Watford to Portsmouth train with South Western Railway

Fri 18 Sept
+ Add return
South Western Railway
Southern
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Southern
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Portsmouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£28

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£29

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

2 h 41 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

2 h 45 m

Trains on 18 Sept

2

Distance

107 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Watford to Portsmouth will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Watford to Portsmouth, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 107 km distance in an average of 2 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 41 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 48 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.

  • South Western Railway
    6:152h48
    Watford
    9:03Portsmouth
    £281One-way
    0 changes
  • South Western Railway
    11:162h41
    Watford
    13:57Portsmouth
    £311One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train for Watford to Portsmouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 3m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £17, while a train costs an average of £17.

Distance: 107 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£17

Average Price

Cheapest

£22

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 36m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Watford to Portsmouth is a train with an average price of £17.
The fastest way to travel from Watford to Portsmouth is by train with an average journey time of 2h 33m.
Yes, you can take a train between Watford and Portsmouth.
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 £17 compared to roughly £22 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £6. The journey takes 2h 33m versus 1h 36m 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.

Live departures

Watford to Portsmouth train times

The table below shows live departures for Watford to Portsmouth trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
West Midlands TrainsW70569+TubeTube from London Euston to London Waterloo+South Western RailwayL79535
On time
5:59 Watford Junction (WFJ)
3h05
9:04 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
2 changes
South Western RailwayL79315 · L79535+London OvergroundP02412 · P025486:00 Watford Junction (WFJ)
3h04
9:04 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
South Western RailwayL85013 · L79535+London OvergroundP02548 · P024126:00 Watford Junction (WFJ)
3h04
9:04 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
South Western RailwayL79315 · L79535+London OvergroundP02548 · P024126:03 Watford High Street (WFH)
3h01
9:04 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
South Western RailwayL85013 · L79535+London OvergroundP02548 · P024126:03 Watford High Street (WFH)
3h01
9:04 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
South Western RailwayL85013 · L79535+London OvergroundP02548 · P024126:05 Bushey (BSH)
2h59
9:04 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
South Western RailwayL79315 · L79535+London OvergroundP02548 · P024126:05 Bushey (BSH)
2h59
9:04 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
West Midlands TrainsY81027+South Western RailwayL85013 · L79535+London OvergroundL246886:12 Watford Junction (WFJ)
2h52
9:04 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)4 changes
West Midlands TrainsY81027+South Western RailwayL85013 · L79535+London OvergroundL246886:15 Bushey (BSH)
2h49
9:04 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)4 changes
TubeTube from Queens Park (London) to London Waterloo+South Western RailwayL79542+London OvergroundP024136:18 Watford High Street (WFH)
3h13
9:31 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
West Midlands TrainsY81029+TubeTube from London Euston to London Waterloo+South Western RailwayL79542+London OvergroundP697056:33 Watford High Street (WFH)
2h58
9:31 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
SouthernG27775 · G26153+London OvergroundP697056:33 Watford High Street (WFH)
3h06
9:39 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
South Western RailwayL83867 · L79542+London OvergroundP69705 · L246986:33 Watford High Street (WFH)
2h58
9:31 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
West Midlands TrainsY81029+TubeTube from London Euston to London Waterloo+South Western RailwayL795426:49 Bushey (BSH)
2h42
9:31 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
SouthernG27775+South Western RailwayL83867 · L795426:52 Watford Junction (WFJ)
2h39
9:31 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
SouthernG27775 · G261536:52 Watford Junction (WFJ)
2h47
9:39 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)1 change
West Midlands TrainsW88156+TubeTube from London Euston to London Waterloo+South Western RailwayL795487:04 Bushey (BSH)
2h59
10:03 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
South Western RailwayL79329 · L79548+London OvergroundP02550 · P697107:05 Bushey (BSH)
2h58
10:03 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Watford to Portsmouth by train

Compare 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Watford to Portsmouth trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as Southern offer trains services from Watford to Portsmouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Portsmouth.

Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southern to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Portsmouth.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Watford to Portsmouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Watford to Portsmouth run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 22:37. The fastest train covers the 107 km distance in 2h 45m.

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
Distance
107 km
Average train duration
2h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
17
Fastest train
2h 45m
First train
4:13
Last train
22:37
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Best time to book
14 days
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

Train companies: South Western Railway, Southern from Watford to Portsmouth trainsSouth Western Railway, Southern trains will get you between Watford and Portsmouth from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 41m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£27
South Western Railway frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Southern

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest Southern Price
£38
Southern frequency
15 a day

Complete guide to Portsmouth

Things to do in Portsmouth

Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

HMS Alliance

This working museum ship reveals cramped Victorian submarine life and the engineering behind one of Britain’s earliest submarines.

  • Recommended

Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery

Portsmouth’s city museum covers local history, football heritage and art, with exhibits spanning the city’s people and places.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in summer, but dining and local buses remain manageable for most city-break budgets.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Watford to Portsmouth train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Watford to Portsmouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £17.
The train journey from Watford to Portsmouth covers a distance of 107 km and takes approximately 2h 45m. Trains run 17 per day.
The train distance from Watford to Portsmouth is 107 km.
The first train from Watford to Portsmouth leaves at 4:13.
The last train from Watford to Portsmouth departs at 22:37.
Trains from Watford to Portsmouth run approximately 17 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Watford to Portsmouth.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Watford to Portsmouth.
To travel from Watford to Portsmouth, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Watford to Portsmouth.
The train station in Watford that goes to Portsmouth is Watford Junction (WFJ), and it arrives at Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS).
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Portsmouth is by train, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Watford to Portsmouth in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Watford to Portsmouth offers a varied scenery; it starts with urban landscapes and transitions into the rolling countryside and picturesque views as it nears the South Downs National Park.
A day trip from Watford to Portsmouth isn't feasible as the journey time is 2h 45m. However, there are 14 trains per day.
A visit to Portsmouth typically requires 2 to 3 days to explore its main attractions, such as the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, and Southsea Beach.
Yes, you can take the train from Watford to Portsmouth.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Portsmouth

Most Watford to Portsmouth trains use the Watford Junction to Portsmouth Harbour station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth & Southsea. Use this guide to compare Watford and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Watford
Arrival train stations in Portsmouth

Which Watford station do trains to Portsmouth leave from?

Trains from Watford to Portsmouth leave from Watford Junction. The station is 1 km from Watford city centre at Watford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre

TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min

Watford Junction train station facilities and services

Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Watford Junction.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre

Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m

Bushey train station facilities and services

Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bushey.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bushey: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre

Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min

Watford High Street train station facilities and services

Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Watford High Street: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Watford to Portsmouth

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