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Portsmouth to Ipswich by train

First train

03:41

Last train

21:56

Departure station

Portsmouth

Arrival station

Ipswich

Journey time

From 3h 40m

Distance

128 miles (207 km)

Frequency

38 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

London Overground, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Southern

About the train journey from Portsmouth to Ipswich

Want to travel from Portsmouth to Ipswich by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Portsmouth to Ipswich usually takes 5 hours 2 minutes on average to travel 128 miles (207 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 3 hours 40 minutes. You can expect to find 38 trains per day running on this popular route. You'll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Ipswich, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia or South Western Railway, as these are the main train operators on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Portsmouth to Ipswich if you book in advance, travel Off-Peak – tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends – or get a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

If you want to know more about the journey, scroll up for timetables and live train times, or keep reading for tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Portsmouth to Ipswich? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Portsmouth to Ipswich take?

The average journey time by train between Portsmouth and Ipswich is 5 hours and 2 minutes, with around 38 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Portsmouth and Ipswich by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Portsmouth to Ipswich is 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Portsmouth to Ipswich?

No, there are no direct train services from Portsmouth to Ipswich. Travelling from Portsmouth to Ipswich by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Portsmouth to Ipswich leave?

The first train from Portsmouth to Ipswich leaves at 03:41. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Portsmouth to Ipswich leave?

The last train from Portsmouth to Ipswich leaves at 21:56. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Portsmouth and Ipswich by train?

Trains travelling from Portsmouth to Ipswich cover a distance of around 128 miles (207 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Ipswich to Portsmouth.

Cheap train tickets from Portsmouth to Ipswich

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Portsmouth to Ipswich is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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