How to travel from Portsmouth to Southampton, United Kingdom

The distance between Portsmouth and Southampton is around 31km (19 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a taxi which takes around 28min.

4 routes found

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

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

1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Southampton Central.

  • Duration41min
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £12($14)
Operated byGreat Western Railway+ 1 others
💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Southampton East Park Terrace 1.

  • Duration50min
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £9($11)
Operated byMegabus UK+ 2 others
🚀 Fastest
3
taxi
+

Taxi

Take a taxi to Southampton.

  • Duration28min
  • Departson demand
  • Typical cost
    £51($60)
Operated by

Northend Taxi Portsmouth

+ 2 others
4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Southampton.

  • Duration28min
  • Distance31km (19 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Portsmouth and Southampton

There are several options for getting from Portsmouth to Southampton by train, bus, taxi and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £9 ($11) and will take around 50min. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a taxi and arrive in approximately 28min, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £51 ($60).

The distance between Portsmouth and Southampton is around 31km (19 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 26km (16 miles)

It takes around 41min to get from Portsmouth and Southampton by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 28min to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Portsmouth to Southampton is to take a taxi which takes around 28min and will set you back approx £51 ($60).

The cheapest way to travel between Portsmouth and Southampton, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £9 ($11) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Portsmouth and Southampton. It typically takes around 41min and departs hourly.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Portsmouth and Southampton with no changeovers required. The train runs hourly and takes 41min.

Great Western Railway and South Western Railway run train services between Portsmouth and Southampton. Trains depart hourly and will take around 41min, 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 Southampton. It typically takes around 50min and departs every 20 mins.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Portsmouth and Southampton with no changeovers required. The bus runs every 20 mins and takes 50min.

Megabus UK run regular bus services between Portsmouth and Southampton. Buses run every 20 mins and take around 50min 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 Southampton. We recommend that you take the train to Southampton Central. instead which will take 41min.

The closest major airport to Southampton is Southampton Airport (SOU) (SOU) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Southampton. 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 Portsmouth and Southampton. The distance is around 31km (19 miles) by road and it will take around 28min in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Portsmouth to Southampton is to take the train which takes, on average, 41min and will usually cost around £12 ($14).

How do I get from Portsmouth to Southampton

Compare travel optionsbetween Portsmouth and Southampton

Transport options from Portsmouth to Southampton
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
41min
£12($14)
hourly40km (25 miles)
Bus
50min
£9($11)
hourly32km (20 miles)
Taxi
28min
£51($60)
on demand31km (19 miles)
Drive
28min
£6($7)
on demand31km (19 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Portsmouth and Southampton

Train operators

Airports near Southampton

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

SOU
Southampton Airport (SOU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
6km (4 miles) from Southampton
BOH
Bournemouth Airport (BOH)
International Airport
Distance
33km (21 miles) from Southampton
LGW
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
International Airport
Distance
90km (56 miles) from Southampton