Driving from Bournemouth to Portsmouth: The Fastest Routes and Drive Times

Are you planning a drive from Bournemouth to Portsmouth? Whether it's for work, leisure, or just because, you'll want to know the best routes and driving times. In this blog post, we'll look at the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of that route, and the time it takes to get there based on traffic patterns. Buckle up and let's go!

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Bournemouth to Portsmouth is via the A31 and the A3. This route is approximately 40 miles long, and in ideal conditions, it should take you around 50 minutes to complete. The A31 is a fast and straightforward road, and it connects to the A3 at Petersfield. The A3 then takes you straight into Portsmouth.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route from Bournemouth to Portsmouth is via the A35 and the A27. This route is approximately 35 miles long, but it can take up to 90 minutes to complete, depending on traffic. The A35 can be quite congested during peak times, so if you're in a hurry, it's best to avoid this route.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic patterns can significantly affect your driving time. If you're driving during peak times, such as rush hour, you can expect your journey to take longer. Similarly, if you're driving during off-peak times, you can expect your journey to be faster.

During peak times, the fastest route from Bournemouth to Portsmouth can take up to 90 minutes to complete, whereas the slowest route can take up to 120 minutes. During off-peak times, the fastest route can take as little as 40 minutes to complete, and the slowest route can take as little as 50 minutes.

Other Options

If you're looking for a scenic route, you could take the A31 south towards Ringwood, then head west towards Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. From there, you can take the A337 south towards Lymington, and then catch the ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. From Yarmouth, it's just a short drive to Portsmouth. This route is approximately 50 miles long and takes around 2 hours, but it's a lovely drive through the New Forest and across the Solent.

Alternatively, you could catch a train from Bournemouth to Portsmouth. Trains run regularly throughout the day, and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes.

In Conclusion

Driving from Bournemouth to Portsmouth can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the route, traffic patterns, and time of day. The fastest route is via the A31 and the A3, while the slowest route is via the A35 and the A27. If you want to avoid the roads altogether, you could take the scenic route through the New Forest or catch a train. Plan your journey carefully, and you'll get there in good time!