- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£56
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£143
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
5 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
5 h 11 m
Trains on 19 Sept
10
Distance
308 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Manchester will cost around £143 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £56.
To travel from Portsmouth to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
G00852+
L79917
G00856+
L79923
W33680+
L79546+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
W33564+
L79582+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
G00852+
W34967
G00859+
C42257
G00859+
C42257
W33564+
L79582+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
W33680+
L79546+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
G00852+
W34967Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a flight costs an average of £95.
Distance: 308 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£71 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest | £95 Average Price | £63 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Portsmouth to Manchester:
A coach is £43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Manchester costing on average £71.
A coach is £67 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Portsmouth to Manchester costing on average £95.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 5m.
Coach takes on average 7h 9m.
Tickets start at around £71 compared to roughly £63 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-7.85. The journey takes 5h 5m versus 4h 45m 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 Portsmouth to Manchester trains for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00858+ L79928 | Delayed 8:33 8:00Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h29 | 13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W34210+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ L79573 | Delayed 9:53 8:21Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h44 | 13:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00858+ G15005 | Delayed 8:15 8:23Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 5h06 | 13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00858+ G15005 | Delayed 8:15 8:27Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h02 | 13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W33931+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ L79581 | Delayed 10:33 8:37Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h07 | 13:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00861+ L79934 | Delayed 9:32 9:00Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h29 | 14:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
C82542_C82367+ W34061+ Y80856+ C34231 | On time 9:08 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h57 | 15:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4 changes | |
C82542_C82367+ W34061+ G07234+ LT061300 | On time 9:08 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h57 | 15:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4 changes | |
W34101+ L79592+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston | Delayed 10:53 9:19Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h46 | 14:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00861+ G15007 | Delayed 9:15 9:23Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 5h06 | 14:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00861+ G15007 | Delayed 9:15 9:27Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h02 | 14:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00879+ L79952 | Delayed 12:32 12:00Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h29 | 17:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W34157+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ L79650 | Delayed 13:53 12:19Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h46 | 17:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00879+ W34999 | Delayed 12:15 12:23Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 5h06 | 17:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00879+ W34999 | Delayed 12:15 12:27Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h02 | 17:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W33951+ L79658+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston | Delayed 14:13 12:37Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h46 | 17:23 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00887+ L79958 | Delayed 13:31 13:00Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h29 | 18:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| Saturday 19 September | |||||
L79917+ G00852 | 6:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h29 | 11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00852+ W34967 | 6:08 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 5h21 | 11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00852+ W34967 | 6:12 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h17 | 11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W33680+ L79546+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston | 6:49 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h16 | 12:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00856+ L79923 | 7:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h29 | 12:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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 Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £45 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 308 km distance in 4h 44m.
Distance 308 km |
Average train duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £45 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 44m |
First train 0:15 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to Manchester trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Manchester 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.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple food outlets and cafes available.
Free public Wi-Fi available in the station. ATMs are several ATMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester.
Available at Manchester: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester: Step-free access throughout the station.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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