The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 58 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
177 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Cambridge will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 5 trains that leave Portsmouth for Cambridge on Mon, Dec 01, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 01 the direct trains cover the 177 km distance in an average of 3 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Mon, Dec 01 the slowest trains will take 4 h 8 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.










Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Portsmouth to Cambridge
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 20m. 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 train costs an average of €22, and a bus costs an average of €49.
Distance: 109 miles (177 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€37 Average price Cheapest | €59 Average price |
3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Portsmouth to Cambridge train times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cambridge trains for tomorrow, Monday, December 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:23 AM Portsmouth | 4h07 | 8:30 AM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:32 AM Portsmouth | 4h09 | 10:41 AM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:03 AM Portsmouth | 4h08 | 11:11 AM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:37 AM Portsmouth | 3h53 | 11:30 AM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:08 AM Portsmouth | 4h03 | 12:11 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Cambridge by bus or train
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.
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
Journey information
Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Cambridge
Trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 3h 21m.
Distance 109 miles (177 km) |
Average train duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 21m |
First train 00:40 |
Last train 23:53 |
Train companies: South Western Railway, Thameslink, Southern from Portsmouth to Cambridge trainsSouth Western Railway, Thameslink, Southern trains will get you between Portsmouth and Cambridge from $27 (€22). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
Southern
Thameslink
FAQs: Trains from Portsmouth to Cambridge
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Portsmouth to Cambridge
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:55 - 19:40 Saturday 05:55 - 19:40 Sunday 09:10 - 18:40
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Goldsmith Avenue (for buses in both directions). Goldsmith Avenue is located on the opposite side of the footbridge from the main entrance/taxi rank/Railway club.
- Car Park: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Portsmouth: Norway Road bus stop by Vauxhall Garage To Cosham / Havant: Norway Road bus stop opposite Vauxhall Garage
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:30 Saturday 05:40 - 20:30 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Lower Concourse, next to the gateline. The National key toilets are located in the Lower Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Concourse and car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 19:00 Saturday 06:30 - 19:00 Sunday 08:00 - 19:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platform 1 and outside booking hall
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Hard Interchange Stands G, H or J
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:00 Saturday 05:10 - 23:00 Sunday 07:00 - 22:55
- Car Park: Premium Bay
- 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: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The accessible toilets are on platform 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1, 4 and 7
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle point is by the Car Park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff
- 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
- Toilets Location: Station foyer
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are available on each platform
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent station building.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From bus stop on station forecourt.
Most popular train connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

