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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Portsmouth to Norfolk. Traveling by train from Portsmouth to Norfolk usually takes around 16 hours and 45 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 520 mi (836 km) |
| Fastest train | 16h 45m |
| Lowest price | $371.31 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Portsmouth to Norfolk?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Portsmouth to Norfolk. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 16h 45m | $371.31 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Portsmouth to Norfolk every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $371.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Portsmouth and Norfolk is approximately 520 miles, or 836 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 45 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 Norfolk on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Portsmouth at 7:00pm and arrives in Norfolk around 16 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Norfolk to Portsmouth.
City Information
Portsmouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Once a bustling seaport and now a popular summer holiday destination, Portsmouth, New Hampshire is well worth visiting. Just an hour and a half north of Boston, Portsmouth offers an exciting mix of unique history and contemporary experience.
Discover Portsmouth's history at the Strawbery Banke Museum and enjoy 10 acres worth of outdoor exhibits, consisting of tours of historic houses and buildings on their original foundations. Costumed actors will regale you with stories about each location.
For those interested in naval history, Portsmouth offers tours of the USS Albacore, a retired U.S. Navy submarine, as well as a gift shop for all your souvenir needs. Portsmouth is also home to hundreds of restaurants and cafes where you can taste local delicacies or world cuisine to refuel after a day of exploring.
Portsmouth is easily accessible by air, rail, road, and bus. Portsmouth International Airport offers several direct flights from various airports, while Boston's Logan Airport is only an hour south of the town. Amtrak's Downeaster travels to Portsmouth, with a gorgeous route during leaf-peeping season. C&J Bus Lines provide regular stops from Logan Airport and other cities.
Norfolk
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
A trip to Norfolk, VA will take your breath away. Sail away from its shores and just let the wind take you to a place of calm and quiet where you can shed your worries.
There are so many things to do in and around the coastal city of Norfolk. Start off with its main historic landmark, the 400-year-old port that houses the most extensive naval base in the world. Other history-rich areas worth visiting include St. Paul's Episcopal Church and MacArthur Memorial.
If you crave some water adventures, remember that you can always sail, fish, swim, kayak, and cruise in Norfolk. You can also sign up for the Naval Base Tour or visit the Nauticus Museum and Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Finally, don't forget to spend a day or two at the beach to rejuvenate your soul.
Arts and entertainment, nightlife, and shopping are thriving in Norfolk, too. If you wish to enjoy some live performances, visit the Harrison Opera house. Nightlife is always at its best downtown, particularly at Baxter's or Scotty Quixx. If you plan to do some shopping, the Selden Market offers the most eclectic selections of all.
Walking is the best mode of transportation in Norfolk, but there's also the Tide, which is the city's light rail system that can take you to your destination faster. It runs a 7.5-mile-long route that covers pretty much the entire downtown area with its 11 stops. Both Amtrak train service and bus service from carriers like Greyhound and OurBus make Norfolk easy to travel to for your next trip.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Portsmouth?
Main departure station: Portsmouth Transp Ctr - 185 Grafton Rd
The Portsmouth Transportation Center, aka the Portsmouth C&J Bus Station, is on the western side of the city. The station has ample indoor seating, plus screens to display information on upcoming trips. If you head in either direction on I95, you'll find plenty of convenience stores, restaurants, and cafes if you're looking for some food. Walk just across the street to Pannaway Playground to stretch your legs on one of the many walking trails and green spaces.
All train stations in Portsmouth:
Portsmouth Transp Ctr - 185 Grafton Rd
Where is the train station in Norfolk?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Harbor Park Station
Trains to Norfolk stop at the Harbor Park Station, adjacent to the city's Minor League Baseball stadium, Harbor Park. Greyhound buses also stop at this location in Norfolk. The station is a modern, well-lit building with many windows and comfortable seating inside. There is plentiful parking on-site, but be aware that fees may apply when there are events at the stadium. Downtown Norfolk is only a mile away, and you can connect to the local Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) rail via its Harbor Park station in the same area.
Train stations in Norfolk:
Harbor Park Station
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Need a return trip from Norfolk to Portsmouth?
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