- Must visit
Mary Rose Museum
World-class museum housing Henry VIII's raised flagship. See the preserved Tudor warship and immersive galleries on life aboard.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$60
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$61
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 51 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 57 m
Trains on Sep 18
2
Distance
209 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ipswich to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ipswich to Portsmouth will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 2 trains from Ipswich to Portsmouth, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 209 km distance in an average of 3 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 51 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 4 h 2 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Ipswich to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $77 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 46m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $77, while a bus costs an average of $77.
Distance: 129 miles (209 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 24m Average total duration 5h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ipswich to Portsmouth:
A train is $0.01 (€0.01) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Ipswich to Portsmouth costing on average $77 (€63).
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 54m.
Tickets start at around $77 (€63) compared to roughly $60 (€49) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-16.82 (€-13.77). The journey takes 3h 16m versus 2h 55m 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 Ipswich to Portsmouth trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:12 AM Ipswich | 3h51 | 10:03 AM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:10 AM Ipswich | 4h21 | 1:31 PM Portsmouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and 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 Ipswich to Portsmouth run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:03, the last at 20:41. The fastest train covers the 129 miles (209 km) distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 129 miles (209 km) |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 4:03 AM |
Last train 8:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
World-class museum housing Henry VIII's raised flagship. See the preserved Tudor warship and immersive galleries on life aboard.
Museum dedicated to HMS Victory and Nelson's navy. Learn about the Battle of Trafalgar and life in the age of sail.
Historic ironclad from 1860 that changed naval warfare. Explore decks, engine spaces and displays in the Historic Dockyard.
Historic harbourfront quarter with cobbled lanes, old pubs, sea walls and major naval attractions. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Atmospheric old quarter with narrow streets, Georgian houses and waterfront views. Great for history, churches and a quieter local feel.
Lively seafront district known for beach walks, gardens, castle and independent venues. A classic area for promenade views and relaxation.
A Portsmouth classic of battered cod or haddock with chips, tied to the city’s long naval and seafaring tradition and best eaten fresh by the waterfront.
Fresh crab landed on the south coast, often served simply in sandwiches or salads. It reflects Portsmouth’s harbour access and strong seafood culture.
Portsmouth sits by rich oyster waters, and oysters are a traditional local treat served raw or dressed, prized for their fresh, briny flavour.
Refined fine dining in Southsea known for modern British tasting menus, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
Lively Southsea venue famous for fresh seafood and shellfish, offering a casual setting popular with locals and visitors.
Historic waterside pub in Old Portsmouth serving cask ales and classic British dishes with harbour views and traditional character.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transit are mid-range for a coastal city.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Portsmouth Harbour -> Commercial Road, Portsmouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Portsmouth trains use the Ipswich to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Hilsea. Use this guide to compare Ipswich and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Ipswich has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Ipswich.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich. ATMs are available at Ipswich.
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ipswich: Parking, WC.
Available at Ipswich: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
Hilsea is 3 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Hilsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Hilsea.
Wi-Fi is available at Hilsea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hilsea: Parking.
Available at Hilsea: Bike Parking.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need