Southampton to Darlington bus with National Express

Fri, Sep 18
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to Darlington

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Southampton to Darlington without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX032 · NX541 · NX177
    6:25 AM13h05
    Southampton, Coach Station
    7:30 PMDarlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)
    lei2001One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX540 · NX177
    5:20 AM14h10
    Southampton, University
    7:30 PMDarlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)
    lei2141One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX540 · NX177
    5:20 AM14h10
    Southampton, University
    7:30 PMDarlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)
    lei2421One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX591
    4:15 AM10h45
    Southampton, Coach Station
    3:00 PMDarlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)
    lei2461One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX591
    2:20 AM12h40
    Southampton, University
    3:00 PMDarlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)
    lei2461One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Southampton to Darlington

Omio 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)

Compare bus with

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)

National Express

Most popular bus company

London North Eastern Railway

Most popular train company

Loganair

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Darlington is a bus with an average price of lei295.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Darlington is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 10m.

Other travel options to Darlington take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 30m.

Bus takes on average 9h 41m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Southampton and Darlington including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton to Darlington among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

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.

Southampton to Darlington Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Southampton to Darlington bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX032 · NX5912:20 AM Southampton, University
12h40
3:00 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX5914:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station
10h45
3:00 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX540 · NX1775:20 AM Southampton, University
14h10
7:30 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)2 transfers
National ExpressNX032 · NX540 · NX1775:20 AM Southampton, University
14h10
7:30 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)2 transfers
National ExpressNX032 · NX541 · NX1776:25 AM Southampton, Coach Station
13h05
7:30 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Darlington by train, bus, or flight

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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Southampton to Darlington buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus offer buses services from Southampton to Darlington.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Darlington.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Darlington.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Darlington.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Darlington.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Darlington.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to Darlington

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

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
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
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

Bus providers: National Express from Southampton to DarlingtonYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Darlington with National Express for as low as lei174. 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 National Express Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
lei174
National Express frequency
5 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.

Complete guide to Darlington

Things to do in Darlington

Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

MIMA School of Art Gallery

University arts venue nearby with contemporary exhibitions, installations, and events. A good choice for modern art in the wider Darlington area.

  • Recommended

Piercebridge Roman Fort Museum

Roman fort and archaeology museum a short trip from Darlington. Finds, reconstructions, and river views make it a strong regional heritage visit.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and trains are manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Southampton to Darlington

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Southampton to Darlington can start from as little as lei174 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Southampton to Darlington is lei295 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Southampton to Darlington is 8h 30m to travel the 250 miles (403 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Southampton to Darlington leaves at 1:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Southampton to Darlington leaves at 6:45 PM.
There are 6 buses a day from Southampton to Darlington which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Southampton to Darlington, you can count on National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Darlington. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Southampton and Darlington and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Southampton , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, University, Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) . When arriving in Darlington , you can end your journey in bus stations like Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), Middlesbrough, Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Southampton, University, which is located around 1 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Darlington from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Southampton to Darlington is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Southampton and Darlington including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Southampton to Darlington for bus company National Express, Megabus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Southampton to Darlington:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Southampton to Darlington depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Southampton to Darlington.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Southampton to Darlington:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • 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 Southampton to Darlington:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Southampton to Darlington.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Southampton to Darlington with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Southampton to Darlington with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Southampton to Darlington with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Since neither Southampton nor Darlington are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton to Darlington among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Darlington, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and train stations. Be wary of unofficial taxi services to avoid overcharging. It's also advisable to keep an eye on personal belongings and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Always use licensed transportation and stay informed about local safety updates.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Southampton to Darlington

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.

Departure bus stations in Southampton
Arrival bus stations in Darlington

Which Southampton station do buses to Darlington leave from?

Buses from Southampton to Darlington leave from Southampton, Coach Station. The station is from Southampton city centre at Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre

BusX4, X5 · 5m · lei11 · every ~20 min

Southampton, Coach Station 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 and drink

Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.

Southampton, UniversityUniversity Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre

Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

BusU2b, U2 · 11m · lei11 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 25m · lei11 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 29m · lei11 · every ~37 min

Southampton, University bus station facilities and services

Southampton, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.

Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)University Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) from Southampton city centre

Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

BusU2b, U2 · 13m · lei11 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 24m · lei11 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 28m · lei11 · every ~37 min

Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) bus station facilities and services

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 and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University). ATMs are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Bus stop is accessible for individuals with disabilities.

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