- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$147
Fastest journey
4 h 28 m
Average duration
4 h 48 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
308 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Manchester will cost around $147 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Manchester without transferring at least once.
W33468+
L79671+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
G26213_C82414+
W33685+
Tube from London Victoria to London Euston
W33453+
L79659+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
L79651+
W33436+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
G00886+
W35006
W33453+
L79659+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
W33468+
L79671+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
L79651+
W33436+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston
G00886+
W35006
G00881+
C42263Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $70.
Distance: 191 miles (308 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$138 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $165 Average price | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 38m Average total duration 7h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Manchester:
A bus is $102 (€83) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Manchester costing on average $138 (€113).
A bus is $128 (€105) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Portsmouth to Manchester costing on average $165 (€135).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 5m.
Bus takes on average 7h 8m.
Tickets start at around $138 (€113) compared to roughly $84 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-54.49 (€-44.65). The journey takes 5h 5m versus 4h 45m 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 Manchester trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79573+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W34210 | On time 8:21 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h44 | 1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G15005+ G00858 | On time 8:27 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h02 | 1:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
L79581+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33931 | On time 8:37 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h07 | 1:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L79592+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W34101 | On time 9:19 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h46 | 2:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G15007+ G00861 | On time 9:27 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h02 | 2:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
L79599+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W34179 | On time 9:37 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h07 | 2:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L79611+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W34061 | On time 10:19 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h46 | 3:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G15009+ G00866 | On time 10:27 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h02 | 3:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
L79619+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W34074 | On time 10:37 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h42 | 3:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L79631+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W34053 | On time 11:19 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h46 | 4:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G15011+ G00875 | On time 11:27 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h02 | 4:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Portsmouth to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 191 miles (308 km) distance in 4h 42m.
Distance 191 miles (308 km) |
Average train duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 42m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
A classic Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet dishes.
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Eccles in Greater Manchester. It is a famous regional bake often eaten with tea.
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester -> Manchester City Centre, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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