- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Modern city museum focused on Southampton’s maritime history, including the Titanic story and the city’s role as a major port.
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$126
Fastest journey
2 h 22 m
Average duration
2 h 34 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
139 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Southampton will cost around $126 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Of the 7 trains that leave Cardiff for Southampton on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 22 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 45 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.
W34973
W35054
W34979
C00165+
L79357 · L78768
C50038+
G01004
C50037+
G01011
C00123+
G01007
W34979
W35054
W34973Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Southampton 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 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $16.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Southampton:
A bus is $45 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Southampton costing on average $74 (€60).
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 29m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (2h 38m by train vs 2h 42m by car). Tickets start at around $74 (€60) compared to roughly $42 (€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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Southampton trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C50038+ G01004 | 8:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h52 | 11:42 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
W34973 | 9:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h45 | 12:03 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C00165+ L79357 · L78768 | 9:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h59 | 12:34 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
C00123+ G01007 | On time 10:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h24 | 12:44 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
W34979 | 10:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h39 | 1:04 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C50037+ G01011 | 11:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h22 | 1:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
W35054 | On time 8:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h42 | 11:12 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Southampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 2h 32m.
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average train duration 2h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 9:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Modern city museum focused on Southampton’s maritime history, including the Titanic story and the city’s role as a major port.
Restored historic house museum in the Old Town, presenting over 800 years of local history in atmospheric rooms and gardens.
Aviation museum with historic aircraft and exhibits on flying boat and regional aviation heritage.
The most characterful part of Southampton, with medieval walls, historic lanes, pubs, museums, and easy walking between major sights.
Modern marina district popular for waterfront walks, yacht views, and social-media-friendly skyline and harbor scenes.
Busy waterfront promenade with views toward the port and cruise terminals, especially popular at sunset.
A classic south coast takeaway of battered local fish with chips, closely tied to Southampton's port and seaside food culture.
Oysters from the nearby Solent and Hamble area have long been part of local coastal eating, prized for their fresh briny flavour.
Fresh south coast crab served on bread is a common regional seafood dish, showcasing shellfish landed along the Hampshire coast.
A trusted local favourite serving French and European dishes, appreciated for consistent cooking and a warm neighbourhood feel.
A long-running independent Spanish restaurant known for tapas, seafood, and a cosy, characterful dining room.
A well-regarded modern Asian restaurant and bar with stylish interiors, noted for creative small plates and cocktails.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and chains are reasonable, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more.
Around 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes, pubs, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Southampton Central -> Westquay, Southampton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Southampton 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Southampton trains use the Cardiff Central to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: 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.
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: 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 some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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: No.
Millbrook (Hants) is 2 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Millbrook (Hants) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Millbrook (Hants).
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Millbrook (Hants): Parking.
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