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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU)
Showing times and prices for Jun 01
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 21 m
Trains per day
30
Distance
138 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) will cost around $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) without transferring at least once.
W35202 · GW581600 · W350457:18 PM3h49Cardiff Central (CDF)11:07 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$881One-way2 transfers- W35435 · GW582200 · W350254:21 PM3h43Cardiff Central (CDF)8:04 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$881One-way2 transfers
- W35167 · GW584000 · W349747:23 AM3h40Cardiff Central (CDF)11:03 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)$881One-way2 transfers
- W35178 · GW583400 · G1501010:18 AM3h46Cardiff Central (CDF)2:04 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$881One-way2 transfers
- G15041 · GW583800 · G150068:18 AM3h44Cardiff Central (CDF)12:02 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$881One-way2 transfers
- V03135+
G009976:24 AM3h19Cardiff Central (CDF)9:43 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)$2281One-way1 transfer - W35167+G010007:23 AM3h19Cardiff Central (CDF)10:42 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)$2111One-way1 transfer
- W35435+G010324:21 PM3h21Cardiff Central (CDF)7:42 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$1581One-way1 transfer
- G15049+G010273:18 PM3h24Cardiff Central (CDF)6:42 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$1581One-way1 transfer
- W35202+G010397:18 PM3h24Cardiff Central (CDF)10:42 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$1581One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $34.
Distance: 85 miles (138 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) is a bus with an average price of $30 (€24).
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU):
A bus is $46 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) costing on average $75 (€60).
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 39m.
Other travel options to Southampton Central (SOU) take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 32m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Southampton Central (SOU) including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (2h 39m by train vs 2h 42m by car). Tickets start at around $75 (€60) compared to roughly $43 (€34) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C50038 · GW200300 · W34979 | Delayed 7:52 AM 8:50 AMCardiff Central (CDF) | 4h14 | 1:04 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| C00165+G01007 | On time 9:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h09 | 12:44 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| C00123 · GW199700 · C00850 | On time 10:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h43 | 2:03 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| C00123+G01011 | On time 10:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 1:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
GW199700 · C00850+ Y61968 | On time 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h33 | 2:03 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| C50037+G01015 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 2:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| C50037 · GW196500 · W34991 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h45 | 3:05 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| W35438 · GW196200 · C00852 | On time 12:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h45 | 4:05 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| W35438+G01019 | On time 12:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h24 | 3:44 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| GW196200 · C00852+G38977 | 12:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h25 | 4:05 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| W35439 · GW195600 · W35012 | On time 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h38 | 5:03 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| W35439+G01023 | On time 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 4:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| GW195600 · W35012+G39022 | 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h33 | 5:03 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| W35220+G01026 | On time 2:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h24 | 5:44 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| W35220 · GW195100 · W35018 | On time 2:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h46 | 6:06 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| GW195100 · W35018+Y61969 | On time 2:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 6:06 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| W35442+G01029 | On time 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 6:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| W35442 · GW194400 · W35024 | On time 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 7:02 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| C00125+G01030 | On time 4:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 7:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| C00125 · GW194000 · W35030 | On time 4:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h36 | 8:01 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| GW194000 · W35030+Y61959 | On time 4:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 8:01 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| W35445+G01034 | On time 5:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 8:45 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| W35445 · GW165700 · W35044 | On time 5:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 9:02 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| W35246+G01036 | On time 6:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 9:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| W35246 · GW144800 · W35050 | On time 6:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h38 | 10:03 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| GW144800 · W35050+Y61964 | On time 6:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h34 | 10:03 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| C00139+G01040 | On time 7:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 10:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| C00139 · GW144200 · W35054 | 7:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h47 | 11:12 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| G00930+GW144200 · W35054 | On time 7:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 11:12 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
| V03135+G00997 | 6:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h19 | 9:43 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| V03135 · GW584200 · G15003 | 6:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 10:05 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| W35167+G01000 | 7:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h19 | 10:42 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| W35167 · GW584000 · W34974 | 7:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 11:03 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
| G15041+G01003 | 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h25 | 11:43 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| G15041 · GW583800 · G15006 | 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h44 | 12:02 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) 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.
Sun
May 31
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Jun 06
Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU).
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU).
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU).
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 Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 (€27) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:28, the last at 20:30. The fastest train covers the 85 miles (138 km) distance in 2h 32m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $19 (€15)
Distance 85 miles (138 km) |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€27) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 5:28 AM |
Last train 8:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $19 (€15)
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Southampton Central (SOU) from $19 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Price
$34 (€27)
Great Western Railway frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 18m
Cheapest Price
$124 (€100)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southampton Central (SOU), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $34 (€27), while the average price is around $75 (€60).
The train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) takes 2h 32m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) is 85 miles (138 km).
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) leaves at 5:28 AM.
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) leaves at 8:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU).
Yes, there is a direct train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU). This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) is by bus, with a cost of around $19 (€15).
The train journey from Cardiff Central to Southampton Central offers a variety of scenic views, including stretches of picturesque countryside, glimpses of the Severn Estuary, and charming towns along the way, making it a pleasant and visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Cardiff Central to Southampton Central is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 32m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit. Trains run 7 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU).
Since neither Cardiff Central (CDF) nor Southampton Central (SOU) 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.
Popular day trips by train from Southampton Central (SOU) include Bournemouth, London, Fareham, Cosham, Winchester.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU) among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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.
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 train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU)
Cardiff
Southampton
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Southampton.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
The major train station for arrivals in Southampton is Southampton Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton Central for your journey to Southampton from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:45 Saturday 06:00 - 20:45 Sunday 06:30 - 20:45
Parking
- Car Park: Premium-downside
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes outside Platform 4 exit
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Rooms on Platforms 1 and 4. The National key toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 4; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: All platforms. Waiting rooms are heated and seating complies with Code of Practice.
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 - 200 spaces Platform 4 - 44 spaces Outside Platform 4 entrance - 4 spaces Outside Platform 1 entrance - A new bike hut with 140 two tier spaces
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Southampton Central
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement bus service goes from the north side (Blechynden Terrace) during engineering works. Overnight onward transport goes from the South side (West Quay side)
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Southampton Central (SOU)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Southampton Central (SOU) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Most popular train connections to Southampton Central (SOU)
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