- Must visit
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Major naval heritage attraction with historic warships, exhibitions, and dockyard buildings explaining Britain's maritime story.
Cheapest price
$0.00
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
6 h 18 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Portsmouth to Gillingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Gillingham without transferring at least 4 times.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Gillingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $94. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $94, and a bus costs an average of $97.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$116 Average price | $94 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Gillingham:
A train is $22 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Portsmouth to Gillingham costing on average $116.
Other travel options to Gillingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 52m.
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 06:05AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 01:18PM | Duration 5h58 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 01:38PM | Duration 5h48 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:57PM | Duration 6h52 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 08:37PM | Duration 8h02 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 10:36PM | Duration 7h41 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 08:18AM | Duration 13h33 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Gillingham buses for today, Saturday, August 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX030 · NX007 | 6:45 PM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 5h45 | 12:30 AM Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, August 16 | |||||
![]() | 7:40 AM Portsmouth | 5h45 | 1:25 PM Gillingham | 4 transfers | |
![]() | 10:05 AM Portsmouth | 6h50 | 4:55 PM Gillingham | 4 transfers | |
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 Portsmouth to Gillingham run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $97 but you can travel from only $94 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 05:05, the last at 21:58. The fastest bus covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 5h 41m.
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 41m |
First bus 5:05 AM |
Last bus 9:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
Major naval heritage attraction with historic warships, exhibitions, and dockyard buildings explaining Britain's maritime story.
Literary museum in Dickens's former home, displaying personal objects and exploring the author's Rochester connections.
Historic house and museum dedicated to local engineer and entrepreneur Huguenot heritage, with period rooms and displays.
Historic high street lined with independent shops and period buildings, leading to the cathedral and castle.
Large urban park with formal gardens, sports spaces, play areas, and broad paths popular with local walkers.
Popular riverside country park with birdlife, open views across the estuary, and easy paths for relaxed walks.
Kentish Huffkin is a light, oval bread roll from Kent, traditionally eaten split and filled or served with local cheese and fruit preserves.
Canterbury Tart is a Kent dessert tart, usually filled with apple or jam and topped with almond frangipane, linked to regional home baking traditions.
Gypsy Tart is a famous Kent school pudding made with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar in a pastry shell, loved across the county.
Popular Turkish grill restaurant known for generous kebabs, meze and charcoal-cooked dishes in a lively, modern setting.
Well-known Nepalese and Indian restaurant serving curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Established steakhouse and grill offering burgers, ribs and steaks in a casual setting suited to groups and family meals.
Moderate for southeast England: rooms and rail can add up, but pubs, chain cafes, and local buses keep daily costs manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre -> Chatham Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Gillingham 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 Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to Gillingham buses use the Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange to Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Gillingham 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.
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade. ATMs are available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade.
Ticket office support is available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade.
Available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade: Bus station is accessible for persons with reduced mobility.
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.
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre is 5 km from Gillingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple restaurants in the shopping centre.
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre. ATMs are several ATMs inside the shopping centre.
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre.
Available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: The area is wheelchair accessible.
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