Southampton to Folkestone bus with National Express

Thu, May 07
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to Folkestone

Showing times and prices for May 07

Cheapest price

$70

Average price

$70

Fastest journey

6 h 45 m

Average duration

6 h 53 m

Buses per day

4

Distance

182 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Southampton to Folkestone is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Southampton to Folkestone will cost around $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.

Fast buses

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

  • National Express
    5:35 AM6h55
    Southampton
    12:30 PMFolkestone
    $701One-way
    1 transfer
  • National Express
    10:05 AM7h00
    Southampton
    5:05 PMFolkestone
    $701One-way
    1 transfer
  • National Express
    3:00 PM6h45
    Southampton
    9:45 PMFolkestone
    $701One-way
    1 transfer
  • National Express
    6:30 PM6h50
    Southampton
    1:20 AMFolkestone
    $701One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Southampton to Folkestone

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Folkestone among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a train costs an average of $45.

Distance: 113 miles (182 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$30

Average price

Cheapest

$45

Average price

$51

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 2m

Average total duration

5h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 34m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Folkestone is a bus with an average price of $30 (€24).

This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Folkestone:

A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Folkestone costing on average $45 (€36).

The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Folkestone is by train with an average journey time of 3h 16m.

Other travel options to Folkestone take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 32m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Folkestone including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton to Folkestone among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

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.

Live departures

Southampton to Folkestone bus times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Folkestone buses for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express5:35 AM Southampton
6h55
12:30 PM Folkestone1 transfer
national_express10:05 AM Southampton
7h00
5:05 PM Folkestone1 transfer
national_express3:00 PM Southampton
6h45
9:45 PM Folkestone1 transfer
national_express6:30 PM Southampton
6h50
1:20 AM Folkestone1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Folkestone by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Thu
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13

Why should you book Southampton to Folkestone buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Southampton to Folkestone.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Folkestone.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Folkestone.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Folkestone.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to Folkestone

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton to Folkestone run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 04:42, the last at 19:15. The fastest bus covers the 113 miles (182 km) distance in 6h 50m.

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
113 miles (182 km)
Average bus duration
5h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
$30 (€24)
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
6h 50m
First bus
4:42 AM
Last bus
7:15 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
4 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 FolkestoneYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Folkestone with National Express for as low as $30 (€24). 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 Duration
6h 50m
Cheapest Price
$30 (€24)
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.

FAQs: Bus from Southampton to Folkestone

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Folkestone 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 Folkestone, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Southampton to Folkestone can start from as little as $30 (€24) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Southampton to Folkestone is $30 (€24) ; 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 Folkestone is 6h 50m to travel the 113 miles (182 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 Folkestone leaves at 4:42 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Southampton to Folkestone leaves at 7:15 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Southampton to Folkestone which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Southampton to Folkestone, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Folkestone. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Southampton and Folkestone and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Folkestone from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Southampton to Folkestone is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Folkestone including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Southampton to Folkestone:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Southampton to Folkestone for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Southampton to Folkestone depends on the bus companies:
  • 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 Folkestone.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Southampton to Folkestone:
  • 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 Folkestone:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Southampton to Folkestone.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Southampton to Folkestone with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Southampton to Folkestone with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Southampton to Folkestone with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Southampton nor Folkestone 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 Folkestone 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 Folkestone, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the town center and near the port. Be aware of unofficial taxi services and only use licensed operators to avoid overcharging scams. Additionally, watch out for distractions used by scammers in crowded spots. Staying alert and securing personal belongings can help ensure a safe visit.
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 Folkestone

Southampton
Folkestone
The major bus station for departures in Southampton is Southampton, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton, Coach Station for your trip from Southampton to Folkestone.
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
carConnection
Car connection
Harbour Parade
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café Express (in the station)
  • Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the station.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available near the entrance.
Public transit options for Southampton, Coach Station
  • Bus: U1, U2, U6, X4 Train: South Western Railway
Southampton, University
information

Most popular bus connections to Folkestone

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