Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Portsmouth to Bournemouth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 20m. 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 $9, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 34 miles (56 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $22 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 22m Average total duration 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.1kg 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 Portsmouth to Bournemouth:
A bus is $2 (€1) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Bournemouth costing on average $22 (€18).
Other travel options to Bournemouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 52m.
You'll arrive about -1h -49m sooner (1h 52m by bus vs 1h 3m by car) and save roughly $-1.56 (€-1.28) compared to fuel and tolls ($20 (€17) vs $19 (€15)). 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 National Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Portsmouth to Bournemouth Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 07:22AM | Arrival Time 09:27AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:53AM | Duration 1h53 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 08:22AM | Arrival Time 10:19AM | Duration 1h57 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 11:52AM | Duration 1h52 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 10:42AM | Arrival Time 12:46PM | Duration 2h04 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Bournemouth 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.
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Why should you book Portsmouth to Bournemouth buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 Portsmouth to Bournemouth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Bournemouth.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Bournemouth
Buses from Portsmouth to Bournemouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:32. The fastest bus covers the 34 miles (56 km) distance in 1h 30m.
Distance 34 miles (56 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 1h 30m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Bus providers: National Express from Portsmouth to BournemouthYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Bournemouth with National Express for as low as $9 (€7). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
FAQs: Bus from Portsmouth to Bournemouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- Bournemouth Beach, a popular sandy beach stretching for miles with a pier and various water activities
- Bournemouth Pier, a Victorian-era pier offering entertainment, dining, and panoramic views of the coastline
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, a historic house museum featuring a diverse collection of art and artifacts
- Bournemouth Gardens, a series of beautiful gardens perfect for leisurely walks and picnics
- St. Peter's Church, a historic church known for its stunning architecture and the resting place of Mary Shelley.
- Oceanarium, an aquarium featuring marine life from various global habitats
- Lower Gardens, a well-maintained public park with floral displays and seasonal events
- Boscombe Chine Gardens, a picturesque garden with a mini-golf course and water play area
- Hengistbury Head, a nature reserve ideal for hiking and birdwatching
- Bournemouth Aviation Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of aviation.
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Portsmouth to Bournemouth
- 05:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at The Hard (in the station)
- Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance
- Elevators, ramps
- Available near the waiting area
- Bus: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14 Train: South Western Railway, Southern, Great Western Railway
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Bournemouth
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