- Recommended
Crawley Museum
Local history museum in Goffs Park with exhibits on Crawley's development, communities and everyday life.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Crawley among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 1m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £16, while a coach costs an average of £45.
Distance: 73 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £45 Average Price | £16 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Crawley:
A train is £29 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Portsmouth to Crawley costing on average £45.
Other travel options to Crawley take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 21m.
Tickets start at around £16 compared to roughly £16 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-0.41. The journey takes 1h 31m versus 1h 26m 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 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 Portsmouth to Crawley run on average 19 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 23:16. The fastest train covers the 73 km distance in 1h 31m.
Distance 73 km |
Average train duration 1h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 1h 31m |
First train 1:25 |
Last train 23:16 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Crawley — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Crawley trip today.
Local history museum in Goffs Park with exhibits on Crawley's development, communities and everyday life.
Historic country house in Tilgate Park with period interiors and displays on local social and estate history.
Community gallery space hosting changing exhibitions by regional artists in a central and accessible setting.
Large public park with lakes, woodland walks, gardens and family attractions, popular for an easy day outdoors.
Restored historic park with formal gardens, lake, bridges and quiet paths in the Pound Hill area.
Green corridor and wetland reserve ideal for walking, birdwatching and seeing a calmer side of Crawley.
Sussex Pond Pudding is a suet pastry filled with butter and lemon, then steamed. It is a rich old Sussex dessert strongly tied to the county around Crawley.
Chichester Crab is sweet Sussex coast crab, often served simply in salads or sandwiches. It reflects the county’s long connection to nearby coastal fishing.
Sussex Smokie is smoked haddock baked with cheese, mustard and cream. It is a comforting county dish found across Sussex pubs and restaurants.
Lively Turkish restaurant popular for grilled meats, mezze and generous portions. Contemporary interior with a sociable atmosphere.
Stylish steakhouse and grill serving steaks, burgers and cocktails near Crawley town centre. Good for casual dinners and groups.
Modern British restaurant in central Crawley with polished service and a smart setting. Known for seasonal dishes, steaks and seafood.
Moderate for southern England. Hotels near Gatwick can be pricey, but dining and local transport are generally in line with similar commuter towns.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Official public transport app
Crawley Railway Station -> Town Hall, Crawley
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Crawley 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 Crawley, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to Crawley trains use the Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Crawley. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Crawley train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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.
Crawley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Crawley.
Wi-Fi is available at Crawley. ATMs are available at Crawley.
Ticket office support is available at Crawley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Crawley: Parking, WC.
Available at Crawley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Crawley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Three Bridges is 1 km from Crawley city centre. Public transport options include:
Three Bridges has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Three Bridges.
Wi-Fi is available at Three Bridges. ATMs are available at Three Bridges.
Ticket office support is available at Three Bridges.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Three Bridges: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Three Bridges: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Three Bridges: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need