- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, art, and natural science in a major Victorian institution.
Cheapest price
$60
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
3 h 47 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
209 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Ipswich will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.
Of the 3 trains that leave Portsmouth for Ipswich on Thu, Aug 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 209 km distance in an average of 3 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 47 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 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 Portsmouth to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $46, and a bus costs an average of $61.
Distance: 129 miles (209 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$75 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m 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 Portsmouth to Ipswich:
A train is $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Portsmouth to Ipswich costing on average $78 (€63).
Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 52m.
Tickets start at around $75 (€61) compared to roughly $54 (€44) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-20.70 (€-16.85). The journey takes 3h 22m versus 3h 3m 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 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 Portsmouth to Ipswich run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 20:41. The fastest train covers the 129 miles (209 km) distance in 3h 45m.
Distance 129 miles (209 km) |
Average train duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€37) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 45m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 8:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
Ipswich’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, art, and natural science in a major Victorian institution.
Elegant mansion museum in Christchurch Park with period rooms, Ipswich treasures, and changing displays in a beautiful historic setting.
Free contemporary gallery showing regional and national artists. A strong stop for visitors exploring Ipswich’s modern cultural scene.
Large historic park with lawns, wooded walks, tennis courts, and mansion views. It is Ipswich’s classic green escape near the centre.
Regenerated marina district with quayside walks, public art, and lively views of boats and historic warehouses day or night.
Main civic square framed by Town Hall and historic buildings. A natural starting point for markets, events, and town-centre sightseeing.
A traditional Suffolk cured ham, usually served thinly sliced. It is prized for its dry cure and long local heritage in East Anglian food culture.
A regional blue cheese made in Suffolk from cow's milk. Its creamy texture and rich, tangy taste make it a classic local cheese board choice.
Fresh fish landed from the Suffolk coast, often cod, plaice, or sole. It reflects Ipswich's long trading links with nearby North Sea fishing ports.
Well-known Ipswich pub and dining room serving classic British dishes, local ales, and seasonal produce in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Refined restaurant in nearby Great Bealings with modern British tasting menus, strong Suffolk sourcing, and an elegant country-house setting.
Popular independent venue in the town centre serving brunch, coffee, and modern British plates in a stylish casual space.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Ipswich Railway Station -> Cornhill, Ipswich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to Ipswich trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Ipswich station pair, with some services arriving at Derby Road. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Ipswich 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.
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.
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.
Derby Road is 2 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Derby Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Derby Road: Parking.
Available at Derby Road: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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