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Getting from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a dynamic waterfront city rich in maritime heritage, home to historic ships, a thriving cultural scene, and stunning sea views. When travelling from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth, you have three transportation options: taxi, bus or train.

Taking a taxi from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth is the most convenient. The journey spans approximately 30 km and usually takes about 25 minutes, depending on traffic. This direct, door-to-door service is ideal for those prioritising comfort and ease, with the fare for a taxi from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth hovering around £50 (€58).

Alternatively, you can also travel from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth by bus. The direct journey by bus takes around 1 hour 15 minutes but is only available twice a day, costing on average £6 (€7) per person. You could also take a two-step bus journey by travelling from the airport to Southampton city centre, then taking another bus from the city centre to Portsmouth. This route takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes in total and costs around £12.50 (€14.40) per person, offering more frequent departures throughout the day.

Finally, the train service provides a cost-effective means of travel from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth. With tickets priced at roughly £9.50 (€11) per person and an average travel time of 70 minutes, excluding wait periods.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Southampton at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €58 30min 24/7
Bus €28.80 115min 08:20–11:50
Train €22 70min 05:03–23:15

How to get from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth by taxi

Getting a taxi from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth takes approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Although this transport option might be a bit more expensive, it offers the convenience of a door-to-door transfer and is available 24/7.

Taxi fare from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth

Taxis in Southampton operate on a metered-fare system, considering factors such as travel time and distance to your destination. With the journey from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth covering an estimated distance of 19.3 miles (31.1 km), the fare may vary, factoring in traffic and any potential additional charges. As a rough estimate, the cost for this journey is around £50 (€58).

If you prefer a fixed-rate fare and a comfortable transfer, consider pre-booking with Welcome Pickups. This will ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth.

Cost

£50 (€58)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

Taxis are available 24/7 at Southampton International Airport (SOU).

Where do I get a taxi from?

You can easily find taxis ready for hire just outside the Arrivals terminal of Southampton Airport. Clear signage will direct you to the designated taxi rank, or you can request help from airport personnel to guide you to the taxi pick-up point.

Convenience

Choosing a taxi might be a bit more expensive, but it offers an unmatched level of comfort and guarantees a smooth and worry-free travel experience. Forget the hassle of figuring out public transit routes or carrying heavy luggage around, and start your vacation on a calm and carefree note.

Editor’s Note

During Southampton's rush hours, increased traffic might cause delays and potentially drive up taxi costs. To ensure a more seamless and efficient travel experience, it's recommended to plan your trip with this in mind and think about reserving your taxi service in advance, thus locking in a set rate.

Useful Tips

If you have large luggage or special requirements, communicate this when booking your taxi to Portsmouth.
Don't hesitate to ask for a receipt at the end of your journey, it can come in handy for expense reporting or in case of lost items.
Tipping is not obligatory but always appreciated; a tip of around 10% is customary in the UK if you're satisfied with the service.

How to get from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth by bus

To travel from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth by bus, you have a couple of options.

You can start by boarding a local bus that runs frequently from the airport to Southampton city centre, a trip that lasts approximately 25 minutes. Upon reaching the city centre, switch to either a National Express or Megabus service that operates regular routes to Portsmouth. This second part of your journey will take roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If your timing aligns, you can take advantage of the direct Megabus service, which departs from Southampton Airport Parkway Station twice a day. This direct journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How much is the bus ticket from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth?

The cost of the bus from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth depends on which service you pick. If you choose the two-stage option; firstly, a short bus ride from the airport to Southampton city centre will cost you approximately £2.50 (€2.90). Secondly, a longer bus ride from Southampton to Portsmouth will cost around £10 (€12) per person, depending on the service you choose and how far in advance you book. The total journey time, not including waiting times, is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and costs a total of £12.50 (€14.40) per person.

Alternatively, if your schedule aligns with the twice-daily Megabus service, you can enjoy a direct bus journey from Southampton Airport Parkway Station to Portsmouth, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs approximately £6 (€7) per person, often depending on how far in advance you book.

