- Must visit
Mary Rose Museum
Award-winning museum built around Henry VIII’s raised Tudor warship, with thousands of recovered objects and immersive displays.
Cheapest price
$163
Average price
$169
Fastest journey
7 h 30 m
Average duration
7 h 40 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
590 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Portsmouth will cost around $169 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $163.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Portsmouth without transferring at least 2 times.
C01986+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo+
L79804
G80078+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Victoria+
X89870
C01986+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo+
L79804
G80078+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Victoria+
X89870Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $99.
Distance: 366 miles (590 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$146 Average price | $79 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $219 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 36m Average total duration 13h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.8 - 3.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Edinburgh to Portsmouth:
A flight is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Edinburgh to Portsmouth costing on average $79 (€64).
A flight is $84 (€67) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Portsmouth costing on average $146 (€117).
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 0m.
Bus takes on average 13h 6m.
The journey is about 1h 7m faster (7h 0m by train vs 8h 7m by car) and roughly $73 (€59) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($146 (€117) vs $219 (€176)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Portsmouth trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:00 AM Edinburgh | 7h30 | 2:30 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:26 AM Edinburgh | 7h03 | 2:29 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 AM Edinburgh | 8h04 | 4:04 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:26 AM Edinburgh | 7h47 | 4:13 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:52 AM Edinburgh | 8h21 | 5:13 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:52 AM Edinburgh | 7h37 | 6:29 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Edinburgh to Portsmouth run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $99 (€80) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:03, the last at 20:36. The fastest train covers the 366 miles (590 km) distance in 6h 57m.
Distance 366 miles (590 km) |
Average train duration 7h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $99 (€80) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 6h 57m |
First train 4:03 AM |
Last train 8:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
Award-winning museum built around Henry VIII’s raised Tudor warship, with thousands of recovered objects and immersive displays.
Major naval museum complex interpreting Britain’s maritime history, with galleries linked to the Historic Dockyard attractions.
City museum covering Portsmouth’s history, Sherlock Holmes material, and changing art exhibitions in a central Victorian building.
Popular waterfront district for harbour views, shopping, and promenades beneath the Spinnaker Tower.
Historic quarter of narrow streets, pubs, sea walls, and heritage buildings with strong maritime character.
Long promenade with beaches, piers, gardens, and classic coastal views, especially lively in warmer months.
Sweet local crab from the Solent, often served dressed or in sandwiches. It is a classic seafood specialty linked to the city’s fishing heritage.
Fresh oysters from nearby waters, prized for their clean briny flavor. They are a long-standing regional delicacy on the south coast.
A British seaside staple of battered fish with chips, especially popular in Portsmouth’s harbor areas. Best enjoyed fresh with salt and vinegar.
Established traditional pub in Old Portsmouth with a cozy atmosphere, real ales, and reliable British pub food.
Long-running independent bistro in Old Portsmouth, popular for modern British cooking, seafood, and a smart but friendly atmosphere.
Historic harborside pub near Old Portsmouth, known for seafood, classic British dishes, and excellent views across the water.
Generally moderate for UK travelers: pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while seafront hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is optional in cafes and pubs unless table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Portsmouth Harbour -> Portsmouth City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

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