- Must visit
Mary Rose Museum
Purpose-built museum displaying Henry VIII’s flagship and thousands of Tudor artefacts, making it one of Portsmouth’s most important heritage attractions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cambridge to Portsmouth
Showing times and prices for Jun 16
Cheapest price
$97
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 30 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
177 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cambridge to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Portsmouth will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Cambridge for Portsmouth on Tue, Jun 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 177 km distance in an average of 5 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 5 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
4:00 PM5h30Cambridge9:30 PMPortsmouth$971One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM5h30Cambridge9:30 PMPortsmouth$971One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cambridge to Portsmouth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $26, and a bus costs an average of $19.
Distance: 109 miles (177 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 11m Average total duration 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration Fastest 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Cambridge to Portsmouth is a train with an average price of $46 (€37).
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Portsmouth:
A train is $10 (€8) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth costing on average $55 (€45).
The fastest way to travel from Cambridge to Portsmouth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 13m.
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 41m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Portsmouth including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge to Portsmouth among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Cambridge to Portsmouth Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $97 |
Live departures
Cambridge to Portsmouth bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Portsmouth buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 PM Cambridge | 5h30 | 9:30 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Portsmouth by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Tue
Jun 16
Jun 16
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Jun 17
Jun 17
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Jun 22
Why should you book Cambridge to Portsmouth buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Cambridge to Portsmouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Portsmouth.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Portsmouth.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Portsmouth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Portsmouth.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Portsmouth.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cambridge to Portsmouth run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 21:42. The fastest bus covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 109 miles (177 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 3:05 AM |
Last bus 9:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cambridge to PortsmouthYou can travel by bus between Cambridge to Portsmouth with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $19 (€15). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Price
$49 (€40)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
National Express frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Portsmouth
Things to do in Portsmouth
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
- Must visit
National Museum of the Royal Navy
Major naval museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard covering Royal Navy history through ships, galleries and interactive displays.
- Recommended
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
City museum and gallery with local history, art, Conan Doyle connections and changing exhibitions, popular for understanding Portsmouth beyond the dockyard.
- Must visit
Old Portsmouth
Historic waterfront quarter with cobbled lanes, pubs, sea views and easy access to the cathedral, fortifications and harbour mouth.
- Must visit
Southsea Seafront
Long promenade and coastal walking area popular for sea views, gardens, piers and classic Portsmouth seaside atmosphere.
- Recommended
Gunwharf Quays
Harbourfront area known for the Spinnaker Tower, marina views and lively modern atmosphere, frequently featured in visitor photos and social media.
Fish And Chips
Fresh battered fish with chips is a classic Portsmouth seaside staple, often enjoyed on the waterfront.
Portsmouth Seafood Chowder
A creamy soup made with local fish and shellfish, reflecting Portsmouth’s strong naval and fishing heritage.
Crab Sandwich
Sweet dressed crab in bread or a roll is popular on the South Coast and highlights local coastal produce.
Abarbistro
Established independent bistro in Old Portsmouth serving creative British and European dishes in a relaxed setting.
The Canteen
Popular Southsea venue for seasonal small plates, brunch, and modern British food with a casual neighborhood feel.
The Briny
Well-known Southsea restaurant specializing in seafood and modern British cooking in a stylish seafront setting.
Pound Sterling
Moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while seafront hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 18-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 50+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange -> Portsmouth Harbour Station
- Distance
- 0.2 km
- Travel time
- 3 min
- Tap on and tap off with contactless on First Bus services; daily fares are capped automatically.
- Portsmouth Harbour and The Hard are next to each other, so walking is often faster than taking a bus in the center.
FAQs: Bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Portsmouth by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Portsmouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cambridge to Portsmouth can start from as little as $19 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cambridge to Portsmouth is $55 (€45) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth is 5h 30m to travel the 109 miles (177 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth leaves at 3:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth leaves at 9:42 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Cambridge to Portsmouth which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Portsmouth. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cambridge and Portsmouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Portsmouth from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Portsmouth including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cambridge to Portsmouth depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Portsmouth:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Portsmouth:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cambridge to Portsmouth with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Cambridge nor Portsmouth are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge to Portsmouth among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Portsmouth, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use licensed taxis, keep personal belongings secure, and remain vigilant when approached by strangers offering unsolicited services or deals.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cambridge to Portsmouth
Cambridge
Portsmouth
The major bus station for departures in Cambridge is Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) for your trip from Cambridge to Portsmouth.
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Portsmouth is Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange for your trip to Portsmouth from Cambridge.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
The HardWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at The Hard (in the station)
- Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available near the waiting area.
Public transit options for Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
- Bus: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14 Train: South Western Railway, Southern, Great Western Railway
Portsmouth, University
information
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Wharf RoadWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café in the terminal (in the station)
- Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Portsmouth, International Port
- Bus: 8, 20, 700 Train: Portsmouth Harbour
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Portsmouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Portsmouth and Cambridge
Most popular bus connections to Portsmouth
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