- 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
$46
Average price
$149
Fastest journey
4 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 16 m
Trains per day
24
Distance
292 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Southampton will cost around $149 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 24 trains that leave Manchester for Southampton on Sun, Jun 07, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct trains cover the 292 km distance in an average of 4 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 15 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest trains will take 4 h 17 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.
G01036
G01034
G01007
G01011
G01040
G01011
G01015
G01023
G01036
G01030Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$109 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $169 Average price | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 39m Average total duration 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Manchester to Southampton:
A bus is $72 (€59) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Southampton costing on average $109 (€89).
A bus is $133 (€108) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Southampton costing on average $169 (€138).
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 9m.
Bus takes on average 6h 41m.
You'll arrive about 17m sooner (4h 9m by train vs 4h 26m by car). Tickets start at around $109 (€89) compared to roughly $95 (€77) 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 CrossCountry, Cross Country.
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 Manchester to Southampton trains for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00998 | On time 5:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h32 | 9:43 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33780+ L80235+ Tube from London Euston to London Waterloo | On time 5:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h27 | 11:21 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
W33780+ W34676 · C48472+ G00999 | On time 5:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h49 | 10:43 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4 transfers | |
W33397+ L80255+ Tube from London Euston to London Waterloo | On time 8:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h07 | 1:21 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
W33397+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34621+ G01006 | On time 8:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h29 | 12:43 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3 transfers | |
G01006 | On time 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h18 | 12:43 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33648+ C42189 · C48484+ L80255 | On time 8:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h47 | 1:21 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4 transfers | |
W33648+ L80121+ Tube from London Euston to London Waterloo | On time 8:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h18 | 1:52 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
W33594+ L80263+ Tube from London Euston to London Waterloo | On time 9:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h07 | 2:21 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Manchester to Southampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 181 miles (292 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 181 miles (292 km) |
Average train duration 4h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 15m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 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.
Historic house museum revealing over 800 years of local history, with restored rooms, exhibitions, and a peaceful garden.
Aviation museum with historic aircraft, including the famous Supermarine Spitfire, which was developed in Southampton.
Historic quarter with medieval walls, hidden lanes, and key heritage sites, ideal for exploring Southampton’s oldest streets.
Lively street near the waterfront known for its atmosphere, historic surroundings, and strong appeal for evening strolls.
Modern marina district with waterside walks, yachts, and photogenic views that have become especially popular on social media.
Fresh battered fish with chips, a classic south coast meal shaped by Southampton's maritime heritage and easy access to local seafood.
Sweet local crab from nearby waters, often served simply in salads or sandwiches and prized across Hampshire for its fresh flavour.
Shellfish from the Solent and nearby coast, traditionally eaten fresh and closely linked to the region's long seafaring food culture.
A long-established independent favourite serving British and European dishes in a smart, dependable brasserie setting.
A stylish, established venue in Southampton's old walls area, known for seasonal British food and a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
A well-known modern restaurant for refined Southeast Asian cooking and cocktails, with an elegant setting by Ocean Village.
Moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are fairly priced, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tipping is optional in cafes and pubs.
Official public transport app
Southampton Central -> Above Bar Street, Southampton City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

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