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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Edinburgh and Portsmouth. The average train journey from Edinburgh to Portsmouth takes 9 hours and 22 minutes, but some London North Eastern Railway + Connections train trips are as short as 7 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 365 mi (588 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 32m |
| Lowest price | $111.43 |
| Most frequent service | London North Eastern Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Edinburgh to Portsmouth?
There are 3 train lines with service from Edinburgh to Portsmouth. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 1 | 8h 6m | $231.23 |
| London North Eastern Railway + Connections | 1 | 7h 32m | $111.43 |
| TransPennine Express + Connections | 1 | 12h 29m | $222.73 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Edinburgh to Portsmouth start from $231, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Portsmouth. CrossCountry + Connections in Edinburgh leaves from Edinburgh Waverley . And in Portsmouth trains arrive at Hilsea Station .
From Edinburgh to Portsmouth train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 8 hours and 6 minutes. If you are looking to get to Portsmouth faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 7 hours and 32 minutes.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is a privately-owned train company that operates passenger services on behalf of the UK government. LNER manages the prestigious East Coast mainline route, connecting London King's Cross Station to various cities, including Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. With a comprehensive network of 55 stations and a fleet of approximately 75 trains, LNER facilitates numerous daily journeys, offering standard and first-class ticket options.
TransPennine Express + Connections train tickets from Edinburgh to Portsmouth start from $223, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 TransPennine Express + Connections schedules to Portsmouth. TransPennine Express + Connections in Edinburgh leaves from Edinburgh Waverley . And in Portsmouth trains arrive at Fratton .
From Edinburgh to Portsmouth train travel on TransPennine Express + Connections takes 12 hours and 29 minutes. If you are looking to get to Portsmouth faster, TransPennine Express + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 7 hours and 32 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Edinburgh and Portsmouth is approximately 365 miles, or 588 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 32 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 Edinburgh to Portsmouth are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Edinburgh at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 3 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 Portsmouth to Edinburgh.
City Information
Edinburgh
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and its people are famed throughout history for their contribution to philosophy, literature, science, and industry, among many other areas. This incredibly diverse city promises to provide attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, budgets, and interests. Edinburgh is even ranked as the #6 city with the most historic sites per capita in Europe, and the #1 outside of Italy!
For those looking for outdoor adventure, take a walk up Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts that date back to over 2,000 years ago. The walk to the top will allow you to embrace some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of Edinburgh at the top.
On rainy days, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where each floor provides information on several fascinating eras of Scotland's history. A trip down the Royal Mile will satisfy all your tartan and souvenir needs, while the world-famous Underground Ghost Tour will give you an entirely different view of this seemingly peaceful, quaint city.
If your trip falls during the holiday season, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is guaranteed to give you the festive feeling, while world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations will ensure that you ring in the New Year with a bang.
Edinburgh is easily accessible via train, plane, and bus. Edinburgh Airport provides global access to the city, while rail services connect the city to many other major towns and cities across the UK. In addition, numerous bus companies travel to and from Edinburgh, meaning that no matter your preferred mode of transport, the city is always within reach.
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 Edinburgh?
Image credit: Danny Navarro
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Daniel
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Brossard
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Edinburgh Waverley
Just steps away from the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station is the city's main train terminal and the second-biggest in Scotland. It lies at the northern end of the East Coast Main Line, connecting it with London via York and Newcastle Upon Tyne. Situated within a grand structure between Edinburgh Old and New Towns, you can access it from either Princes Street or Market Street. Beneath an impressive Victorian-era glass roof, passengers will find a good range of facilities, including hot and cold food options, ATMs, and public restrooms. Edinburgh Trams and local bus services depart from outside the Princes Street entrance, with links to Edinburgh Airport.
All train stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Waverley
Where is the train station in Portsmouth?
Main arrival station: Hilsea Station
There are more train stations and stops in Portsmouth than most cities. Most trains from Edinburgh will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Portsmouth:
All train stations in Portsmouth:
Hilsea Station
Cosham Train Station
Fratton
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Need a return trip from Portsmouth to Edinburgh?
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