Leicester to Southampton train with CrossCountry

Wed, Jul 15
+ Add return
CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
South Western Railway
Cross Country
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
South Western Railway
Cross Country
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Southampton

Showing times and prices for Jul 15

Cheapest price

$110

Average price

$146

Fastest journey

3 h 17 m

Average duration

3 h 37 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

194 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leicester to Southampton will cost around $146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $110.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Leicester for Southampton on Wed, Jul 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 194 km distance in an average of 3 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 17 m .

On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 3 h 57 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.

  • CrossCountry
    8:50 AM3h57
    Leicester
    12:47 PMSouthampton
    $1101One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    7:50 AM3h57
    Leicester
    11:47 AMSouthampton
    $1101One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    9:32 AM3h17
    Leicester
    12:49 PMSouthampton
    $1781One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    9:04 AM3h18
    Leicester
    12:22 PMSouthampton
    $1851One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Leicester to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. 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 $16, and a train costs an average of $44.

Distance: 120 miles (194 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$145

Average price

$27

Average price

Cheapest

$51

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 34m

Average total duration

5h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 1m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Southampton is a bus with an average price of $27 (€22).

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

A bus is $118 (€97) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Southampton costing on average $145 (€119).

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

Other travel options to Southampton take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 4m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Southampton including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Southampton among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $145 (€119) compared to roughly $51 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-94.14 (€-77.54). The journey takes 3h 16m versus 3h 1m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Leicester to Southampton train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Southampton trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountry7:50 AM Leicester
3h57
11:47 AM Southampton0 transfersDirect
CrossCountry8:50 AM Leicester
3h57
12:47 PM Southampton0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway9:04 AM Leicester
3h18
12:22 PM Southampton0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway9:32 AM Leicester
3h17
12:49 PM Southampton0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Southampton 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.

Wed
Jul 15
Thu
Jul 16
Fri
Jul 17
Sat
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Mon
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21

Why should you book Leicester to Southampton trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway, South Western Railway, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Leicester to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Southampton.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, South Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Southampton.
  • 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Southampton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, South Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Southampton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Southampton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to Southampton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 120 miles (194 km) distance in 3h 17m.

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 $16 (€13)
Distance
120 miles (194 km)
Average train duration
3h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
$44 (€36)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 17m
First train
4:45 AM
Last train
10:52 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
56 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $16 (€13)

Train companies: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, South Western Railway, Cross Country from Leicester to Southampton trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, South Western Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Leicester and Southampton from $16 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 53m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€36)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 33m
Cheapest Price
$216 (€178)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the 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
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Price
$96 (€79)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
$255 (€210)
Cross Country frequency
6 a day

Complete guide to Southampton

Things to do in Southampton

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

  • Must visit

SeaCity Museum

Southampton's flagship museum tells the city's story from Roman origins to Titanic and aviation, with strong local collections and family displays.

  • Must visit

Tudor House and Garden

Restored Tudor home and remains of a Norman house reveal centuries of domestic and maritime history in Southampton's atmospheric Old Town.

  • Recommended

Southampton City Art Gallery

Art gallery with a respected collection spanning old masters to contemporary works, plus changing exhibitions in the Cultural Quarter.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transport are typical for a mid-sized English city.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4.20 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Leicester to Southampton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Leicester to Southampton can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $44 (€36), while the average price is around $145 (€119).
The train from Leicester to Southampton takes 3h 17m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Leicester to Southampton is 120 miles (194 km).
The first train from Leicester to Southampton leaves at 4:45 AM.
The last train from Leicester to Southampton leaves at 10:52 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Leicester to Southampton.
There is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Southampton.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leicester to Southampton.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Southampton is Leicester station (LEI), which connects to Southampton Central (SOU).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Southampton is by bus, with a cost of around $16 (€13).
The train journey from Leicester to Southampton offers a varied landscape, passing through the picturesque English countryside, rolling hills, and charming towns, providing a pleasant and scenic experience, especially in certain stretches of the route.
A day trip from Leicester to Southampton is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 17m, and there are 5 train trips available per day.
In Southampton, you can explore the New Forest National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting, take the Hythe Ferry for a scenic trip, or shop at Westquay Shopping Centre. Enjoy the vibrant Ocean Village Marina with its dining and leisure options, or relax in Southampton Common. For cultural experiences, visit the Tudor House and Garden, SeaCity Museum, Southampton City Art Gallery, Solent Sky Museum, and catch a performance at the Mayflower Theatre.
To fully explore Southampton, including its maritime attractions, cultural sites, and local experiences, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Southampton.
Since neither Leicester nor Southampton 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 include London, Bournemouth, Winchester, Portsmouth, Salisbury.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Southampton 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.
In Southampton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the city center and near the port. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and unofficial tour operators offering poor services at inflated prices. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and official ticket vendors for transportation. Staying vigilant in crowded places 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 train stations

Popular train stations from Leicester to Southampton

Most Leicester to Southampton trains use the Leicester to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Southampton

Which Leicester station do trains to Southampton leave from?

Trains from Leicester to Southampton leave from Leicester. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre

BusX7 · 4m · $2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · $2 · every ~14 min

Leicester train station facilities and services

Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Leicester.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

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