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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth
Showing times and prices for Jan 25
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
3 h 21 m
Average duration
3 h 34 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
164 km
Cheap tickets
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 $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Cardiff for Portsmouth on Sun, Jan 25, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jan 25 the direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 3 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 21 m .
On Sun, Jan 25 the slowest trains will take 4 h 11 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.
10:25AM3h21
Cardiff01:46PMPortsmouth
$831One-way
0 transfers
09:23AM3h23
Cardiff12:46PMPortsmouth
$1101One-way
0 transfers
09:25AM3h21
Cardiff12:46PMPortsmouth
$1101One-way
0 transfers
08:35AM4h11
Cardiff12:46PMPortsmouth
$1101One-way
0 transfers
09:25AM3h21
Cardiff12:46PMPortsmouth
$1101One-way
0 transfers
10:25AM3h21
Cardiff01:46PMPortsmouth
$831One-way
0 transfers
09:23AM3h23
Cardiff12:46PMPortsmouth
$1101One-way
0 transfers
08:35AM4h11
Cardiff12:46PMPortsmouth
$1101One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Portsmouth
Omio 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 €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 19m. 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 €14, and a train costs an average of €43.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€84 Average price | €28 Average price Cheapest |
3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration 6h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Portsmouth train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Portsmouth trains for tomorrow, Sunday, January 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 2:50 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:35 AM Cardiff | 4h11 | 12:46 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:23 AM Cardiff | 3h23 | 12:46 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:25 AM Cardiff | 3h21 | 12:46 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:25 AM Cardiff | 3h21 | 1:46 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Portsmouth 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.
Sun
Jan 25
Jan 25
Mon
Jan 26
Jan 26
Tue
Jan 27
Jan 27
Wed
Jan 28
Jan 28
Thu
Jan 29
Jan 29
Fri
Jan 30
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Jan 31
Why should you book Cardiff to Portsmouth trains with Omio?
Great Western Rail as well as first_great_western offer trains services from Cardiff to Portsmouth. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
- 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 Great Western Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Great Western Rail tickets can be bought on Great Western Rail's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of first_great_western to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Portsmouth
United KingdomUnited KingdomTrain Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Cardiff to Portsmouth start from as low as $54 (€43) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $106 (€84) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 5 daily trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth with 3 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 3h 16m but the average duration is 3h 19m
Train Operators
- Travel from Cardiff to Portsmouth with Great Western Rail and first_great_western
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Great Western Rail.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Cardiff Central (CDF) and arrive in Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
- First train typically departs at 04:01 AM and the last at 09:20 PM
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average train duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€43) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 16m |
First train 04:01 |
Last train 21:20 |
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
Bus from $17 (€14)
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
Bus from $17 (€14)
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff to Portsmouth trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Portsmouth from $17 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
$54 (€43)
Great Western Rail frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Price
$149 (€118)
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to 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.
Train ticket prices from Cardiff to Portsmouth can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $54 (€43), while the average price is around $106 (€84).
The train from Cardiff to Portsmouth takes 3h 16m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Cardiff to Portsmouth leaves at 4:01 AM.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Portsmouth is 101 miles (164 km).
The last train from Cardiff to Portsmouth leaves at 9:20 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cardiff to Portsmouth. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Portsmouth is Cardiff Central (CDF), which connects to Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Portsmouth is by bus, with a cost of around $17 (€14).
The train journey from Cardiff to Portsmouth offers a mix of scenic views, including the picturesque countryside of South Wales, the Severn Estuary's coastal landscapes, and glimpses of the rolling hills and greenery across southern England.
A day trip from Cardiff to Portsmouth is not feasible as the travel time is 3h 16m. However, there are 5 trains per day. The distance between these cities is 101 miles (164 km).
Spending two to three days in Portsmouth is generally enough to explore key attractions such as the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, and enjoy the vibrant waterfront.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Portsmouth
Cardiff
Portsmouth
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Public transit options for Heath High Level
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
The major train station for arrivals in Portsmouth is Portsmouth & Southsea. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Portsmouth & Southsea for your journey to Portsmouth from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:30 Saturday 05:40 - 20:30 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Lower Concourse, next to the gateline. The National key toilets are located in the Lower Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Concourse and car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Portsmouth & Southsea
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 19:00 Saturday 06:30 - 19:00 Sunday 08:00 - 19:00
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platform 1 and outside booking hall
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Portsmouth Harbour
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Hard Interchange Stands G, H or J
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:55 - 19:40 Saturday 05:55 - 19:40 Sunday 09:10 - 18:40
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100
Public transit options for Fratton
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Goldsmith Avenue (for buses in both directions). Goldsmith Avenue is located on the opposite side of the footbridge from the main entrance/taxi rank/Railway club.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Portsmouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Portsmouth and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Portsmouth
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