- Must visit
HMS Victory
A major naval museum where visitors can board Nelson’s flagship and explore life at sea through preserved decks and displays.
Cheapest price on 24 Oct
£43
Average ticket price on 24 Oct
£43
Fastest journey on 24 Oct
1 h 47 m
Average journey duration on 24 Oct
2 h 16 m
Trains on 24 Oct
5
Distance
74 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Portsmouth will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
To travel from Reading to Portsmouth you need to make at least one change.
C42336+
L83858
C42334+
L83846
C48455 · W34958+
L80346
C48455+
L84464
C42335+
L83852
C42334+
L83846
C48455 · W34958+
L80346
C42335+
L83852
C48455+
L84464
C42336+
L83858Trains from Reading to Portsmouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 1h 31m.
Distance 74 km |
Average train duration 1h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 31m |
First train 4:20 |
Last train 23:35 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Reading to Portsmouth.
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Portsmouth trains for today, Friday 23 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C48469+ L79914 | 8:28 Reading West (RDW) | 1h44 | 10:12 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 change | |
G15092+ L79566 | 8:54 Reading station (RDG) | 2h05 | 10:59 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 change | |
G00997+ G15003 | On time 8:54 Reading station (RDG) | 1h54 | 10:48 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 change | |
C48471+ L79920 | 9:03 Reading West (RDW) | 2h09 | 11:12 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 change | |
G15093+ L79576 | 9:24 Reading station (RDG) | 2h20 | 11:44 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 change | |
G01000+ W34974 | 9:51 Reading station (RDG) | 1h56 | 11:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
A major naval museum where visitors can board Nelson’s flagship and explore life at sea through preserved decks and displays.
This working museum ship reveals cramped Victorian submarine life and the engineering behind one of Britain’s earliest submarines.
Portsmouth’s city museum covers local history, football heritage and art, with exhibits spanning the city’s people and places.
A historic waterfront district with cobbled lanes, pubs, sea walls and several key heritage sites within easy walking distance.
A long pebble beach promenade with piers, gardens and open sea views, well suited to relaxed walks along the Southsea seafront.
A broad common by the Solent, popular for walks, picnics and views of passing ships, the Isle of Wight and seafront landmarks.
A rich fruit cake packed with dried fruit, spice and treacle, long associated with Hampshire baking and often enjoyed at Christmas and local celebrations.
Fresh crab landed on the South Coast, usually served simply in sandwiches, salads or dressed shells, prized for sweet meat and Portsmouth’s seaside setting.
A classic Portsmouth and Hampshire pub dish of smoked haddock, potato and onion in a creamy sauce, baked until golden and comforting in coastal weather.
Popular Southsea spot for classic fish and chips and fresh seafood, with a casual atmosphere close to the seafront.
Smart waterfront restaurant in Old Portsmouth serving modern British dishes with strong seafood options in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Historic pub in Old Portsmouth known for traditional British cooking, cask ales and harbour views in a characterful setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in summer, but dining and local buses remain manageable for most city-break budgets.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.
Official public transport app
Portsmouth Harbour -> Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Portsmouth.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Portsmouth trains use the Reading to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth Harbour. Use this guide to compare Reading and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, 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.
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.
Check train stations information for Reading and Portsmouth, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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