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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Portsmouth to Bournemouth. Traveling by bus from Portsmouth to Bournemouth usually takes around 3 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest National Express bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 35 mi (57 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $16.66 |
| Most frequent service | National Express |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Portsmouth to Bournemouth?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Portsmouth to Bournemouth. National Express is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Express | 2 | 3h 10m | $17.01 |
National Express is probably the UK's best-known bus company, offering intercity services to London, Manchester, Southampton, and Edinburgh. Onboard the single and double-decker vehicles, travelers enjoy a good amount of legroom – roomier than airlines have in coach class – alongside WiFi, restrooms, and air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 9 minutes to cover the 35 miles from Portsmouth to Bournemouth. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 5 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
The first bus leaves at 4:00pm and the last bus leaves at 4:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Portsmouth to Bournemouth, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Portsmouth to Bournemouth. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Portsmouth to Bournemouth; ticket prices start at $27.85.
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.
Bournemouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Bournemouth, in picturesque Dorset County, is located on the South Coast. As such, you can enjoy several miles' worth of beaches. But aside from the world-class resorts and water activities in Bournemouth, this city also reflects England's rich history, culture, and heritage.
If you're drawn to Bournemouth's museums and galleries, you must visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. This museum, styled as an Italian villa, sits atop a cliff, ensuring the views outside are as gorgeous as the art inside. The Poole Museum, housed in a Victorian warehouse, offers impressive exhibits to art, archeology, pirate, and pottery enthusiasts.
But if you're here for the beach, head straight to the Fisherman's Walk Beach, ideal for relaxation because of its quiet atmosphere. If you’d like to stay in a dog-friendly beach lined with pretty beach huts, then it's Southbourne for you. The Alum Chine Beach is recommended for families because of its pirate-themed playground, ice cream kiosks, and restaurants.
Bournemouth also offers cliff hiking, golfing, bowling, and tennis. Of course, you can also do some watersports on a kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard. Diehard sports fans shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Bournemouth’s premier league stadium, Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth Airport is about 7 miles from the center of town. The South Western Railway or CrossCountry trains are available to travel to Bournemouth from Liverpool, Manchester, or other destinations. In addition, Megabus provides bus service in and out of Bournemouth.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Portsmouth?
Image credit: Tim Sheerman-Chase
Link to image attributionMain departure station: The Hard Interchange
The Hard Interchange is one of Portsmouth's largest travel hubs. The bus station connects to the Plymouth Harbor Railway Station and the pier where ferries depart. The interchange is also ideally located near some of Plymouth's top attractions; Spinnaker Tower is a 4-minute walk away, and the walkway to the HMS Warrior is a 2-minute walk away. Buses, including National Express and Megabus vehicles, pull into the bus lanes along The Hard. Each lane has several covered shelters for passengers to sit beneath, but the interchange building just beyond offers indoor seating and amenities for longer waits.
All bus stations in Portsmouth:
The Hard Interchange
University of Portsmouth
Where does the bus arrive in Bournemouth?
Image credit: philipweaver
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bournemouth Coach Bus Station
Bournemouth Coach Bus Station is a bus and coach station that forms a travel interchange with the adjacent Bournemouth Train Station. The outdoor bus bays are located outside of a large Asda Superstore. Megabus, National Express, and local buses operate service with stops at Bournemouth Station. Inside the station building, travelers can access travel information, luggage storage, restrooms, and a coffee shop. Direct bus services depart from Bournemouth to Brighton, London, Manchester, Heathrow Airport, and more destinations across England.
All bus stations in Bournemouth:
Bournemouth Coach Bus Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Bournemouth to Portsmouth?
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