- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$34
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$55
Fastest journey on Sep 18
4 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
5 h 11 m
Buses on Sep 18
15
Distance
177 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Cambridge without transferring at least once.
NX030 · NX491
NX030 · NX491
NX030 · NX727
NX030 · NX727
NX030 · NX728
NX030 · NX727
NX030 · NX727
NX030 · NX727
NX030 · NX727
NX030 · NX727Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $69 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $69, while a bus costs an average of $71.
Distance: 109 miles (177 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Cambridge:
A train is $2 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge costing on average $71.
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 18m.
Tickets start at around $71 compared to roughly $48 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-22.91. The journey takes 4h 18m versus 2h 44m 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.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 5h11 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:34AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 6h21 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:49AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 6h16 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:34AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 6h21 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:49AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h16 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:39PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 7h21 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:34PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 6h26 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:54PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 5h41 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:29PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 5h06 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:39PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 4h56 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cambridge buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX030 · NX727 | 3:54 PM Portsmouth, University | 5h41 | 9:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX727 | 4:10 PM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 5h25 | 9:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX727 | 7:55 PM Portsmouth, University | 5h50 | 1:45 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX727 | 8:10 PM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 5h35 | 1:45 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX727 | 8:15 PM Portsmouth, International Port | 5h30 | 1:45 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX728 | 3:05 AM Portsmouth, University | 6h50 | 9:55 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX728 | 3:20 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h35 | 9:55 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX728 | 5:20 AM Portsmouth, University | 6h15 | 11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX728 | 5:35 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h00 | 11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX727 | 8:00 AM Portsmouth, University | 5h25 | 1:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX727 | 8:20 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 5h05 | 1:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX491 | 10:34 AM Portsmouth, University | 6h31 | 5:05 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX491 | 10:50 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h15 | 5:05 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX727 | 1:34 PM Portsmouth, University | 6h26 | 8:00 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX030 · NX727 | 1:50 PM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h10 | 8:00 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
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 Portsmouth to Cambridge run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 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 3h 55m.
Distance 109 miles (177 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 3h 55m |
First bus 3:05 AM |
Last bus 9:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
Compact museum of polar exploration with artifacts, sledges and expedition stories. Excellent for understanding Arctic and Antarctic history.
Acclaimed anthropology museum displaying world cultures through remarkable objects and thoughtful interpretation. Rich, memorable and family friendly.
The city's most famous riverside walking area, lined with college gardens and views. Classic place for strolling, punting and photography.
Historic central square with market stalls, buskers and everyday city life. A practical and lively base for sightseeing and shopping.
Leafy riverside common ideal for walking, picnics and broad views of the college skyline. Popular with locals and visitors year-round.
A creamy dessert of whipped cream, meringue and raspberry coulis, created at Cambridge’s Trinity College and named after the River Cam.
The Cambridge version of crème brûlée, linked to Trinity College. It has a rich custard base with a hard caramelised sugar top.
Tender local asparagus from the Cambridgeshire fens, prized in spring for its sweetness and freshness, often served simply with butter or eggs.
Elegant riverside fine dining restaurant known for refined British tasting menus and polished service in a historic setting.
Historic city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with seasonal ingredients in a smart, intimate atmosphere.
Well-known Cambridge pub and dining room offering classic British dishes, cask ales and a lively, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost more in peak season, but dining and local buses are manageable for most tourists.
Service may be included; if not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) -> Cambridge City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to Cambridge buses use the Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Cambridge bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Portsmouth, International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth, International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the terminal (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, International Port.
Available at Portsmouth, International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, International Port: Elevators, ramps.
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