- Must visit
Mary Rose Museum
Award-winning museum built around Henry VIII’s raised Tudor warship, with thousands of recovered objects and immersive displays.
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$22
Fastest journey
6 h 23 m
Average duration
6 h 23 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
161 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Canterbury to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Canterbury to Portsmouth will cost around $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 1 buses that leave Canterbury for Portsmouth on Fri, Jun 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct buses cover the 161 km distance in an average of 6 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 23 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest buses will take 6 h 23 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.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $42.
Distance: 100 miles (161 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $56 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 24m Average total duration 4h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Canterbury to Portsmouth:
A bus is $24 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Portsmouth costing on average $56 (€45).
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 54m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 01:18AM | Duration 6h23 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 02:18AM | Duration 6h23 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Portsmouth buses for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:50 PM Canterbury | 5h15 | 10:05 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Buses from Canterbury to Portsmouth run on average 21 times per day, taking around 4h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 21:08. The fastest bus covers the 100 miles (161 km) distance in 5h 15m.
Distance 100 miles (161 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Buses per day 21 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 3:05 AM |
Last bus 9:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
Award-winning museum built around Henry VIII’s raised Tudor warship, with thousands of recovered objects and immersive displays.
Major naval museum complex interpreting Britain’s maritime history, with galleries linked to the Historic Dockyard attractions.
City museum covering Portsmouth’s history, Sherlock Holmes material, and changing art exhibitions in a central Victorian building.
Popular waterfront district for harbour views, shopping, and promenades beneath the Spinnaker Tower.
Historic quarter of narrow streets, pubs, sea walls, and heritage buildings with strong maritime character.
Long promenade with beaches, piers, gardens, and classic coastal views, especially lively in warmer months.
Sweet local crab from the Solent, often served dressed or in sandwiches. It is a classic seafood specialty linked to the city’s fishing heritage.
Fresh oysters from nearby waters, prized for their clean briny flavor. They are a long-standing regional delicacy on the south coast.
A British seaside staple of battered fish with chips, especially popular in Portsmouth’s harbor areas. Best enjoyed fresh with salt and vinegar.
Established traditional pub in Old Portsmouth with a cozy atmosphere, real ales, and reliable British pub food.
Long-running independent bistro in Old Portsmouth, popular for modern British cooking, seafood, and a smart but friendly atmosphere.
Historic harborside pub near Old Portsmouth, known for seafood, classic British dishes, and excellent views across the water.
Generally moderate for UK travelers: pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while seafront hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is optional in cafes and pubs unless table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange -> Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury 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.

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