Reading to Portsmouth train with CrossCountry

Tue, Sep 15
+ Add return
South Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Portsmouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 15

Cheapest price on Sep 15

$50

Average ticket price on Sep 15

$54

Fastest journey on Sep 15

2 h 9 m

Average journey duration on Sep 15

2 h 11 m

Trains on Sep 15

2

Distance

74 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Portsmouth will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.

Fast trains

On Tue, Sep 15, we found 2 trains from Reading to Portsmouth, including 2 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 15 the direct trains cover the 74 km distance in an average of 2 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 9 m .

On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest trains will take 2 h 12 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.

  • South Western Railway
    8:03 AM2h09
    Reading
    10:12 AMPortsmouth
    $501One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    6:00 AM2h12
    Reading
    8:12 AMPortsmouth
    $581One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading to Portsmouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $56 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 6m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $56, while a bus costs an average of $68.

Distance: 45 miles (74 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$56

Average price

Cheapest

$68

Average price

$21

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 51m

Average total duration

2h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 29m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Portsmouth is a train with an average price of $56.

This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Portsmouth:

A train is $12 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Portsmouth costing on average $68.

The fastest way to travel from Reading to Portsmouth is by train with an average journey time of 1h 36m.

Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 21m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Portsmouth including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Portsmouth among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $56 compared to roughly $21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-34.76. The journey takes 1h 36m versus 1h 29m 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.

Live departures

Reading to Portsmouth train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Portsmouth trains for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC48469+South Western RailwayL79914
On time
8:28 AM Reading West (RDW)
1h44
10:12 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG00997+SouthernG88594+Great Western RailwayG15003
On time
8:54 AM Reading station (RDG)
1h54
10:48 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG00997+Great Western RailwayG15003
On time
8:54 AM Reading station (RDG)
1h58
10:52 AM Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG00997+Great Western RailwayG15003
On time
8:54 AM Reading station (RDG)
1h54
10:48 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG00997+SouthernG88594+Great Western RailwayG15003
On time
8:54 AM Reading station (RDG)
1h58
10:52 AM Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15092+South Western RailwayL79567
On time
8:54 AM Reading station (RDG)
2h03
10:57 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC48471+South Western RailwayL79920
On time
9:03 AM Reading West (RDW)
2h09
11:12 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15093+South Western RailwayL79577
On time
9:24 AM Reading station (RDG)
2h19
11:43 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC48473+CrossCountryG01000+Great Western RailwayW34974
On time
9:34 AM Reading station (RDG)
2h18
11:52 AM Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC48473+CrossCountryG01000+Great Western RailwayW34974
On time
9:34 AM Reading station (RDG)
2h13
11:47 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC48473+CrossCountryG01000+Great Western RailwayW34974
On time
9:37 AM Reading West (RDW)
2h15
11:52 AM Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC48473+CrossCountryG01000+Great Western RailwayW34974
On time
9:37 AM Reading West (RDW)
2h10
11:47 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
2 transfers
Tuesday, September 15
South Western Railway6:00 AM Reading
2h12
8:12 AM Portsmouth0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Portsmouth by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21

Why should you book Reading to Portsmouth trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Reading to Portsmouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Portsmouth.

Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Portsmouth.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Portsmouth.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Portsmouth.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Portsmouth.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Portsmouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Portsmouth run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 45 miles (74 km) distance in 1h 31m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
45 miles (74 km)
Average train duration
1h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
$51
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
1h 31m
First train
4:20 AM
Last train
11:35 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
2 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway from Reading to Portsmouth trainsCrossCountry, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Reading and Portsmouth from $51. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
1h 31m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$51
CrossCountry frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
1h 32m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
$51
South Western Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
1h 36m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$57
Great Western Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Portsmouth

Things to do in Portsmouth

Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.

  • Must visit

Mary Rose Museum

World-class museum housing Henry VIII's raised flagship. See the preserved Tudor warship and immersive galleries on life aboard.

  • Must visit

HMS Victory

Museum dedicated to HMS Victory and Nelson's navy. Learn about the Battle of Trafalgar and life in the age of sail.

  • Must visit

HMS Warrior 1860

Historic ironclad from 1860 that changed naval warfare. Explore decks, engine spaces and displays in the Historic Dockyard.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transit are mid-range for a coastal city.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Reading to Portsmouth

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Reading to Portsmouth can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $51, while the average price is around $56.
The train from Reading to Portsmouth takes 1h 31m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Reading to Portsmouth leaves at 4:20 AM.
The distance by train from Reading to Portsmouth is 45 miles (74 km).
The last train from Reading to Portsmouth leaves at 11:35 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Reading to Portsmouth.
There is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Portsmouth.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading to Portsmouth.
The train station in Reading that goes to Portsmouth is Reading station (RDG), which connects to Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Portsmouth is by train, with a cost of around $51.
The train journey from Reading to Portsmouth offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with notable views of the English countryside, rivers, and small towns, making it a pleasant experience for travelers.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Portsmouth is feasible. The journey takes 1h 31m, and there are 6 trains per day. The distance is 45 miles (74 km).
Spending two to three days in Portsmouth is generally enough to explore key attractions such as the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, and enjoy the vibrant waterfront.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Portsmouth.
Since neither Reading nor Portsmouth are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Portsmouth include Southampton, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cosham, Havant.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Portsmouth among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Portsmouth, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use licensed taxis, keep personal belongings secure, and remain vigilant when approached by strangers offering unsolicited services or deals.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Reading to Portsmouth

Most Reading to Portsmouth trains use the Reading to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth Harbour. Use this guide to compare Reading and Portsmouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Portsmouth

Which Reading station do trains to Portsmouth leave from?

Trains from Reading to Portsmouth leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading from Reading city centre

Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · $2 · every ~15 min

Reading train station facilities and services

Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Reading.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Reading.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PYParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre

Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · $1 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · $2 · every ~49 min

Reading West train station facilities and services

Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Reading West.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading West.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading West: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Reading Green ParkReading RG2 6AU, UKAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre

Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke · 6m · $2 · every ~4 min
Bus9 · 39m · $2 · every ~3 min

Reading Green Park train station facilities and services

Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.

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