- 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 Hemel Hempstead to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $34. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $34, and a train costs an average of $34.
Distance: 70 miles (114 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $31 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 13m.
Tickets start at around $41 (€34) compared to roughly $31 (€25) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-10.45 (€-8.58). The journey takes 2h 22m versus 1h 34m 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 Hemel Hempstead to Portsmouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:41, the last at 21:42. The fastest train covers the 70 miles (114 km) distance in 3h 7m.
Distance 70 miles (114 km) |
Average train duration 2h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€28) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 7m |
First train 1:41 AM |
Last train 9:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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.
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 Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead to Portsmouth trains use the Hemel Hempstead to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Fratton. Use this guide to compare Hemel Hempstead and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Hemel Hempstead is 1 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre. Public transport options include:
Hemel Hempstead has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Fishery Wharf Cafe
ATMs are available at Hemel Hempstead.
Ticket office support is available at Hemel Hempstead. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Parking, WC.
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hemel Hempstead: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Card payment only, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Apsley is 2 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre. Public transport options include:
Apsley has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Apsley.
Ticket office support is available at Apsley. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Apsley: Parking, WC.
Available at Apsley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Apsley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is accessible outside the Booking Hall, for card payment only, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, 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.
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.
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