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Trip Summary
You can pick from 36 daily train trips between Portsmouth and Liverpool. The average train journey from Portsmouth to Liverpool takes 8 hours and 35 minutes, but some South Western Railway + Connections train trips are as short as 5 hours and 6 minutes.
| Distance | 196 mi (316 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 6m |
| Lowest price | £128.98 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Portsmouth to Liverpool?
2 train services operate from Portsmouth to Liverpool. South Western Railway + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 35 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Western Railway + Connections | 35 | 8h 31m | £136.81 |
| Southern + Connections | 1 | 11h 8m | £144.20 |
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.
Southern Railway is part of the British rail network serving stations predominantly between central London and the British south coast. Destinations include Brighton, Gatwick Airport, and Worthing. WiFi and accessible restrooms are available on most trains, plus the option to upgrade to a first-class ticket with extra legroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Portsmouth and Liverpool is approximately 196 miles, or 316 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 6 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.
Trains from Portsmouth to Liverpool are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Portsmouth at 10:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. 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 36 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 Liverpool 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.
Liverpool
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Although Liverpool is only England's 10th largest city, its fame ballooned as the birthplace of the world's biggest rock band: The Beatles. Visiting Liverpool would not be complete without a trip to the iconic Beatles Statue, located near the port, followed by a visit to The Beatles Story museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in the band's rise to fame.
To explore some of Liverpool's older history, the Merseyside Maritime Museum provides fascinating exhibits on the city's great port-town past, including exhibitions on the Titanic as well as the Battle of the Atlantic. Football fanatics should check out the world-famous Anfield Stadium, where regular tours help visitors revel in the history and glory of this iconic football club.
Traveling to Liverpool is easy thanks to several rail providers, which facilitate travel around the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Liverpool also has two significant bus terminals for access via coach and an international airport for those traveling from further afield.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Portsmouth?
Main departure station: Hilsea Station
Portsmouth has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to Liverpool.
All train stations in Portsmouth:
Hilsea Station
Fratton
Cosham Train Station
Where is the train station in Liverpool?
Main arrival station: Liverpool South Parkway Station
There are more train stations and stops in Liverpool than most cities. Most trains from Portsmouth will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Liverpool:
Train stations in Liverpool:
Liverpool South Parkway Station
Brunswick
Liverpool Lime Street Station
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Need a return trip from Liverpool to Portsmouth?
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