The journey from Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport takes around one hour and forty minutes with Southern. You'll head north from Hampshire into Sussex on your journey to Gatwick Airport, leaving the seaside for green fields, forests, and the English countryside.
The main focus of Southern is on commuter routes connecting South London, Hampshire, Kent, Sussex, and Surrey with London Bridge and London Victoria stations. In addition, Southern operates trains to cities such as Southampton, Portsmouth, and Eastbourne along the South Coast.
Departing from Portsmouth Harbour
Portsmouth Harbour is located where you might expect, the city's harbour, near Gunwharf Quays shopping centre and Portsmouth's historic harbourfront. Making it easy to get to by bus, taxi, and even ferry from the Isle of Wight and Gosport. There is also a bus interchange just a few minutes’ walk away from the station's main entrance. Unusually for a major UK railway station, Portsmouth Harbour is built over water, as the station was initially constructed with wooden planks and later replaced with iron supports.
Portsmouth Harbour station is a key hub offering convenient rail connections to major destinations such as London, Gatwick Airport, Southampton, Cardiff, and Bristol. Served by Southern, South Western Railway, and Great Western Railway, it provides seamless travel options for both business and leisure travellers heading to various cities and regions.
Main stops
Travelling with Southern from Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport usually includes stops at Portsmouth & Southsea, Fratton, Hilsea, Havant, Emsworth, Southbourne, Chichester, Barnham, Horsham, Crawley, and Three Bridges. These stations may change due to scheduling alterations or other unforeseen events. So, it's best to check before you travel to make sure.
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Arriving at Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport’s Train Station makes the airport incredibly easy to reach via rail. The station itself is connected to the South Terminal, so you only need to walk a short distance to reach arrivals and departures. There’s no need to get a taxi or another train to reach the airport from the station.
However, if you're flying from the North Terminal, you'll need to take the free automated shuttle service. This service runs every few minutes, and the journey to the North Terminal takes only two minutes.
A variety of UK train operators run services through Gatwick Airport, including the Thameslink, Great Western Railway, Gatwick Express, and Southern, offering links to destinations such as London Victoria, Cambridge, Brighton, Reading, and Bedford, ensuring easy travel across the country.
Southern train classes
- Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
- First Class: Provide free Wi-Fi, and relax in quieter carriages with upgraded seats and additional space, ensuring a better travel experience.
Southern train travel advice
- Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag. Store larger bags away on the overhead shelf or luggage racks. Smaller items of luggage can fit under the seats.
- Pets: Pets such as dogs, cats, and other small animals can accompany travellers for free. Dogs must be on a lead, while other animals should be in carriers. There is a limit of two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Peak-time restrictions apply to regular bikes and e-bikes. Spaces are free of charge, and there is no need to pre-book. E-scooters and hoverboards are not permitted.
- Children: Kids younger than 5 travel for free, and those aged 5 to 15 enjoy a 50% ticket discount. The Family & Friends Railcard offers a discount of up to 33% on family tickets.
- Passenger assist: Assisting with purchasing tickets and other necessary items for the journey, providing ramps or alternative transportation, and helping with luggage handling, boarding, and transfer services.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.