.png){kind=small}
4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$121
Fastest journey
2 h 32 m
Average duration
2 h 33 m
Trains per day
24
Distance
138 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Of the 24 trains that leave Southampton Central (SOU) for Cardiff Central (CDF) on Sun, Jun 21, 12 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 138 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 32 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 35 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.
W350497:57 PM2h36Southampton Central (SOU)10:33 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers- C330995:57 PM2h35Southampton Central (SOU)8:32 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers
- W350538:59 PM2h32Southampton Central (SOU)11:31 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers
- W349849:57 AM2h46Southampton Central (SOU)12:43 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers
- W3499010:57 AM2h46Southampton Central (SOU)1:43 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers
- W350538:59 PM2h32Southampton Central (SOU)11:31 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers
- C330982:57 PM2h33Southampton Central (SOU)5:30 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers
- W350436:57 PM2h33Southampton Central (SOU)9:30 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers
- W350233:57 PM2h34Southampton Central (SOU)6:31 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers
- C330995:57 PM2h35Southampton Central (SOU)8:32 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$861One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and ferry for Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 85 miles (138 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration 6h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 40m Average total duration Fastest 40m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
A bus is $4 (€4) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average $33 (€27).
A bus is $47 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average $75 (€61).
Other travel options to Cardiff Central (CDF) take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 40m.
Bus takes on average 6h 4m.
Tickets start at around $75 (€61) compared to roughly $42 (€34) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-33.03 (€-27.02). The journey takes 2h 40m versus 2h 39m 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
Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 G00852+W34609 | On time 7:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h21 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
 L80349 · L79923+C03035 · C42174 | 7:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h10 | 10:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| C42255 | 8:09 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h43 | 10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00856+W34615 | On time 8:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h25 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C42716 · C42463 · W34615 | On time 8:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h10 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C42257 | 9:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h35 | 11:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34983 | On time 10:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h40 | 12:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00862+C42175 | 10:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h25 | 12:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| L80070 · L79941+C03051 · W34621 | On time 10:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h07 | 1:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| C42260 | On time 11:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h37 | 1:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00868+W34623 | On time 11:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h02 | 2:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W34995 | On time 12:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h40 | 2:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00873+W34625 | On time 12:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h22 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| L80081 · L79953+C03061 · C42176 | On time 12:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h06 | 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| C42263 | On time 1:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h36 | 3:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W35006 | On time 2:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h39 | 4:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00886+W34631 | On time 2:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h22 | 4:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W35011 | 3:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h38 | 5:48 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00889+W34635 | On time 3:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h22 | 5:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C42268 | On time 4:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h40 | 6:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00896+W35420 | On time 4:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h22 | 6:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| L80117 · L79977+C03081 · W34641 | On time 4:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h09 | 7:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| C42270 | On time 5:09 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h41 | 7:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00903+C42179 | 5:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h55 | 8:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| L80125 · L79983+C03086 · C42180 | On time 5:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h07 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| C42272 | On time 6:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h35 | 8:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00910+W34647 | On time 6:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h56 | 9:11 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| L80135 · L79989+C03091 · C42181 | On time 6:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h07 | 9:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| C42274 | On time 7:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h36 | 9:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C42276 | On time 8:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h44 | 10:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G00926+W34650 | On time 8:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h27 | 10:42 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C42278 | On time 9:12 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h43 | 11:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
| SW006000 · L78754 · L79160+C50048 | 6:24 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h05 | 10:29 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) by train, bus, or ferry
Compare train, bus, and ferry 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and ferry to find the ideal travel option from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:33, the last at 21:11. The fastest train covers the 85 miles (138 km) distance in 2h 21m.
Distance 85 miles (138 km) |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 4:33 AM |
Last train 9:11 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Southampton Central (SOU) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from $18 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Cardiff Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Most Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the Southampton Central to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Southampton Central (SOU) and Cardiff Central (CDF) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre
Southampton Central train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Southampton Airport Parkway from Southampton city centre
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to St Denys from Southampton city centre
St Denys is 2 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
St Denys train station facilities and services
St Denys has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St Denys.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at St Denys.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at St Denys.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Denys: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at St Denys: Bike Parking.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central 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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Most popular train connections from Southampton Central (SOU)
More options for your journey from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and Southampton Central (SOU)
Most popular train connections to Cardiff Central (CDF)
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
