Cambridge to Southampton bus with National Express

Wed, Dec 03
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cambridge to Southampton

Showing times and prices for Dec 03

Cheapest price

$44

Average price

$62

Fastest journey

6 h 50 m

Average duration

8 h 45 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

178 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cambridge to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cambridge to Southampton will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Cambridge for Southampton on Wed, Dec 03, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Dec 03 the direct buses cover the 178 km distance in an average of 8 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 50 m .

On Wed, Dec 03 the slowest buses will take 11 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

National Express
06:15PM7h45
Cambridge
02:00AMSouthampton
$441One-way
0 transfers
National Express
12:35AM6h50
Cambridge
07:25AMSouthampton
$661One-way
0 transfers
National Express
08:40PM11h40
Cambridge
08:20AMSouthampton
$761One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cambridge to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €33, and a train costs an average of €24.

Distance: 110 miles (178 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€49

Average price

Cheapest

€55

Average price

5h 9m

Average total duration

4h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Cambridge to Southampton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:50AM
Arrival Time
09:20AM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$87
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:45AM
Arrival Time
11:20AM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$92
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
12:50PM
Duration
4h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:20AM
Arrival Time
02:20PM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:55PM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
10:20PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:15PM
Arrival Time
11:35PM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15PM
Arrival Time
03:00AM
Duration
7h45
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:40PM
Arrival Time
09:20AM
Duration
11h40
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$68

Live departures

Cambridge to Southampton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Southampton buses for today, Tuesday, December 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 7:34 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express8:40 PM Cambridge
11h40
8:20 AM Southampton0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, December 3
national_express12:35 AM Cambridge
6h50
7:25 AM Southampton0 transfersDirect
national_express6:15 PM Cambridge
7h45
2:00 AM Southampton0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Southampton by train or bus

Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Sun
Dec 07
Mon
Dec 08
Tue
Dec 09

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cambridge to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cambridge to Southampton run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $30 (€24) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 01:35, the last at 22:52. The fastest bus covers the 110 miles (178 km) distance in 5h 0m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $30 (€24)
Distance
110 miles (178 km)
Average bus duration
4h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
$41 (€33)
Buses per day
11
Fastest bus
5h 0m
First bus
01:35
Last bus
22:52
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $30 (€24)

Bus providers: National Express from Cambridge to SouthamptonYou can travel by bus between Cambridge to Southampton with National Express for as low as $30 (€24). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
$41 (€33)
National Express frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

FAQs: Bus from Cambridge to Southampton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Southampton by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cambridge to Southampton can start from as little as $40 (€33) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cambridge to Southampton is $58 (€47); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time from Cambridge to Southampton is on average 5 h 55 min   for the 110 mile (178 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Cambridge and Southampton by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cambridge to Southampton leaves at 1: 35AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Cambridge to Southampton leaves at 7: 15PM.
There are 12 buses a day from Cambridge to Southampton which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cambridge to Southampton, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Southampton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cambridge and Southampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cambridge to Southampton is January.
You have options as you can travel to Southampton from Cambridge 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cambridge to Southampton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cambridge to Southampton for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Southampton are:
  • Tudor House and Garden, a historic museum offering insights into Southampton's past with exhibits and a restored garden
  • SeaCity Museum, an interactive museum focusing on Southampton's maritime history and the Titanic
  • Southampton City Art Gallery, featuring an extensive collection of art from the Renaissance to contemporary works
  • Solent Sky Museum, showcasing aviation history with a focus on the region's contributions to aircraft development
  • Mayflower Theatre, a prominent venue hosting a variety of performances including musicals, opera, and ballet.
The best things to do in Southampton include:
  • New Forest National Park, a nearby natural reserve ideal for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting
  • Hythe Ferry, offering a scenic boat trip across Southampton Water to the charming village of Hythe
  • Westquay Shopping Centre, a major retail destination with a wide range of shops and dining options
  • Ocean Village Marina, a vibrant waterfront area with restaurants, bars, and leisure activities
  • Southampton Common, a large public park perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor events.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cambridge to Southampton depends on the bus company:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cambridge to Southampton, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cambridge to Southampton.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Southampton:
    • National Express
      • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Southampton:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cambridge to Southampton.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cambridge to Southampton with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cambridge to Southampton with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cambridge to Southampton with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Cambridge to Southampton

    Cambridge
    Southampton
    The major bus station for departures in Cambridge is Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) for your trip from Cambridge to Southampton.
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    information

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