- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, art, and natural science in a major Victorian institution.
Cheapest price
€71
Average price
€108
Fastest journey
3 h 21 m
Average duration
3 h 35 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
219 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Ipswich will cost around €108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €71.
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Ipswich without transferring at least 2 times.
L78764+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+
P01245
L80064+
P01341+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
L78760+
C04675+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
L78756+
P01236+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
G00855+
P01236+
W35358+
C38186
G00858+
P01245+
W34472+
C37893
G00855+
P01236+
W35358+
C38186
L78764+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+
P01245
L78756+
P01236+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
L78760+
C04675+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €39. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €39, and a train costs an average of €31.
Distance: 136 miles (219 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€62 Average price | €57 Average price Cheapest | €45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration 6h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Ipswich:
A bus is €5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Ipswich costing on average €62.
Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 9m.
You'll arrive about 16m sooner (3h 0m by train vs 3h 16m by car). Tickets start at around €62 compared to roughly €45 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Ipswich trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L78756+ P01236+ Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | 8:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h39 | 11:39 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 2 transfers | |
P01236+ W35358+ G00855+ C38186 | 8:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h24 | 11:39 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 3 transfers | |
L78760+ C04675+ Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | 8:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h54 | 12:24 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 2 transfers | |
L78764+ P01245+ Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | 9:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h36 | 12:36 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 2 transfers | |
P01245+ C37893+ W34472+ G00858 | 9:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h21 | 12:36 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 3 transfers | |
L80064+ P01341+ Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | 9:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h54 | 1:24 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Ipswich run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:49, the last at 22:43. The fastest train covers the 136 miles (219 km) distance in 3h 21m.
Distance 136 miles (219 km) |
Average train duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €31 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 21m |
First train 4:49 AM |
Last train 10:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
Ipswich’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, art, and natural science in a major Victorian institution.
Elegant mansion museum in Christchurch Park with period rooms, Ipswich treasures, and changing displays in a beautiful historic setting.
Free contemporary gallery showing regional and national artists. A strong stop for visitors exploring Ipswich’s modern cultural scene.
Large historic park with lawns, wooded walks, tennis courts, and mansion views. It is Ipswich’s classic green escape near the centre.
Regenerated marina district with quayside walks, public art, and lively views of boats and historic warehouses day or night.
Main civic square framed by Town Hall and historic buildings. A natural starting point for markets, events, and town-centre sightseeing.
A traditional Suffolk cured ham, usually served thinly sliced. It is prized for its dry cure and long local heritage in East Anglian food culture.
A regional blue cheese made in Suffolk from cow's milk. Its creamy texture and rich, tangy taste make it a classic local cheese board choice.
Fresh fish landed from the Suffolk coast, often cod, plaice, or sole. It reflects Ipswich's long trading links with nearby North Sea fishing ports.
Well-known Ipswich pub and dining room serving classic British dishes, local ales, and seasonal produce in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Refined restaurant in nearby Great Bealings with modern British tasting menus, strong Suffolk sourcing, and an elegant country-house setting.
Popular independent venue in the town centre serving brunch, coffee, and modern British plates in a stylish casual space.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Ipswich Railway Station -> Cornhill, Ipswich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Southampton to Ipswich trains use the Southampton Central to Ipswich station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Ipswich 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.
Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Ipswich has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Ipswich.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich. ATMs are available at Ipswich.
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ipswich: Parking, WC.
Available at Ipswich: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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