How to travel from Portsmouth to Cardiff, United Kingdom

The distance between Portsmouth and Cardiff is around 224km (139 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 35m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Portsmouth to Cardiff by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

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

1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Cardiff Central.

  • Duration3h 20m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £55($65)
💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Cardiff North Road.

  • Duration8h 20m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    £25($29)
🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Cardiff.

  • Duration2h 35m
  • Distance237km (147 miles)
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Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Portsmouth and Cardiff

There are several options for getting from Portsmouth to Cardiff by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £25 ($29) and will take around 8h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £41 ($49).

The distance between Portsmouth and Cardiff is around 224km (139 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 165km (103 miles)

It takes around 3h 20m to get from Portsmouth and Cardiff by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 35m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Portsmouth to Cardiff is to drive which takes around 2h 35m and will set you back approx £41 ($49).

The cheapest way to travel between Portsmouth and Cardiff, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £25 ($29) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Portsmouth and Cardiff. It typically takes around 3h 20m and departs hourly.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Portsmouth and Cardiff with no changeovers required. The train runs hourly and takes 3h 20m.

Great Western Railway run train services between Portsmouth and Cardiff. Trains depart hourly and will take around 3h 20m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Portsmouth and Cardiff. It typically takes around 8h 20m and departs 4 times a week.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Portsmouth and Cardiff with no changeovers required. The bus runs 4 times a week and takes 8h 20m.

Megabus UK run regular bus services between Portsmouth and Cardiff. Buses run 4 times a week and take around 8h 20m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Portsmouth to Cardiff. We recommend that you take the train to Cardiff Central. instead which will take 3h 20m.

The closest major airport to Cardiff is Cardiff Airport (CWL) (CWL) which is approximately 14km (9 miles) from Cardiff. Bristol Airport (BRS) (BRS) and Exeter Airport (EXT) (EXT) 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 Portsmouth and Cardiff. The distance is around 237km (147 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 35m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Portsmouth to Cardiff is to take the train which takes, on average, 3h 20m and will usually cost around £55 ($65).

How do I get from Portsmouth to Cardiff

Compare travel optionsbetween Portsmouth and Cardiff

Transport options from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
3h 20m
£55($65)
hourly224km (139 miles)
Bus
8h 20m
£25($29)
4 times a week441km (274 miles)
Drive
2h 35m
£41($49)
on demand237km (147 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Portsmouth and Cardiff

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Cardiff

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

CWL
Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Domestic Airport
Distance
14km (9 miles) from Cardiff
BRS
Bristol Airport (BRS)
International Airport
Distance
34km (21 miles) from Cardiff
EXT
Exeter Airport (EXT)
International Airport
Distance
85km (53 miles) from Cardiff