- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Cheapest price on Oct 13
$153
Average ticket price on Oct 13
$163
Fastest journey on Oct 13
7 h 3 m
Average journey duration on Oct 13
7 h 7 m
Trains on Oct 13
6
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 $163 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $153.
It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Edinburgh without transferring at least 2 times.
G80234+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
L79610
G80226+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
L79580
G80232+
L79598+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80224+
L79572+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80228+
L79592+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80226+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
L79580
G25679+
W45425+
G26179_C82373
G80232+
L79598+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80228+
L79592+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80224+
L79572+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings CrossTrains from Portsmouth to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $106 (€89) but you can travel from only $37 (€31) 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 2m.
Distance 366 miles (590 km) |
Average train duration 6h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $106 (€89) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 2m |
First train 4:30 AM |
Last train 8:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G80224+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ L79572 | 8:21 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h13 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80226+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ L79580 | 8:35 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h03 | 3:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80228+ L79592+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross | 9:19 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h08 | 4:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G25679+ G26179_C82373+ W45425 | 9:32 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h03 | 4:35 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80232+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ L79598 | 9:35 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 7h07 | 4:42 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80234+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ L79610 | 10:15 AM Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 7h16 | 5:31 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
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.

Most Portsmouth to Edinburgh trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Edinburgh Waverley station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
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