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Portsmouth to london

In September we want to take the Condor Ferry from Guernsey to Portsmouth. Then, reaching Portsmouth fairly early in the morning, we need to move on to London. Would anyone know how far it might be from the ferry dock at Portsmouth to the train station to get into London? How easy is the trip? How long might it take? Thanks for any input you may give.

Posted by
2181 posts

According to the Condor website, you want to take the train from the Portsmouth-Southsea station ( not to be confused with the Portsmouth Harbor station, been there, done that). It will probably be a taxi ride from the ferry to the train station.. The Condor website gives you numbers for the taxis and you will probably want to check how early they start. Check the Southwest Rail for the train timetable. When we took the train, we ended up with the one that stopped at every station, so try to avoid that little gem. It's a very easy journey into London. Condor website says it takes 85 min.

Hopefully, Nigel or one of the other experts will weigh in. I would encourage you to post a question on Trip Advisor's Portsmouth forum as to the availability of taxis early in the morning. We arrived at night and got the last taxi from our ferry terminal. I'm not sure if they were circling back or not. My point is: you want to make sure that there are either plenty of taxis or else give your self room between your ferry arrival and train departure.

Posted by
1069 posts
Posted by
4684 posts

Once you get to the station in Portsmouth, there are two alternative routes to London. The one to Waterloo is much shorter than the one to Victoria. Take the train to Waterloo with the smallest number of stops en route. It's probably best to buy your rail ticket at the station - any advance discount on that route will not be worth the stress of being tied to a single train.

Posted by
53 posts

Thank you for the prompt replies--you have all given me good "food for thought" and other places to check out!!

Posted by
1174 posts

Go to www.aquacars.co.uk and price a private driver into London. We used them previously and were met at Heathrow and taken to Portsmouth for less money (and far less hassle) than two train tickets. The driver will meet you at the ferry dock and whisk you to any address you need in London. Worked for us.