Portsmouth to Cambridge bus with National Express

Sat, Mar 21
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Portsmouth to Cambridge

Showing times and prices for Mar 21

Cheapest price

$34

Average price

$65

Fastest journey

4 h 40 m

Average duration

5 h 2 m

Buses per day

15

Distance

177 km

Cheap tickets

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 $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.

Fast buses

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

National ExpressNX030 · NX491
10:34AM6h21
Portsmouth, University
04:55PMCambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
$341One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX030 · NX491
10:50AM6h05
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
04:55PMCambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
$391One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX030 · NX727
04:55PM4h40
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
09:35PMCambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
$481One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX030 · NX727
04:39PM4h56
Portsmouth, University
09:35PMCambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
$481One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX030 · NX728
05:50AM5h45
Portsmouth, University
11:35AMCambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
$571One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Portsmouth to Cambridge

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. 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 $29, and a bus costs an average of $34.

Distance: 109 miles (177 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

$54

Average price

$45

Average price

Cheapest

5h 58m

Average total duration

5h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 51m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Portsmouth to Cambridge Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05AM
Arrival Time
09:55AM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
09:55AM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:20AM
Arrival Time
11:35AM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
11:35AM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:50AM
Arrival Time
11:35AM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
11:35AM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$58
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
01:25PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$90
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:14AM
Arrival Time
01:25PM
Duration
5h11
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:20AM
Arrival Time
01:25PM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$93
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
01:25PM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:34AM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
6h31
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:50AM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:34PM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
6h26
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:50PM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:29PM
Arrival Time
09:35PM
Duration
5h06
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$83
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:39PM
Arrival Time
09:35PM
Duration
4h56
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45PM
Arrival Time
09:35PM
Duration
4h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:55PM
Arrival Time
09:35PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:10PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:15PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$87

Live departures

Portsmouth to Cambridge bus times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cambridge buses for today, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 2:04 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX030 · NX727
On time
8:15 PM Portsmouth, International Port
5h30
1:45 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
1 transfer
Saturday, March 21
national_expressNX030 · NX7283:05 AM Portsmouth, University
6h50
9:55 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)1 transfer
national_expressNX030 · NX7283:20 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
6h35
9:55 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)1 transfer
national_expressNX030 · NX7285:50 AM Portsmouth, University
5h45
11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)1 transfer
national_expressNX030 · NX7286:05 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
5h30
11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)1 transfer
national_expressNX030 · NX7278:14 AM Portsmouth, University
5h11
1:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)1 transfer
national_expressNX030 · NX7278:30 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
4h55
1:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)1 transfer
national_expressNX030 · NX491
Delayed
12:19 PM 10:34 AMPortsmouth, University
6h21
4:55 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
1 transfer
national_expressNX030 · NX491
On time
10:50 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
6h05
4:55 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
1 transfer
national_expressNX030 · NX7271:34 PM Portsmouth, University
6h01
7:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)1 transfer
national_expressNX030 · NX7271:50 PM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
5h45
7:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Cambridge by bus or train

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.

Sat
Mar 21
Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26
Fri
Mar 27

Why should you book Portsmouth to Cambridge buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth to Cambridge.

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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Cambridge.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Portsmouth to Cambridge run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) but you can travel from only $29 (€23) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 21:12. The fastest bus covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 5h 46m.

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
Train from $29 (€23)
Distance
109 miles (177 km)
Average bus duration
5h 28m
Cheapest ticket price
$34 (€28)
Buses per day
15
Fastest bus
5h 46m
First bus
03:05
Last bus
21:12
Cheapest month
Aug
Cheapest day
Sun
High season
Apr - Jun
Low season
Jan - Mar
Busiest day
Mon
Least busy day
Sat
Best day to book ahead
6 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $29 (€23)

Bus providers: National Express from Portsmouth to CambridgeYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Cambridge with National Express for as low as $29 (€23). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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 46m
Cheapest Price
$34 (€28)
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.

FAQs: Bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Portsmouth to Cambridge can start from as little as $34 (€28) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portsmouth to Cambridge is $54 (€44) ; 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 Portsmouth to Cambridge is 5h 46m 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 Portsmouth to Cambridge leaves at 3:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge leaves at 9:12 PM.
There are 15 buses a day from Portsmouth to Cambridge which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cambridge. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Portsmouth and Cambridge and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cambridge from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 46m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Cambridge including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cambridge are:
  • King's College Chapel, a stunning example of Gothic architecture known for its impressive fan vault and beautiful stained glass windows
  • The Fitzwilliam Museum, a renowned museum housing a vast collection of art and antiquities from around the world
  • The Backs, a picturesque area along the River Cam offering scenic views of the colleges and lush gardens
  • Trinity College, one of the largest and wealthiest colleges in Cambridge, famous for its historic Great Court and library
  • Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a 40-acre garden showcasing a diverse range of plant species and offering a tranquil escape from the city.
The best things to do in Cambridge include:
  • Punting on the River Cam, a traditional Cambridge activity offering scenic views of the colleges and bridges
  • Visit the Cambridge Science Centre, an interactive museum perfect for families and science enthusiasts
  • Explore the historic Market Square, where you can find local produce, crafts, and street food
  • Attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, featuring a variety of shows from drama to comedy
  • Take a guided walking tour to discover the rich history and hidden gems of Cambridge.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge 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.
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 Portsmouth to Cambridge.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge:
  • 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 Portsmouth to Cambridge:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Portsmouth to Cambridge with the following bus company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Portsmouth to Cambridge

Portsmouth
Cambridge
The major bus station for departures 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 from Portsmouth to Cambridge.
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 05:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
The Hard
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at The Hard (in the station)
  • Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
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
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Wharf Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café in the terminal (in the station)
  • Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Portsmouth, International Port
  • Bus: 8, 20, 700 Train: Portsmouth Harbour

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