- 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.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gillingham to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $69, and a train costs an average of $69.
Distance: 54 miles (87 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$70 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $70 (€57) compared to roughly $39 (€32) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-31.08 (€-25.54). The journey takes 1h 44m versus 1h 40m 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 train 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 Gillingham to Portsmouth run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $69 (€57) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 21:52. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (87 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 54 miles (87 km) |
Average train duration 1h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€57) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 5m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 9:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Gillingham 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 Gillingham to Portsmouth trains use the Gillingham (Dorset) to Portsmouth Harbour station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth & Southsea. Use this guide to compare Gillingham and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gillingham (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham (Dorset).
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham (Dorset). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Parking, WC.
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham (Dorset): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 Station. Some step-free access to all platforms - please check details. Step-free access to Platform 1 (most trains in both directions) via level access, or short ramp. Steps to Platform 2 (some trains in both directions) or step-free approximately 100m via barrow crossing with assistance only, when station is staffed, Accessible taxis: Pre-booked only, 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, 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.
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.
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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