- Must visit
Mary Rose Museum
Purpose-built museum displaying Henry VIII’s flagship and thousands of Tudor artefacts, making it one of Portsmouth’s most important heritage attractions.
Cheapest price
$140
Average price
$154
Fastest journey
6 h 12 m
Average duration
6 h 20 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
348 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Portsmouth will cost around $154 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
Of the 2 trains that leave Preston for Portsmouth on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 348 km distance in an average of 6 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 12 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 6 h 28 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 Preston to Portsmouth 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 flight which can get you there in 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $115.
Distance: 216 miles (348 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$141 Average price | $53 Average price Cheapest | $170 Average price | $108 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 53m Average total duration 4h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 13m Average total duration 8h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Portsmouth:
A bus is $87 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Portsmouth costing on average $141 (€115).
A bus is $116 (€95) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Portsmouth costing on average $170 (€139).
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 23m.
Bus takes on average 8h 43m.
You'll arrive about 7m sooner (4h 23m by train vs 4h 30m by car). Tickets start at around $141 (€115) compared to roughly $108 (€88) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Portsmouth trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:18 AM Preston | 5h11 | 3:29 PM Portsmouth | 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 Preston to Portsmouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $96 (€78) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:03, the last at 22:38. The fastest train covers the 216 miles (348 km) distance in 4h 56m.
Distance 216 miles (348 km) |
Average train duration 4h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $96 (€78) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 56m |
First train 4:03 AM |
Last train 10:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
Purpose-built museum displaying Henry VIII’s flagship and thousands of Tudor artefacts, making it one of Portsmouth’s most important heritage attractions.
Major naval museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard covering Royal Navy history through ships, galleries and interactive displays.
City museum and gallery with local history, art, Conan Doyle connections and changing exhibitions, popular for understanding Portsmouth beyond the dockyard.
Historic waterfront quarter with cobbled lanes, pubs, sea views and easy access to the cathedral, fortifications and harbour mouth.
Long promenade and coastal walking area popular for sea views, gardens, piers and classic Portsmouth seaside atmosphere.
Harbourfront area known for the Spinnaker Tower, marina views and lively modern atmosphere, frequently featured in visitor photos and social media.
Fresh battered fish with chips is a classic Portsmouth seaside staple, often enjoyed on the waterfront.
A creamy soup made with local fish and shellfish, reflecting Portsmouth’s strong naval and fishing heritage.
Sweet dressed crab in bread or a roll is popular on the South Coast and highlights local coastal produce.
Established independent bistro in Old Portsmouth serving creative British and European dishes in a relaxed setting.
Popular Southsea venue for seasonal small plates, brunch, and modern British food with a casual neighborhood feel.
Well-known Southsea restaurant specializing in seafood and modern British cooking in a stylish seafront setting.
Moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while seafront hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Portsmouth Harbour -> Portsmouth & Southsea
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Portsmouth trains use the Preston to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth Harbour. Use this guide to compare Preston and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
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.
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