How to travel from Dover to Portsmouth, United Kingdom

The distance between Dover and Portsmouth is around 223km (139 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 15m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Dover to Portsmouth by train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out PortsmouthDover if you're planning a return trip.

1
train
+
train
+

Train

Take the train to Stratford International and then to Portsmouth & Southsea.

  • Duration2h 55m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £79($95)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

2 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

🚀 Fastest
2
car
+

Drive

Drive to Portsmouth.

  • Duration2h 15m
  • Distance223km (139 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Dover and Portsmouth

There are several options for getting from Dover to Portsmouth by train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around £72 ($85) and will take around 4hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £39 ($46).

The distance between Dover and Portsmouth is around 223km (139 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 171km (106 miles)

It takes around 2h 55m to get from Dover and Portsmouth by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 15m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Dover to Portsmouth is to drive which takes around 2h 15m and will set you back approx £39 ($46).

The cheapest way to travel between Dover and Portsmouth, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around £72 ($85) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Dover and Portsmouth. It typically takes around 2h 55m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Dover to Portsmouth. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Stratford International, Stratford station and Waterloo station. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 55m.

South Eastern Trains Service, South Western Railway and Southern Service run train services between Dover and Portsmouth. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 55m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Dover and Portsmouth. We recommend that you drive to Portsmouth. instead which will take 2h 15m.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Dover to Portsmouth. We recommend that you take the train to Stratford International and then to Portsmouth & Southsea. instead which will take 2h 55m.

The closest major airport to Portsmouth is Southampton Airport (SOU) (SOU) which is approximately 26km (16 miles) from Portsmouth. Bournemouth Airport (BOH) (BOH) and Gatwick Airport (LGW) (LGW) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Dover and Portsmouth. The distance is around 223km (139 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 15m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Dover to Portsmouth is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 55m and will usually cost around £79 ($95).

How do I get from Dover to Portsmouth

Compare travel optionsbetween Dover and Portsmouth

Transport options from Dover to Portsmouth
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train + 2 similar
2h 55m
£79($95)
hourly247km (153 miles)
Train via London Bridge3h 10m
£83($100)
hourly240km (149 miles)
Train via London Victoria4hrs
£72($85)
hourly261km (162 miles)
Drive
2h 15m
£39($46)
on demand223km (139 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Dover and Portsmouth

Train operators

Airports near Portsmouth

The following major airports near Portsmouth offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

SOU
Southampton Airport (SOU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
26km (16 miles) from Portsmouth
BOH
Bournemouth Airport (BOH)
International Airport
Distance
53km (33 miles) from Portsmouth
LGW
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
International Airport
Distance
74km (46 miles) from Portsmouth