- 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.
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
3 h 17 m
Average duration
3 h 17 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
164 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 10 trains that leave Cardiff for Portsmouth on Sat, Jul 25, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 25 the direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 3 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 17 m .
On Sat, Jul 25 the slowest trains will take 3 h 17 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
C42269
C42271
C42266
C42267
C42264
C42262
C42259
C42258
C42261
C42266Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 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 $15, and a train costs an average of $34.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration 6h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Cardiff to Portsmouth:
A bus is $45 (€45) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Portsmouth costing on average $78 (€78).
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 16m.
Tickets start at around $78 (€78) compared to roughly $40 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-38.28 (€-38.28). The journey takes 3h 20m versus 2h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Portsmouth trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C42256 | 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 11:47 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42258 | 9:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 12:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42259 | 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 1:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42261 | 11:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 2:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42262 | 12:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 3:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42264 | 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 4:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42266 | 2:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 5:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42267 | 3:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 6:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 (€34) but you can travel from only $15 (€15) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 3h 16m.
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average train duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€34) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 3h 16m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
World-class museum housing Henry VIII's raised flagship. See the preserved Tudor warship and immersive galleries on life aboard.
Museum dedicated to HMS Victory and Nelson's navy. Learn about the Battle of Trafalgar and life in the age of sail.
Historic ironclad from 1860 that changed naval warfare. Explore decks, engine spaces and displays in the Historic Dockyard.
Historic harbourfront quarter with cobbled lanes, old pubs, sea walls and major naval attractions. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Atmospheric old quarter with narrow streets, Georgian houses and waterfront views. Great for history, churches and a quieter local feel.
Lively seafront district known for beach walks, gardens, castle and independent venues. A classic area for promenade views and relaxation.
A Portsmouth classic of battered cod or haddock with chips, tied to the city’s long naval and seafaring tradition and best eaten fresh by the waterfront.
Fresh crab landed on the south coast, often served simply in sandwiches or salads. It reflects Portsmouth’s harbour access and strong seafood culture.
Portsmouth sits by rich oyster waters, and oysters are a traditional local treat served raw or dressed, prized for their fresh, briny flavour.
Refined fine dining in Southsea known for modern British tasting menus, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
Lively Southsea venue famous for fresh seafood and shellfish, offering a casual setting popular with locals and visitors.
Historic waterside pub in Old Portsmouth serving cask ales and classic British dishes with harbour views and traditional character.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transit are mid-range for a coastal city.
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.
Official public transport app
Portsmouth Harbour -> Commercial Road, Portsmouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Portsmouth by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Portsmouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Portsmouth trains use the Cardiff Central to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth Harbour. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Birchgrove is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Birchgrove has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Birchgrove.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birchgrove: Parking.
Available at Birchgrove: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birchgrove: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Step free access is available from Waun y Groes Avenue, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth Harbour has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth Harbour: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Fratton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Fratton.
Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.
Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.
Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fratton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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