- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$122
Fastest journey
2 h 21 m
Average duration
2 h 39 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 $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Of the 6 trains that leave Southampton for Cardiff on Thu, Aug 13, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 13 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 21 m .
On Thu, Aug 13 the slowest trains will take 3 h 1 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.
G15007
G15009
G15011
W35417+
G00866
G14939+
G00861
W35417+
G00866
G15009
G15007
G15011
G14939+
G00861Omio 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 $17.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price | $31 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 $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Cardiff costing on average $78 (€64).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 55m.
Tickets start at around $78 (€64) compared to roughly $42 (€34) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-36.03 (€-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, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15007 | 10:11 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h38 | 12:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00861+ G14939 | 10:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h01 | 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15009 | 11:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h35 | 1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00866+ W35417 | 11:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h21 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C03055 · W34624+ L80073 · L79946 | 11:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h07 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G15011 | 12:11 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h38 | 2:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 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 Southampton to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€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 $17 (€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.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, 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.
Redbridge is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Redbridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Redbridge.
Wi-Fi is available at Redbridge.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Redbridge: Parking.
Available at Redbridge: 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.
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need