Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train with Great Western Rail

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$35

Average price

$61

Fastest journey

2 h 34 m

Average duration

3 h 9 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

138 km

Cheap tickets

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 $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Southampton Central (SOU) for Cardiff Central (CDF) on Fri, Nov 07, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 138 km distance in an average of 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 34 m .

On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 4 h 38 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.

Great Western Rail
09:11AM2h38
Southampton Central (SOU)
11:49AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$351One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
02:11PM2h38
Southampton Central (SOU)
04:49PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$481One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
10:10AM2h34
Southampton Central (SOU)
12:44PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$481One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
04:33AM3h15
Southampton Central (SOU)
07:48AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$871One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
05:47AM4h38
Southampton Central (SOU)
10:25AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$891One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus 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 ferry with prices starting from €21. 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 ferry costs an average of €21, and a train costs an average of €19.

Distance: 85 miles (138 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Ferry

€40

Average price

€28

Average price

€22

Average price

Cheapest

3h 11m

Average total duration

2h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 33m

Average total duration

6h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

40m

Onboard

+

1h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 7:35 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
south_west_trainsL48577+great_westernP09258 · P08237
On time
7:37 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
3h00
10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP08382
Delayed
8:16 AM 8:10 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
2h42
10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 transfersDirect
Friday, November 7
great_western4:33 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
3h15
7:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
great_western5:47 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
4h38
10:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect

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 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.

Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train
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 $20 (€16)
Distance
85 miles (138 km)
Average train duration
2h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
$23 (€19)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 33m
First train
04:33
Last train
20:11

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) start from as low as $23 (€19) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $50 (€40) depending on the train type and class.
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 $20 (€16)

Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Southampton Central (SOU) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from $20 (€16). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
Great Western Rail frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at 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
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Price
$123 (€100)
first_great_western frequency
12 a day

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.

FAQs
The train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) takes 2h 33m and runs 7 per day.
Train ticket prices from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $23 (€19), while the average price is around $50 (€40).
A day trip from Southampton Central to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 33m. Trains run 7 times per day over a distance of 85 miles (138 km).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by bus, with a cost of around $20 (€16).
The last train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 8:11 PM.
The train journey from Southampton Central to Cardiff Central offers a mix of cityscapes and countryside views, including glimpses of the rolling hills and fields of southern England, making parts of the trip quite scenic.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The first train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 4:33 AM.
The distance by train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 85 miles (138 km).
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Yes, there is a direct train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF). This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.
There is no high speed train available from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Southampton
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Southampton is Southampton Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton Central for your trip from Southampton to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:45 Saturday 06:00 - 20:45 Sunday 06:30 - 20:45
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Premium-downside
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes outside Platform 4 exit
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Rooms on Platforms 1 and 4. The National key toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 4; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: All platforms. Waiting rooms are heated and seating complies with Code of Practice.
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1 - 200 spaces Platform 4 - 44 spaces Outside Platform 4 entrance - 4 spaces Outside Platform 1 entrance - A new bike hut with 140 two tier spaces
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Southampton Central
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement bus service goes from the north side (Blechynden Terrace) during engineering works. Overnight onward transport goes from the South side (West Quay side)

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)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomSouthampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

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