- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$161
Fastest journey
4 h 13 m
Average duration
4 h 14 m
Trains per day
24
Distance
292 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Manchester will cost around $161 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 24 trains that leave Southampton for Manchester on Sun, May 31, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 292 km distance in an average of 4 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 13 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 4 h 14 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.
G00917
G00890
G00897
L78796+
G00885
Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+
W33305+
C03069+
L80189
G00917
G00867
G00874
G00885
G00863Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $162 Average price | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 36m Average total duration 4h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 0m Average total duration 6h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Manchester:
A bus is $63 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Manchester costing on average $102 (€82).
A bus is $123 (€99) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Southampton to Manchester costing on average $162 (€130).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 6m.
Bus takes on average 6h 30m.
You'll arrive about 24m sooner (4h 6m by train vs 4h 30m by car). Tickets start at around $102 (€82) compared to roughly $81 (€65) 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.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
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 Manchester trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00850 | On time 6:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 10:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00850+ C47861+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+ W33513 | On time 6:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h50 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
L80484+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33680 | On time 6:55 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h10 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00852 | On time 7:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 11:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00852+ W34463+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+ W33680 | On time 7:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h50 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
L80349+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33501 | On time 7:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h35 | 1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L80187+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33519 | On time 8:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h19 | 1:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00856 | On time 8:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 12:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00859 | On time 9:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 1:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80066+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33792 | 9:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h35 | 3:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L80197+ G88403+ Tube from London Victoria to London Euston+ W33792 | 10:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h05 | 3:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
L80197+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33697 | 10:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h19 | 3:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00862 | On time 10:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 2:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00868 | On time 11:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 3:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80209+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33436 | 12:00 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h05 | 5:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00873 | On time 12:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 4:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00873+ W34543+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+ W33436 | On time 12:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h50 | 5:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
L80081+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33468 | 12:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h35 | 6:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L80219+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33554 | 1:00 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h24 | 6:24 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00881 | On time 1:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 5:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€30) but you can travel from only $22 (€17) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 181 miles (292 km) distance in 4h 4m.
Distance 181 miles (292 km) |
Average train duration 4h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€30) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 4m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry on top. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet treats.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is strongly associated with the Manchester area and widely loved across the North West.
A traditional Lancashire and Greater Manchester snack of slow-cooked black badger peas, often served with vinegar. It is a simple local street-food style dish with deep regional roots.
A highly regarded steak and British seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse. It is known for excellent ingredients, strong service, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Service charge is uncommon outside upscale venues. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. No tip is expected for pubs, takeaways, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Manchester Victoria
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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