- 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
$21
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
49 m
Average duration
50 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
68 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Southampton will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Of the 2 trains that leave Reading for Southampton on Tue, Jun 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct trains cover the 68 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 49 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest trains will take 51 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 train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 56m. 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 train costs an average of $9, and a bus costs an average of $9.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price Cheapest | $68 Average price | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Reading to Southampton:
A train is $44 (€36) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Southampton costing on average $68 (€55).
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 50m.
You'll arrive about 24m sooner (56m by train vs 1h 20m by car). Tickets start at around $24 (€19) compared to roughly $18 (€14) 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 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 Reading to Southampton trains for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C48486+ L80254 | On time 12:15 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h07 | 1:22 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01009 | On time 12:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h51 | 1:43 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48491+ L80262 | On time 1:15 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h07 | 2:22 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01013 | On time 1:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h51 | 2:43 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48496+ L80274 | On time 2:16 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h06 | 3:22 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01018 | On time 2:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h51 | 3:43 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48501+ L80282 | On time 3:08 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h13 | 4:21 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01022 | On time 3:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h52 | 4:44 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48506+ L80294 | On time 4:10 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h11 | 5:21 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01024 | On time 4:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h51 | 5:43 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48510+ L80302 | On time 5:19 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h00 | 6:19 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01027 | On time 5:51 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h51 | 6:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48516+ L80308 | On time 6:00 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h18 | 7:18 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01032 | On time 6:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h50 | 7:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48521+ L80318 | On time 7:08 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h13 | 8:21 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01035 | On time 7:50 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h54 | 8:44 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48526+ L78831 | On time 8:00 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h21 | 9:21 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01043 | On time 8:49 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h55 | 9:44 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48531+ L78841 | On time 8:56 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h29 | 10:25 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
G01039 | On time 9:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0h50 | 10:42 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48535+ L78849 | On time 10:08 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h14 | 11:22 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
![]() | 8:54 AM Reading | 0h49 | 9:43 AM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:52 AM Reading | 0h51 | 10:43 AM Southampton | 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 Reading to Southampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 49m.
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average train duration 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 49m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 11:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 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 Reading 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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