Fratton for your trip from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information 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
WifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Hilsea
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Portsmouth: Norway Road bus stop by Vauxhall Garage To Cosham / Havant: Norway Road bus stop opposite Vauxhall Garage
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDining
ATMAccessibilityWC
HotelLost 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.
The major train station for arrivals in Cambridge is Cambridge. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge for your journey to Cambridge from Portsmouth.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:00 Saturday 05:10 - 23:00 Sunday 07:00 - 22:55
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The accessible toilets are on platform 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1, 4 and 7
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle point is by the Car Park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cambridge
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff
- 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: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Station foyer
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are available on each platform
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent station building.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878
Public transport options for Cambridge North
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From bus stop on station forecourt.
Most popular train connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cambridge and Portsmouth
Most popular train connections to Cambridge
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