- Must visit
The Mary Rose
Flagship Tudor warship museum displaying Henry VIII’s raised vessel and thousands of recovered artefacts. One of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s signature experiences.
Cheapest price
$150
Average price
$150
Fastest journey
7 h 48 m
Average duration
7 h 48 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
293 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chester to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chester to Portsmouth will cost around $150 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $150.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chester for Portsmouth on Thu, Jul 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct trains cover the 293 km distance in an average of 7 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 48 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest trains will take 7 h 48 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chester to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $154.
Distance: 182 miles (293 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$142 Average price | $59 Average price Cheapest | $165 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 31m Average total duration 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 28m Average total duration 8h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chester to Portsmouth:
A bus is $84 (€69) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chester to Portsmouth costing on average $142 (€117).
A bus is $107 (€88) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chester to Portsmouth costing on average $165 (€136).
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 1m.
Bus takes on average 8h 58m.
Tickets start at around $142 (€117) compared to roughly $78 (€64) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-64.24 (€-52.81). The journey takes 5h 1m versus 4h 44m 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.
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Chester to Portsmouth run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $89 (€73) but you can travel from only $42 (€35) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:09, the last at 19:56. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (293 km) distance in 4h 25m.
Distance 182 miles (293 km) |
Average train duration 5h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€73) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 25m |
First train 4:09 AM |
Last train 7:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
Flagship Tudor warship museum displaying Henry VIII’s raised vessel and thousands of recovered artefacts. One of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s signature experiences.
Major naval museum covering Britain’s maritime history through galleries, ships, uniforms, and interactive displays within the dockyard area.
City museum and gallery with local history, art collections, and rotating exhibitions. A solid choice for understanding Portsmouth beyond the dockyard.
Historic waterfront quarter with narrow streets, fortifications, pubs, and harbour views. One of the city’s most characterful walking areas.
Long promenade area with beach, piers, gardens, and views across the Solent. Very popular for walking, sunsets, and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
The city’s flagship heritage area bringing together major naval attractions, museum spaces, and historic waterfront scenery.
Classic British battered fish with chips, especially fitting in this historic seaside city with strong naval and fishing links.
A local favourite of battered fish fingers in a soft roll, often served with tartare sauce; a casual South Coast comfort food.
Fresh dressed crab in bread or a roll, showcasing the South Coast’s seafood and commonly found around Portsmouth and nearby harbours.
Long-established independent bistro in Old Portsmouth, known for seasonal British dishes, seafood, and a cosy intimate atmosphere.
Well-regarded Southsea venue serving modern British food with a neighbourhood feel, noted for brunches and relaxed dining.
Stylish Southsea seafront restaurant known for seafood, modern British cooking, and sea views in a polished but relaxed setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise in summer, but dining, buses, and pubs are usually manageable for most travellers.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in pubs and taxis. No tip expected for counter service, though small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth -> Portsmouth & Southsea, Portsmouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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 Chester to Portsmouth trains use the Chester to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth Harbour. Use this guide to compare Chester and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
ATMs are available at Chester.
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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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