- Must visit
The Collection Museum
Award-winning archaeology museum with Roman finds, medieval objects, and the famous Lincolnshire limestone display. Essential for history fans.
Cheapest price
$97
Average price
$105
Fastest journey
4 h 38 m
Average duration
4 h 57 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
273 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Lincoln is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Lincoln will cost around $105 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Lincoln without transferring at least 2 times.
L79940+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G08060
C93254+
L79611+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G08054
L79599+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G08054
L79592+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G80176+
C59623
L79573+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G80224+
C21301
C93254+
L79611+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G08054
L79592+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G80176+
C59623
L79599+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G08054
L79573+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G80224+
C21301
G26170_C82363+
W32871+
C59623Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Lincoln among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a train costs an average of $76.
Distance: 169 miles (273 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$86 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $27 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 53m Average total duration Fastest 4h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m 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 Lincoln:
A bus is $36 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Lincoln costing on average $86 (€70).
Other travel options to Lincoln take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 38m.
Tickets start at around $86 (€70) compared to roughly $27 (€22) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-58.93 (€-47.98). The journey takes 4h 23m versus 4h 7m 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 Portsmouth to Lincoln trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79670+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G08066 | On time 1:19 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h40 | 5:59 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 2 transfers | |
L79670+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80183+ C59638 | On time 1:19 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h38 | 5:57 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 3 transfers | |
G26210_C82413+ G28261+ C59643 | On time 1:33 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h36 | 7:09 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 2 transfers | |
L79690+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80259+ C59643 | On time 2:19 PM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h50 | 7:09 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 3 transfers | |
G26218_C82423+ W32922+ C59647 | On time 2:29 PM Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 5h39 | 8:08 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 2 transfers | |
L79573+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G80224+ C21301 | 8:21 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h06 | 1:27 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 3 transfers | |
G26170_C82363+ W32871+ C59623 | 8:33 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h24 | 1:57 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 2 transfers | |
L79592+ G80176+ C59623+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross | 9:19 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h38 | 1:57 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 3 transfers | |
L79599+ G08054+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross | 9:37 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h58 | 2:35 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 2 transfers | |
L79940+ G08060+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross | 9:55 AM Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 6h40 | 4:35 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 2 transfers | |
C93254+ L79611+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ G08054 | 9:57 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h38 | 2:35 PM Lincoln Central (LCN) | 3 transfers | |
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 Portsmouth to Lincoln run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $76 (€62) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 169 miles (273 km) distance in 4h 16m.
Distance 169 miles (273 km) |
Average train duration 4h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€62) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 16m |
First train 5:16 AM |
Last train 10:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Lincoln — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lincoln trip today.
Award-winning archaeology museum with Roman finds, medieval objects, and the famous Lincolnshire limestone display. Essential for history fans.
City museum covering Lincoln’s archaeology, Roman past, and local life. A strong introduction to the city’s long history.
Interactive military museum and memorial at Lincoln Castle. It explores the county regiment and wartime service with personal stories.
Steep historic street lined with independent shops and old buildings. Climbing it connects the modern city with Lincoln’s cathedral quarter.
Historic square between cathedral and castle, often animated by visitors and events. Ideal for photographs and exploring the hilltop core.
Pleasant waterside route along the Witham with boats, cafés, and views. A popular modern leisure area for an easy city walk.
A Lincolnshire specialty sausage seasoned with sage and coarse-cut pork. It is one of the county's best-known traditional foods and a staple in local breakfasts.
A baked pork pie linked to Lincolnshire butchers, with seasoned pork and hot-water crust pastry. It is a classic cold savoury found in local shops and markets.
A traditional English plum loaf closely associated with Lincolnshire. This rich fruit bread is lightly spiced and often served sliced with butter.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant near the cathedral, serving seasonal dishes in a relaxed, stylish setting popular with locals and visitors.
Fine dining restaurant in the Bailgate area known for polished tasting menus, seasonal British produce, and an intimate special-occasion atmosphere.
Traditional Lincoln pub noted for cask beers and hearty food. It is a dependable stop for local ale and a classic pub atmosphere.
Lincoln is Moderate for UK city breaks, with mid-range hotels, affordable pubs and cafes, and low local transport costs compared with larger tourist cities.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Lincoln Central -> Lincoln City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Lincoln 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 Lincoln, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to Lincoln trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Lincoln Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Lincoln 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.
Lincoln Central has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Lincoln Central.
ATMs are available at Lincoln Central.
Ticket office support is available at Lincoln Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lincoln Central: Parking, WC.
Available at Lincoln Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lincoln Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station. This station has step free access to all platforms. This station doesn't have tactile paving at the edges of the platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: all cabs on station rank are wheelchair accessible, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Fastticket, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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