- 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
$23
Average price
$71
Fastest journey
3 h 22 m
Average duration
3 h 44 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Portsmouth will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
Of the 4 trains that leave Exeter for Portsmouth on Fri, Jun 05, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct trains cover the 172 km distance in an average of 3 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 22 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 16 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 Exeter to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $63 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Exeter to Portsmouth:
A bus is $20 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Portsmouth costing on average $83 (€67).
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 38m.
Tickets start at around $83 (€67) compared to roughly $47 (€38) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-35.65 (€-28.83). The journey takes 2h 58m versus 2h 58m 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 Exeter to Portsmouth trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79414+ G15012 | On time 12:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h25 | 3:50 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 transfer | |
Y80254 · G14923 · G15013 | On time 12:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h08 | 4:50 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 2 transfers | |
Y80254+ L79425+ G15013 | On time 12:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h08 | 4:50 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 2 transfers | |
L79425+ G15013 | On time 1:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h25 | 4:50 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 transfer | |
Y80260 · W34582 · G15015 | On time 1:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h05 | 5:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 2 transfers | |
G14923 · G15013 | On time 1:42 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h08 | 4:50 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 transfer | |
Y80260+ L79435+ G15015 | On time 1:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h05 | 5:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 2 transfers | |
L79435+ G15015 | On time 2:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h22 | 5:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 transfer | |
Y80266 · G14926 · G15017 | On time 2:43 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h06 | 6:49 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 2 transfers | |
W34582 · G15015 | On time 2:43 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h04 | 5:47 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 transfer | |
Y80266+ L79447+ G15017 | On time 2:43 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h06 | 6:49 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 2 transfers | |
L79447+ G15017 | On time 3:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h24 | 6:49 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, June 5 | |||||
![]() | 5:10 AM Exeter | 4h16 | 9:26 AM Portsmouth | 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 Exeter to Portsmouth run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€18) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:51. The fastest train covers the 106 miles (172 km) distance in 3h 22m.
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€18) |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 3h 22m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 10:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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.
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 Exeter 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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