Is there a direct train?

No, all rail routes require a transfer in London.

How long is the drive?

Approximately 7 hours depending on traffic.

Which airport is closest?

Southampton Airport is the nearest to Portsmouth.

No, there are no tolls on the A1(M) or M3 route.

Is it better to drive or train?

Train is less stressful, but driving offers more flexibility.

Redcar

Portsmouth

Train Driving

Redcar to Portsmouth

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Redcar to Portsmouth spans approximately 300 miles across the length of England. You can travel via the East Coast Main Line, transferring in London from King's Cross to Waterloo. Driving involves navigating the A1(M) south before joining the M25 and M3 motorways. The route transitions from the industrial North East to the historic naval coast of the South. Expect a travel time of roughly 6 hours by rail or 7 hours by road depending on traffic.

Total Distance: 480 km driving distance, 380 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Train, taking approximately 6 hours 15 minutes including the London transfer.

Cheapest Way

Train, if booked as an Advance ticket, can be cheaper than fuel costs for a single driver.

Compare Redcar to Portsmouth Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours 15 mins	7 hours
Avg Price	£80 - £160	£70 - £100 fuel
Operator	LNER and South Western Railway	Personal Vehicle
Route	Redcar Central to Darlington, then LNER to London King's Cross, transfer to Waterloo, then SWR to Portsmouth.	A19, A1(M), M25, M3, A3.
Tip	Book your tickets at least 12 weeks in advance to secure Advance single fares.	Avoid the M25 during peak rush hours to prevent significant delays.

Travel Tips

London Transfer
Use the London Underground or a taxi between King's Cross and Waterloo.
Seat Selection
Book a seat on the right side of the train for views of the countryside.
Railcard
Use a Two Together or Network Railcard to save one-third on fares.
Traffic Apps
Use Waze or Google Maps to monitor M25 congestion in real-time.
Parking
Pre-book parking at Portsmouth Harbour if staying overnight.