- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Southampton's flagship museum tells the city's story from Roman origins to Titanic and aviation, with strong local collections and family displays.
Cheapest price on Sep 10
$39
Average ticket price on Sep 10
$56
Fastest journey on Sep 10
9 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 10
10 h 58 m
Buses on Sep 10
2
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 $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
On Thu, Sep 10, we found 2 buses from Darlington to Southampton, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 10 the direct buses cover the 403 km distance in an average of 10 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 35 m .
On Thu, Sep 10 the slowest buses will take 12 h 20 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.




Omio 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 an average ticket price of $61 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $61, while a flight costs an average of $522.
Distance: 250 miles (403 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$61 Average price Cheapest | $176 Average price | $522 Average price | $108 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 56m Average total duration 9h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 2h 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 $115 (€93) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Darlington to Southampton costing on average $176 (€142).
A bus is $462 (€373) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Darlington to Southampton costing on average $522 (€421).
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 13m.
Bus takes on average 9h 26m.
Tickets start at around $61 (€49) compared to roughly $108 (€87) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $47 (€38). The journey takes 9h 26m versus 5h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Southampton buses for tomorrow, Thursday, September 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:45 AM Darlington | 9h35 | 11:20 AM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:25 PM Darlington | 12h20 | 2:45 AM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 4 times per day, taking around 9h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) 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 8h 35m.
Distance 250 miles (403 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 8h 35m |
First bus 1:15 AM |
Last bus 10:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Southampton's flagship museum tells the city's story from Roman origins to Titanic and aviation, with strong local collections and family displays.
Restored Tudor home and remains of a Norman house reveal centuries of domestic and maritime history in Southampton's atmospheric Old Town.
Art gallery with a respected collection spanning old masters to contemporary works, plus changing exhibitions in the Cultural Quarter.
Historic quarter enclosed by medieval walls, packed with lanes, pubs, museums, and merchant houses that showcase Southampton's oldest character.
Large central park popular for walks, events, and city views, linking major cultural venues with green space in the heart of Southampton.
Leafy Victorian park with formal gardens, memorials, and broad lawns. It is ideal for a break between museums and shopping streets.
A fresh oyster from nearby Hampshire waters, long linked to the Solent coast and traditionally eaten raw with lemon.
White fish coated in beer batter and fried, then served with chips. A classic British seaside meal popular in Southampton pubs and takeaways.
Hampshire pork sausages, often made with local meat and served with mash. A hearty pub staple across Southampton and the wider county.
Well-regarded craft brewery and taproom pouring local beers in a casual industrial space with a strong local following.
Refined modern British dining in a smart, intimate setting. Best known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service.
Historic pub in the old town serving cask ales and classic British dishes in a traditional, atmospheric setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transport are typical for a mid-sized English city.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
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.

Most Darlington to Southampton buses use the Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) to Southampton, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton, University. Use this guide to compare Darlington and Southampton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.
Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.
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