- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Margate
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£32
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£32
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
5 h 2 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
185 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Margate will cost around £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Portsmouth to Margate, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 185 km distance in an average of 5 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 2 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.
8:075h02Portsmouth13:09Margate£321One-way0 changes
- 8:075h02Portsmouth13:09Margate£321One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Portsmouth to Margate
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, while a train costs an average of £32.
Distance: 185 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£32 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest | £39 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration 7h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Margate is a coach with an average price of £24.
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Margate:
A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Margate costing on average £32.
The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Margate is by train with an average journey time of 5h 5m.
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Margate including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £32 compared to roughly £39 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £7. The journey takes 5h 5m versus 2h 37m 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 prices and tickets Portsmouth to Margate 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.
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18 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Portsmouth to Margate run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 20:42. The fastest train covers the 185 km distance in 5h 2m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £20
Distance 185 km |
Average train duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 5h 2m |
First train 4:30 |
Last train 20:42 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £20
Complete guide to Margate
Things to do in Margate
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
- Recommended
The Crab Museum
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
- Recommended
Tracey Karloff
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
- Must visit
Margate Main Sands
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
- Recommended
Margate Harbour Arm
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
- Recommended
Margate Old Town
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
Fish And Chips
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Or Pickled Herring
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Barletta
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Angela's
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
The Greedy Cow
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up small taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but spare change is welcome.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- >= £3.21
To the city centre
Margate station -> Cecil Square, Margate
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach says contactless payment is available on all its buses in Thanet and Margate.
- A DayRider can be better value than singles for multiple trips, but check the current Thanet zone price in the Stagecoach Bus app before travel.
FAQs: Portsmouth to Margate train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Portsmouth to Margate can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £32.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Margate covers a distance of 185 km and takes approximately 5h 2m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Portsmouth to Margate is 185 km.
The first train from Portsmouth to Margate leaves at 4:30.
The last train from Portsmouth to Margate departs at 20:42.
Trains from Portsmouth to Margate run approximately 10 times per day.
To get from Portsmouth to Margate, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Portsmouth to Margate.
The train station in Portsmouth that goes to Margate is Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS), and it arrives at Margate station (MAR).
The cheapest way to get from Portsmouth to Margate is by coach, costing approximately £20.
Booking trains from Portsmouth to Margate 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 Margate offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the countryside, coastal stretches, and glimpses of the English Channel.
A day trip from Portsmouth to Margate is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 2m. There are 7 trains per day for this route, with a distance of 185 km.
For a fulfilling visit to Margate, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended to explore its beaches, cultural attractions, and local cuisine.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from Portsmouth to Margate.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Margate
Most Portsmouth to Margate trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Margate station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Margate 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 Margate
Which Portsmouth station do trains to Margate leave from?
Trains from Portsmouth to Margate 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 1EQ
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.
Which Margate station do trains from Portsmouth arrive at?
Trains from Portsmouth to Margate arrive at Margate. Margate is 1 km from Margate city centre.
MargateMargate station, Station Approach, Margate, Kent, CT9 5AD+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate from Margate city centre
Margate is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus942, 944, 36, 8 · 8m · £3 · every ~7 min
Margate train station facilities and services
Margate has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Margate.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Margate.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Margate: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access from booking hall to platform 1 for services towards Ramsgate. Step free access to all other platforms and interchange via lifts. Stepped access to platforms 2,3 and 4 via subway, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: station forecourt, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Margate
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Margate and Portsmouth
Most popular train connections to Margate
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