- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$97
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$146
Fastest journey on Sep 19
5 h 23 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
5 h 37 m
Trains on Sep 19
4
Distance
331 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Southampton will cost around $146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 4 trains from Preston to Southampton, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 331 km distance in an average of 5 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 23 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 52 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.








Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Preston to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $70 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $70, while a flight costs an average of $209.
Distance: 205 miles (331 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$187 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $209 Average price | $104 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 9m Average total duration 9h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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 Preston to Southampton:
A bus is $117 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Southampton costing on average $187.
A bus is $139 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Southampton costing on average $209.
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 30m.
Bus takes on average 9h 39m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (4h 30m by train vs 4h 42m by car). Tickets start at around $187 compared to roughly $104 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.
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 Preston to Southampton trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:17 AM Preston | 5h46 | 1:03 PM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:20 AM Preston | 5h23 | 12:43 PM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:20 AM Preston | 5h52 | 2:12 PM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:18 AM Preston | 5h25 | 2:43 PM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Preston to Southampton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 but you can travel from only $44 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:52, the last at 20:01. The fastest train covers the 205 miles (331 km) distance in 3h 48m.
Distance 205 miles (331 km) |
Average train duration 4h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 48m |
First train 4:52 AM |
Last train 8:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Southampton's flagship museum tells the city's story from Roman origins to Titanic and aviation, with strong local collections and family displays.
Restored Tudor home and remains of a Norman house reveal centuries of domestic and maritime history in Southampton's atmospheric Old Town.
Art gallery with a respected collection spanning old masters to contemporary works, plus changing exhibitions in the Cultural Quarter.
Historic quarter enclosed by medieval walls, packed with lanes, pubs, museums, and merchant houses that showcase Southampton's oldest character.
Large central park popular for walks, events, and city views, linking major cultural venues with green space in the heart of Southampton.
Leafy Victorian park with formal gardens, memorials, and broad lawns. It is ideal for a break between museums and shopping streets.
A fresh oyster from nearby Hampshire waters, long linked to the Solent coast and traditionally eaten raw with lemon.
White fish coated in beer batter and fried, then served with chips. A classic British seaside meal popular in Southampton pubs and takeaways.
Hampshire pork sausages, often made with local meat and served with mash. A hearty pub staple across Southampton and the wider county.
Well-regarded craft brewery and taproom pouring local beers in a casual industrial space with a strong local following.
Refined modern British dining in a smart, intimate setting. Best known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service.
Historic pub in the old town serving cask ales and classic British dishes in a traditional, atmospheric setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transport are typical for a mid-sized English city.
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.
Official public transport app
Southampton Central -> Above Bar Street, Southampton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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 Preston to Southampton trains use the Preston to Southampton Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need