Edinburgh to Portsmouth bus with National Express

Sun, Sep 20
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Portsmouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

€51

Average ticket price on Sep 20

€72

Fastest journey on Sep 20

13 h 25 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

13 h 46 m

Buses on Sep 20

7

Distance

590 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Portsmouth will cost around €72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €51.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Portsmouth without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX598 · NX030
    10:05 PM14h15
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    12:20 PMPortsmouth, University
    511One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX591 · NX030
    10:35 AM13h55
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    12:30 AMPortsmouth, The Hard Interchange
    511One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX598 · NX030
    10:05 PM14h10
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    12:15 PMPortsmouth, The Hard Interchange
    511One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX591 · NX030
    10:35 AM13h58
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    12:33 AMPortsmouth, University
    531One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX598 · NX030
    10:05 PM14h00
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    12:05 PMPortsmouth, International Port
    611One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Portsmouth

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €78 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €78, while a flight costs an average of €261.

Distance: 366 miles (590 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight
Driving

€78

Average price

Cheapest

€128

Average price

€261

Average price

€178

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

12h 57m

Average total duration

12h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 56m

Average total duration

6h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 20m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

8h 7m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.6 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.8 - 3.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

London North Eastern Railway

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

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 Edinburgh to Portsmouth is a bus with an average price of €78.

This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Portsmouth:

A bus is €50 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Portsmouth costing on average €128.

A bus is €183 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Portsmouth costing on average €261.

The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Portsmouth is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 20m.

Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:

Train takes on average 6h 26m.

Bus takes on average 12h 27m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Portsmouth including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Portsmouth among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around €78 compared to roughly €178 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €100. The journey takes 12h 27m versus 8h 7m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Direct services are operated by Megabus.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

Edinburgh to Portsmouth Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:35AM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
13h55
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35AM
Arrival Time
12:33AM
Duration
13h58
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05PM
Arrival Time
11:20AM
Duration
14h15
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:25PM
Arrival Time
10:45AM
Duration
13h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45PM
Arrival Time
12:15PM
Duration
14h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:05PM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
14h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
51

Live departures

Edinburgh to Portsmouth bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Portsmouth buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX594 · NX0309:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
13h20
10:45 AM Portsmouth, University1 transfer
National ExpressNX594 · NX0309:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
13h15
10:40 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX598 · NX0309:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h30
12:15 PM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX598 · NX0309:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h35
12:20 PM Portsmouth, University1 transfer
National ExpressNX598 · NX0309:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h20
12:05 PM Portsmouth, International Port1 transfer
National ExpressNX591 · NX03010:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
13h55
12:30 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX591 · NX03010:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
13h58
12:33 AM Portsmouth, University1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Portsmouth by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book Edinburgh to Portsmouth buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus offer buses services from Edinburgh to Portsmouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh 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 Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Portsmouth.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Portsmouth.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Portsmouth.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Portsmouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 12h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €36 but you can travel from only €28 by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 366 miles (590 km) distance in 10h 50m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €28
Distance
366 miles (590 km)
Average bus duration
12h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
€36
Buses per day
6
Fastest bus
10h 50m
First bus
3:05 AM
Last bus
11:40 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
1 day
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €28

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Edinburgh to PortsmouthYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Portsmouth with National Express, FlixBus for as low as €28. 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 FlixBus Duration
10h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€86
FlixBus frequency
4 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 National Express Duration
11h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
€36
National Express frequency
5 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

Mary Rose Museum

World-class museum housing Henry VIII's raised flagship. See the preserved Tudor warship and immersive galleries on life aboard.

  • Must visit

HMS Victory

Museum dedicated to HMS Victory and Nelson's navy. Learn about the Battle of Trafalgar and life in the age of sail.

  • Must visit

HMS Warrior 1860

Historic ironclad from 1860 that changed naval warfare. Explore decks, engine spaces and displays in the Historic Dockyard.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transit are mid-range for a coastal city.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Portsmouth can start from as little as €36 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Edinburgh to Portsmouth is €78 ; 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 Edinburgh to Portsmouth is 10h 50m to travel the 366 miles (590 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 Edinburgh to Portsmouth leaves at 3:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 6 buses a day from Edinburgh to Portsmouth which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth, you can count on National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Portsmouth. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Portsmouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Portsmouth from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Portsmouth including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth for bus company National Express, Megabus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Edinburgh to Portsmouth depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
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 Edinburgh to Portsmouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Portsmouth:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Portsmouth:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Since neither Edinburgh 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Portsmouth

Most Edinburgh to Portsmouth buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth, University. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Portsmouth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Portsmouth

Which Edinburgh station do buses to Portsmouth leave from?

Buses from Edinburgh to Portsmouth leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre

Bus10, 11 · 2m · €2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · €1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · €4 · every ~38 min

Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services

Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.

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