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Trip Summary
22 trains operate daily from Southampton to Portsmouth. The train trip from Southampton to Portsmouth is usually about 45 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Southern train can get you there in as little as 25 minutes.
| Distance | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 25m |
| Lowest price | €11.40 |
| Trains per day | 110 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Southampton to Portsmouth?
2 train services operate from Southampton to Portsmouth. South Western Railway usually has more trains scheduled, with 17 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 | 17 | 0h 46m | €13.91 |
| Southern | 5 | 0h 36m | €12.06 |
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
Trains departing from Southampton to Portsmouth tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Southampton at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:00. 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 22 scheduled trains on most days. 110 of these are direct connections to Portsmouth. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Portsmouth to Southampton.
City Information
Southampton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Southampton is a scenic city along England's south coast, known for its history as an important port. No matter the time of year you visit, Southampton has a wealth of activities and attractions.
Your first stop is the SeaCity Museum, where you can discover the city's history and engage with the model of the RMS Titanic. Next, the Solent Sky Museum turns your attention skyward as it details Southampton's aviation history. The Southampton City Art Gallery is a hidden gem to view painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, print, and video exhibits. And if you’re on a tour of England’s premier league stadiums, Southampton’s St. Mary’s Stadium is a must.
For a unique dining experience, try the café at the Tudor House and Garden Museum. They serve local food and fantastic coffee in a home that's over 800 years old. Then, as you walk through the nearby Cultural Quarter, keep your eyes peeled for remnants of the city's medieval walls amidst the chic bars and stores.
Southampton Airport does serve international flights, but it's easy to reach Southampton even if you fly into one of London's airports. South Western Railway and Megabus provide train and bus service from London and other cities throughout the United Kingdom.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Southampton?
Main departure station: Bitterne
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 4 stops and stations in Southampton where you can board the train.
All train stations in Southampton:
Bitterne
Woolston
St Denys Station
Southampton Airport Parkway
Where is the train station in Portsmouth?
Image credit: Matt Buck
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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.
Train stations in Portsmouth:
Cosham Train Station
Hilsea Station
Fratton
Portsmouth & Southsea
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Need a return trip from Portsmouth to Southampton?
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