Getting to Portsmouth

Portsmouth has no airport of its own; however, the neighbouring city of Southampton operates a major airport which provides a gateway to Hampshire and is the means by which many international visitors arrive. Alternatively, there are road options for those with their own vehicles or buses and trains from various major UK cities. Portsmouth is also a busy port offering ferry crossings from both France and Spain.

By car

Portsmouth is easily reached by road, especially if you are travelling from London, with the A3(M) allowing drivers to reach the city in about 1 hour 30 minutes. From elsewhere in the country, Portsmouth can be reached by following the appropriate motorway from your point of origin then picking up the M27/A27 which leads directly to the city. Driving conditions in England are relatively good, with traffic driving on the left-side of the road.

By rail

By rail direct from London, the journey takes about 80 minutes and a number of services run everyday. Connections are also maintained with most major UK cities and while routes may not be direct, it is possible to reach Portsmouth from pretty much anywhere covered by the nations extensive rail network. The main train station is located in the city centre, while Harbour Station is situated a stop beyond and is more convenient for the main sights and attractions.

By bus

Coaches operated by National Express travel to Portsmouth from most major UK destinations. European travellers can take bus services from their home country to St Malo, Le Havre, Caen or Cherbourg in France, or Bilbao and Santander in Spain before crossing by ferry directly to Portsmouth.

By air

Southampton Airport is the nearest major air facility serving the city of Portsmouth, maintaining connections with most major UK cities as well as European destinations such as Brussels, Hanover, Amsterdam, Paris, Dusseldorf and Alicante. Portsmouth is just a short distance away from Southampton and can be reached in well under an hour by road.

By ferry

Portsmouth operates ferry crossings to and from Bilbao and Santander in Spain and from St Malo, Le Havre, Caen and Cherbourg in France. Ferries are operated by either P&O or Brittany Ferries, depending on the route. Services run daily and frequency is also dependent on the route.

Southampton International Airport

Southampton International Airport is a single terminal facility located in Hampshire in the south of England. The airport is the gateway to holiday towns such as Bournemouth and Winchester as well as being the principle air facility serving Portsmouth.

The single terminal offers a good selection of passenger services and amenities including essentials such as ATMs and a bureau de change. Wireless internet access is available throughout the terminal for those with laptop computers.

For dining and refreshments, a small selection of outlets is available including the Delice de France pastry shop, a licensed bar and a branch of Starbucks. Duty-free shopping is available on the airside of the terminal, while on the landside, youll find a branch of WH Smith selling its usual selection of printed media, confectionery and refreshments

Portsmouth airport transportation

Passengers can connect with the city of Southampton quickly and efficiently via the train station located less than 100 metres from the terminal building. Once in Southampton, its possible to connect with Portsmouth, London Waterloo and other major UK destinations.

Public bus number 101 runs from outside of the airport terminal to Southampton city centre, from where connecting services to Portsmouth can be accessed. Taxis are available from outside the Arrivals area of the terminal and are operated by Airportcarz; cabs can be booked ahead by calling: +44 870 224 5000, or on arrival from the office outside the terminal.