Southampton to Cardiff train with Great Western Rail

Sat, Nov 15
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Great Western Rail
first_great_western
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Nov 15

Cheapest price

$49

Average price

$86

Fastest journey

2 h 36 m

Average duration

2 h 54 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

139 km

Cheap tickets

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 $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Southampton for Cardiff on Sat, Nov 15, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Nov 15 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 36 m .

On Sat, Nov 15 the slowest trains will take 3 h 21 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
05:57AM2h46
Southampton
08:43AMCardiff
$491One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
08:10AM2h36
Southampton
10:46AMCardiff
$491One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
04:15AM3h21
Southampton
07:36AMCardiff
$1591One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Southampton to Cardiff

Omio 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 €16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 41m. 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 €16, and a train costs an average of €26.

Distance: 86 miles (139 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€50

Average price

€29

Average price

Cheapest

3h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 50m

Average total duration

6h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Southampton to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Cardiff trains for today, Friday, November 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:47 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_western2:11 PM Southampton
2h38
4:49 PM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western8:11 PM Southampton
2h34
10:45 PM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
Saturday, November 15
great_western4:15 AM Southampton
3h21
7:36 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western5:57 AM Southampton
2h46
8:43 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
great_western8:10 AM Southampton
2h36
10:46 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Cardiff 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.

Sat
Nov 15
Sun
Nov 16
Mon
Nov 17
Tue
Nov 18
Wed
Nov 19
Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Southampton to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Southampton to Cardiff is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Southampton to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Southampton to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Southampton to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southampton to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southampton to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 2h 21m.

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
86 miles (139 km)
Average train duration
2h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
$32 (€26)
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 21m
First train
04:25
Last train
21:38
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 to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Southampton and Cardiff 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 34m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
Great Western Rail frequency
6 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
$124 (€100)
first_great_western frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Trains from Southampton to 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.

FAQs
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
Train ticket prices from Southampton to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $32 (€26), while the average price is around $62 (€50).
The distance by train from Southampton to Cardiff is 86 miles (139 km).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $20 (€16).
The first train from Southampton to Cardiff leaves at 4:25 AM.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
The last train from Southampton to Cardiff leaves at 9:38 PM.
A day trip from Southampton to Cardiff is not feasible since the journey takes 2h 21m. Trains operate 6 times per day.
The train from Southampton to Cardiff takes 2h 21m and runs 6 per day.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Cardiff is Southampton Central (SOU), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Southampton to Cardiff.
The train journey from Southampton to Cardiff offers varied scenery, featuring rolling countryside, picturesque villages, and occasional views of the Severn Estuary, providing a pleasant and visually appealing experience for travelers.
There is no high speed train available from Southampton to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train from Southampton to Cardiff. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Southampton to Cardiff

Southampton
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Southampton is Redbridge. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Redbridge for your trip from Southampton to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Redbridge
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Totton / Romsey: Redbridge Roundabout Bus Stop (Southampton side of Roundabout on A33 slip road) To Southampton: Redbridge School Bus Stop (Southampton side of Roundabout on A33 slip road)
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is step-free access to Platform 2 (for trains to Fareham) using a long ramp (40m) at approx 1:10 gradient (up to 1:7 in places). There is no step-free access to Platform 1 (towards Southampton, which is accessed via a stepped footbridge only). 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
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Sholing
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Woolston/Southampton, in Station Road by the 'Stop & Shop' store adjacent to footpath leading to station. To Bursledon/Fareham, in Station Road between Cranbury Road and Sholing Vicarage driveway.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 07:45 - 20:10
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Upside and Multi-Storey
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
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 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1; 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
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside booking hall.
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Car park and platform 2
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Southampton Airport Parkway
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Through Journeys: Station Forecourt Bus Stop off Wide Lane (A335) Terminating Journeys: Car Park at Eastleigh end, off Wide Lane (A335)
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)
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 - 10:45 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Platforms 1 & 4
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for St Denys
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Belmont Road/Junction with Osborne Road Setting Down only journeys - stop by traffic lights (Thomas Lewis Way/Duke Street)

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