- 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 19
$20
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$33
Fastest journey on Sep 19
7 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
7 h 15 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Dover to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dover to Southampton will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Dover to Southampton, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 191 km distance in an average of 7 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 15 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 7 h 15 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 Dover to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, while a train costs an average of $96.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $96 Average price |
6h 52m Average total duration 6h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Dover to Southampton:
A bus is $59 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dover to Southampton costing on average $96.
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 22m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
The table below shows live departures for Dover to Southampton buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:50 PM Dover | 7h15 | 11:05 PM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Dover to Southampton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:35, the last at 21:28. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 5h 55m.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 55m |
First bus 4:35 AM |
Last bus 9:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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 Dover 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 Dover to Southampton buses use the Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) to Southampton, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Dover and Southampton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) is 1 km from Dover city centre. Public transport options include:
Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several eateries within walking distance.
Wi-Fi is available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre). ATMs are available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre).
Ticket office support is available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre).
Available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre): Wheelchair accessible paths available.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need