Cost

£12.50 (€14.40)

Trip Duration

110 Min.

*There is a waiting time of up 30 minutes for coaches departing from Southampton Central to Portsmouth.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

Coaches from Southampton Central Station run from 8:20 to 11:50 daily.

Where do I get the bus from?

Bus stations at Southampton Airport are conveniently located just outside the terminal building. Once you step out of the terminal, you can easily find the bus and coach stops through directional signs or by asking for guidance from airport personnel. If you can’t catch the Megabus, your initial stop would be at the city centre where you would then catch your connection bus to Portsmouth.

Convenience

Opting for the bus service from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth can be a budget-friendly choice, but it’s essential to weigh this against factors like time efficiency and convenience. While the fares for the bus are economical, the service may have gaps of up to 30 minutes between departures, and the bus can fill up quickly during peak travel times. Also, the service typically ends early in the evening, which might be inconvenient for late arrivals.

Moreover, remember that the local bus may have limited luggage space. If you have numerous large suitcases, it’s suggested to plan accordingly, and perhaps consider reserving a private transfer for a more seamless journey.

Editor’s Note

Buses serve as an economical choice for commuting from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth, but it's crucial to remember they may experience delays during busy travel times and offer limited storage for bulky luggage items. Always plan your journey in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.

Useful Tips

Pre-purchase your bus ticket online to avoid queues and secure a seat.
Keep an eye on live bus schedules for any potential delays or changes.
Always allow extra time for travel, particularly during peak hours, to accommodate for any unexpected delays.

How to get from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth by train

The train from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth via South Western Railway typically takes around 60-70 minutes. With trains departing every 30 minutes, the journey from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth provides convenience, timeliness, and the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Southern England.

How much is the train from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth?

The cost of your train ticket will depend on the time of day you travel and how far in advance you book your ticket. The average cost is around £9.50 (€11) one-way.

Cost

£9.50 (€11)

Trip Duration

70 Min.

*There's a waiting time of up to 30 minutes for the train.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

The train to Portsmouth runs from 05:03 to 23:15.

Where do I get the train from?

The Southampton Airport Train Station, known as Southampton Airport Parkway, is conveniently located within the airport’s premises. Signs will guide you to the station, or you can ask any airport staff for assistance. In just a minute’s walk from the terminal building, you’ll find yourself ready to board your train.

Convenience

Travelling by train from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth is a time-efficient option. The Southampton Airport Parkway station is conveniently located a minute’s walk from the terminal, offering regular connections to Portsmouth. Alternatively, taxis offer the advantage of direct, door-to-door service. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a lot of luggage, are travelling with children, or need to get to a specific location in Portsmouth.

Editor’s Note

The train from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth combines convenience, promptness, and picturesque views, providing a unique journey that starts merely a minute's walk from the airport terminal.

Useful Tips

Purchase your train ticket in advance online to avoid queues at the ticket machines.
Ensure your luggage is not blocking the aisles or doors for the comfort of all passengers.
Check live train schedules before your journey for the most accurate timings.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth?

You have a few options to reach Portsmouth from Southampton Airport. The most direct method is taking a taxi, which covers 19.3 miles (31.1 km) in about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a direct train from Southampton Airport Parkway station, with the journey usually taking about an hour. If you prefer to travel by bus, there is a direct Megabus service that runs twice a day from the airport to Portsmouth, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Another option is a two-step bus journey, first to Southampton city centre and then a longer route to Portsmouth.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth?

The cost of a taxi from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth can vary as taxis in Southampton operate on a metered-fare system, considering both travel time and distance. With the road distance being approximately 19.3 miles (31.1 km), the fare may fluctuate based on traffic conditions and potential additional charges. On average, you could expect this journey to cost around £50 (€58).

Is there a Southampton Airport to Portsmouth bus available?

Yes, there are bus services available from Southampton Airport to Portsmouth. You have the option of a direct Megabus service that operates twice a day, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes for the journey. Alternatively, you can choose a two-step bus journey, where you take a local bus from the airport to Southampton centre and then transfer to another bus heading to Portsmouth.

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