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Trip Summary
You can pick from 15 daily train trips between Portsmouth and Canterbury. The average train journey from Portsmouth to Canterbury takes 4 hours and 46 minutes, but some South Western Railway + Connections train trips are as short as 4 hours and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 99 mi (160 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 7m |
| Lowest price | $39.59 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Portsmouth to Canterbury?
2 train services operate from Portsmouth to Canterbury. South Western Railway + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 12 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 3 | 4h 57m | $118.78 |
| South Western Railway + Connections | 12 | 4h 43m | $104.52 |
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Portsmouth to Canterbury start from $119, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Canterbury. Great Western Railway + Connections in Portsmouth leaves from Cosham . And in Canterbury trains arrive at Chartham .
From Portsmouth to Canterbury train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 4 hours and 57 minutes. If you are looking to get to Canterbury faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 7 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Great Western Railway + Connections offers 3 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Canterbury.
UK's South Western Railway operates passenger rail services in London, Windsor, Reading, and Southampton. Both standard class and first-class seating are available, with the first-class section clearly marked and physically separated from the rest of the train by internal doorways. These cars offer more space and quiet away from the more crowded areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Portsmouth and Canterbury is approximately 99 miles, or 160 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 7 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Portsmouth to Canterbury on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Portsmouth at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 15 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Canterbury to Portsmouth.
City Information
Portsmouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Portsmouth, located on the South coast of England, is home to several important historical dockyards and thus a storied maritime heritage. Though many people travel here to experience the nautical atmosphere, Portsmouth also offers many attractions and experiences to suit every taste.
For a taste of the sea, Henry VIII's Mary Rose is a must-see attraction, as well as Lord Nelson's famous HMS Victory. Both ships are accompanied by museums where visitors can learn more about these significant historical warships. If the weather drives you inside, take a walk around the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, hosting a variety of displays and recreations of how life has changed in Portsmouth over the centuries. To see the whole city all at once, climb Spinnaker Tower to see the city from 170 meters high. Finally, if you're feeling brave, walk across the glass Sky Walk to see the waves crash on the shore beneath your feet.
Due to its many ports, Portsmouth is accessible via ferry, as well as train, car, and bus. The South Western Railway makes getting to Portsmouth from London and other southern towns easy, while National Express and Megabus provide bus services that link many other major towns and cities.
Canterbury
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Roman-era walls surround Canterbury's medieval city center, so you know visiting will be like a blast from the past. Start by exploring the cathedrals and castles that represent the city's history, like the Canterbury Cathedral. Also, don't miss the medieval Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, which combines education and big adventures in its historically-themed escape rooms.
If you're ready to enjoy the city's great outdoors, then head to the Barham and Adisham Walk, Beacon Hill Herne Bay, Belmont House and Gardens, or the Bigbury Camp. Wine connoisseurs will love swishing their wine glasses at several vineyards, breweries, and distilleries. You can drive to the scenic Chartham Vineyard or simply join a group brewery and distillery tour.
Canterbury is a very compact city, and most destinations within the city walls can be easily reached via a short walk. To travel to Canterbury, you can take a Southeastern train or a National Express bus.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Portsmouth?
Image credit: Matt Buck
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Cosham Train Station
Many of the trains to Portsmouth arrive in one of its northern suburbs, Cosham. The Cosham Train Station is on the West Coastway Line between Brighton and Southampton and welcomes South Western Railway, Southern, and Great Western Railway trains. The staffed station building includes toilets and a coffee shop, and while it is relatively small, shops and restaurants in Cosham are just steps away. Local buses run from Cosham to the center of Portsmouth to bring you to the attractions and scenery at the harbor.
All train stations in Portsmouth:
Cosham Train Station
Fratton
Where is the train station in Canterbury?
Main arrival station: Chartham Station
Canterbury has one train station.
Train stations in Canterbury:
Chartham Station
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Need a return trip from Canterbury to Portsmouth?
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