- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Modern city museum focused on Southampton’s maritime history, including the Titanic story and the city’s role as a major port.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
9 h 15 m
Average duration
10 h 50 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
403 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Darlington to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Darlington to Southampton will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
It's difficult to get from Darlington to Southampton without transferring at least once.
NX591 · NX032
NX177 · NX540 · NX032
NX177 · NX540 · NX032
NX591 · NX032
NX598 · NX032
NX598 · NX032
NX598 · NX032
NX591 · NX032
NX177 · NX540 · NX032
NX177 · NX540 · NX032Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $152.
Distance: 250 miles (403 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $142 Average price | $229 Average price | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 55m Average total duration 8h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Darlington to Southampton:
A bus is $83 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Darlington to Southampton costing on average $142 (€115).
A bus is $171 (€139) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Darlington to Southampton costing on average $229 (€187).
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
Bus takes on average 8h 25m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Southampton buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX598 · NX032 | 1:45 AM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 9h15 | 11:00 AM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
NX598 · NX032 | 1:45 AM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 9h35 | 11:20 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX177 · NX540 · NX032 | 11:50 AM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 12h15 | 12:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX177 · NX540 · NX032 | 11:50 AM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 12h00 | 11:50 PM Southampton, University | 2 transfers | |
NX591 · NX032 | 2:25 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 12h20 | 2:45 AM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
NX591 · NX032 | 2:25 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 11h05 | 1:30 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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.
Buses from Darlington to Southampton run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€22) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:15, the last at 22:29. The fastest bus covers the 250 miles (403 km) distance in 9h 35m.
Distance 250 miles (403 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€22) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 9h 35m |
First bus 1:15 AM |
Last bus 10:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Modern city museum focused on Southampton’s maritime history, including the Titanic story and the city’s role as a major port.
Restored historic house museum in the Old Town, presenting over 800 years of local history in atmospheric rooms and gardens.
Aviation museum with historic aircraft and exhibits on flying boat and regional aviation heritage.
The most characterful part of Southampton, with medieval walls, historic lanes, pubs, museums, and easy walking between major sights.
Modern marina district popular for waterfront walks, yacht views, and social-media-friendly skyline and harbor scenes.
Busy waterfront promenade with views toward the port and cruise terminals, especially popular at sunset.
A classic south coast takeaway of battered local fish with chips, closely tied to Southampton's port and seaside food culture.
Oysters from the nearby Solent and Hamble area have long been part of local coastal eating, prized for their fresh briny flavour.
Fresh south coast crab served on bread is a common regional seafood dish, showcasing shellfish landed along the Hampshire coast.
A trusted local favourite serving French and European dishes, appreciated for consistent cooking and a warm neighbourhood feel.
A long-running independent Spanish restaurant known for tapas, seafood, and a cosy, characterful dining room.
A well-regarded modern Asian restaurant and bar with stylish interiors, noted for creative small plates and cocktails.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and chains are reasonable, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more.
Around 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes, pubs, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Southampton Coach Station, Southampton -> Southampton Central Station, Southampton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington 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.

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