- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$162
Average price
$171
Fastest journey
7 h 40 m
Average duration
7 h 43 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
590 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Edinburgh will cost around $171 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $162.
It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Edinburgh without transferring at least 2 times.
G25731+
L83914+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
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L83914+
Tube from London Victoria to London Kings Cross
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L83903 · L79360+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80235+
G27593+
L83914+
Tube from London Victoria to London Kings Cross
G25731+
L83914+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80231+
L83903 · L79360+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings CrossOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $21, and a train costs an average of $58.
Distance: 366 miles (590 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$152 Average price | $88 Average price | $65 Average price Cheapest | $203 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 49m Average total duration 7h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 31m Average total duration 13h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.8 - 3.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Portsmouth to Edinburgh:
A flight is $22 (€18) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Portsmouth to Edinburgh costing on average $88 (€71).
A flight is $86 (€70) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Edinburgh costing on average $152 (€122).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 19m.
Bus takes on average 13h 1m.
The journey is about 55m faster (7h 19m by train vs 8h 14m by car) and roughly $51 (€41) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($152 (€122) vs $203 (€163)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Edinburgh trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:51 AM Portsmouth | 6h47 | 1:38 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:51 AM Portsmouth | 6h48 | 3:39 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:16 AM Portsmouth | 7h23 | 4:39 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:51 AM Portsmouth | 6h41 | 4:32 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:07 AM Portsmouth | 8h22 | 6:29 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:08 AM Portsmouth | 8h21 | 6:29 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:20 AM Portsmouth | 8h09 | 6:29 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Portsmouth to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $58 (€46) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 20:40. The fastest train covers the 366 miles (590 km) distance in 6h 41m.
Distance 366 miles (590 km) |
Average train duration 7h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€46) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 41m |
First train 4:30 AM |
Last train 8:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
The national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for European masters and Scottish art. Easy to combine with Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.
A striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of people who shaped Scottish history and culture. Popular for both the collection and the architecture.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, courtyards, shops, and major heritage sites.
A central public garden below the castle with iconic skyline views, floral displays, and easy access to both Old and New Town sights.
One of the city’s classic viewpoints, known for panoramic views, monuments, and sunrise or sunset photography. Especially popular on social media.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savory pudding traditionally made with minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, served with mashed turnips and potatoes.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, closely associated with the northeast but widely loved in Edinburgh.
A hearty traditional soup made with barley, root vegetables, and usually lamb or mutton, valued as classic Scottish comfort food.
A popular gastropub by Tom Kitchin serving refined Scottish pub classics in a warm, stylish, and relaxed setting.
A long-established local favorite serving traditional Scottish dishes with local ingredients in a comfortable, accessible city-center setting.
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, offering classic Scottish food and a historic tavern atmosphere slightly outside the city center.
Expensive by UK standards. Hotels peak in summer and festival season, while pubs and casual dining are more manageable.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tips are optional in pubs and cafes.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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