- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£100
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£116
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
6 h 47 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
6 h 50 m
Trains on 29 Aug
13
Distance
590 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Edinburgh will cost around £116 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £100.
To travel from Portsmouth to Edinburgh you need to make at least 2 changes.
G80204+
L79532+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80227+
L79582+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80214+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
L79546
G80233+
L79600+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80230+
L79593+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80227+
L79582+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G25705+
L79562+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80233+
L79600+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80214+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
L79546
G25706+
G26180_C82374+
C02742Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 24m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £42, while a train costs an average of £116.
Distance: 590 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£116 Average Price | £67 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest |
8h 9m Average total duration 7h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 36m Average total duration 13h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.8 - 3.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79532+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80204 | 5:20 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h12 | 12:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L79917+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ C01937 | 5:55 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 7h37 | 13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L79539+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ C01937 | 6:19 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h13 | 13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L79546+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80214 | 6:49 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 6h49 | 13:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L79556+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80218 | 7:21 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h06 | 14:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L83886 · L81409+ Tube from Vauxhall to London Kings Cross+ C02051 | 7:37 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h32 | 15:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4 changes | |
L79562+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G25705 | 7:51 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 6h47 | 14:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L79574+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80222 | 8:21 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h13 | 15:34 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L79582+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80227 | 8:51 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 6h47 | 15:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L79593+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80230 | 9:20 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h08 | 16:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G26180_C82374+ G25706+ C02742 | 9:33 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 6h59 | 16:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L79600+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80233 | 9:51 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 6h48 | 16:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L79612+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80236 | 10:20 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h12 | 17:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train and flight 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 Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £66 but you can travel from only £17 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 20:40. The fastest train covers the 590 km distance in 6h 41m.
Distance 590 km |
Average train duration 7h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £66 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 41m |
First train 4:30 |
Last train 20:40 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to Edinburgh trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh Park. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: 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 both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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.
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