- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Cheapest price
$70
Average price
$147
Fastest journey
2 h 35 m
Average duration
2 h 51 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
139 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Cardiff will cost around $147 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.
Of the 6 trains that leave Southampton for Cardiff on Mon, Jun 29, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 29 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
On Mon, Jun 29 the slowest trains will take 3 h 10 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.
G15005
G15004
G15519 · G15216 · G14938
W34617+
G00858
C03041 · G14938+
L78760 · L79928
G15005
G15004
G14937+
G00855
W34617+
G00858
C03041 · G14938+
L78760 · L79928Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 43m. 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 bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $16.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$77 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Southampton to Cardiff:
A bus is $47 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Cardiff costing on average $77 (€64).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 55m.
Tickets start at around $77 (€64) compared to roughly $42 (€34) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-35.61 (€-29.36). The journey takes 2h 43m versus 2h 37m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15004 | 8:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h42 | 10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00855+ G14937 | 8:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h52 | 11:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15519 · G15216 · G14938 | 8:23 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h17 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C03041 · G14938+ L78760 · L79928 | 8:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h10 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G15005 | 9:11 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h35 | 11:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00858+ W34617 | 9:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h55 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
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 Southampton to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€14) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 2h 22m.
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average train duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€14) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 22m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Open-air museum showcasing Welsh historic buildings, traditions, and everyday life on a large heritage site.
City museum covering Cardiff’s social history, industry, communities, and urban development.
Revitalized waterfront district with promenades, public buildings, and popular photo-friendly views.
Large central park ideal for riverside walks, greenery, and easy access from the castle.
Network of historic Victorian and Edwardian arcades prized for architecture and local independent shops.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort dishes.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savory cheese sauce, often seasoned with mustard or ale. It is a staple in pubs and cafes across Cardiff.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steakhouse in central Cardiff, praised for quality Welsh beef, polished service, and a lively modern atmosphere.
Highly regarded fine-dining venue serving well-presented British dishes in a unique and memorable setting.
Long-running Portuguese restaurant popular for grilled meat, seafood, and generous portions in a warm, traditional setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise on event days, but food, transport, and pubs are usually moderate for UK city travel.
Service charge is not always included. Tip about 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Cardiff 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Southampton to Cardiff trains use the Southampton Central to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
St Denys is 2 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
St Denys has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at St Denys.
Wi-Fi is available at St Denys.
Ticket office support is available at St Denys.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St Denys: Parking.
Available at St Denys: Bike Parking.
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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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 options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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 options are available at Cathays.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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