- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
lei200
Average ticket price on Sep 18
lei229
Fastest journey on Sep 18
10 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
12 h 58 m
Buses on Sep 18
5
Distance
403 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Southampton to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Darlington will cost around lei229 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only lei200.
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Darlington without transferring at least once.
NX032 · NX541 · NX177
NX032 · NX540 · NX177
NX032 · NX540 · NX177
NX032 · NX591
NX032 · NX591
NX032 · NX591
NX032 · NX591
NX032 · NX541 · NX177
NX032 · NX540 · NX177
NX032 · NX540 · NX177Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Darlington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of lei295 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of lei295, while a flight costs an average of lei1444.
Distance: 250 miles (403 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
lei295 Average price Cheapest | lei1107 Average price | lei1444 Average price | lei487 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 11m Average total duration 9h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 15m 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 Southampton to Darlington:
A bus is lei812 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Darlington costing on average lei1107.
A bus is lei1149 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Southampton to Darlington costing on average lei1444.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 30m.
Bus takes on average 9h 41m.
Tickets start at around lei295 compared to roughly lei487 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about lei193. The journey takes 9h 41m versus 5h 15m 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 02:20AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price lei246 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price lei358 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price lei246 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price lei214 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price lei285 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price lei200 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price lei282 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price lei282 |
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Darlington buses for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX032 · NX591 | 2:20 AM Southampton, University | 12h40 | 3:00 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX591 | 4:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 10h45 | 3:00 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 · NX177 | 5:20 AM Southampton, University | 14h10 | 7:30 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX540 · NX177 | 5:20 AM Southampton, University | 14h10 | 7:30 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX541 · NX177 | 6:25 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 13h05 | 7:30 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Southampton to Darlington run on average 6 times per day, taking around 9h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at lei174 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:15, the last at 18:45. The fastest bus covers the 250 miles (403 km) distance in 8h 30m.
Distance 250 miles (403 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price lei174 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 8h 30m |
First bus 1:15 AM |
Last bus 6:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
University arts venue nearby with contemporary exhibitions, installations, and events. A good choice for modern art in the wider Darlington area.
Roman fort and archaeology museum a short trip from Darlington. Finds, reconstructions, and river views make it a strong regional heritage visit.
Historic town centre street lined with shops and civic buildings. It is central to exploring Darlington's market character and Victorian urban fabric.
Traditional covered market area with surrounding lanes and street life. It is ideal for soaking up local atmosphere in a compact historic setting.
Large town park with formal gardens, a café building, aviary area, and bandstand. It is one of Darlington's best-loved green spaces for a stroll.
A Teesside takeaway classic: chicken in a creamy béchamel-style sauce with chips. It is strongly associated with nearby Middlesbrough and the wider area.
A rich North East beef and vegetable broth, slowly cooked with pearl barley or split peas. It is a traditional working-class staple in County Durham homes.
Layered potatoes, onions and cheese baked until golden. A beloved North East comfort dish, often served in pubs and homes across Durham and Teesside.
Well-known traditional pub venue serving cask ales and hearty British favourites in a historic, characterful atmosphere.
Established town-centre restaurant known for polished British and European cooking in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Popular Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for classic curries, attentive service and a comfortable modern dining room.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and trains are manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) -> Darlington Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Southampton to Darlington buses use the Southampton, University to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Darlington bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (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, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University). ATMs are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Bus stop is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need