Southampton to Manchester train with CrossCountry

Sat, Nov 29
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Dec 01

Cheapest price

$126

Average price

$200

Fastest journey

4 h 14 m

Average duration

4 h 26 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

292 km

Cheap tickets

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 $200 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $126.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Southampton for Manchester on Mon, Dec 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 01 the direct trains cover the 292 km distance in an average of 4 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 14 m .

On Mon, Dec 01 the slowest trains will take 4 h 44 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.

South Western RailwayL46946+SouthernY29218+TubeTube from London Victoria to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW09645
09:00AM4h19
Southampton Central (SOU)
01:19PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$1261One-way
3 transfers
South Western RailwayL46946+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW09727
09:00AM4h44
Southampton Central (SOU)
01:44PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$1261One-way
2 transfers
South Western RailwayL46944+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW09643
08:30AM4h35
Southampton Central (SOU)
01:05PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$1601One-way
2 transfers
South Western RailwayL46942+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW09724
08:00AM4h44
Southampton Central (SOU)
12:44PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$1601One-way
2 transfers
CrossCountryC23380
08:15AM4h14
Southampton Central (SOU)
12:29PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$2461One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Southampton to Manchester

Omio 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 €16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. 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 €16, and a flight costs an average of €73.

Distance: 181 miles (292 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€115

Average price

€31

Average price

Cheapest

€134

Average price

4h 37m

Average total duration

4h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 52m

Average total duration

6h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 7m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Eastern Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Southampton to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Manchester trains for today, Sunday, November 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:16 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
avanti_west_coast5:55 AM Southampton
6h07
12:02 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coast7:26 AM Southampton
5h23
12:49 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
cross_country8:15 AM Southampton
4h14
12:29 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coast9:25 AM Southampton
4h41
2:06 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coast9:55 AM Southampton
4h57
2:52 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
cross_country5:15 AM Southampton
4h14
9:29 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Manchester 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.

Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06

Why should you book Southampton to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast and Cross Country offer trains services from Southampton to Manchester. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast and Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Manchester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While CrossCountry tickets can be bought on CrossCountry's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Avanti West Coast and Cross Country to help you choose the right option for your journey from Southampton to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Manchester.

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

The best time to book your train from Southampton to Manchester is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Southampton to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Southampton to Manchester 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 Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southampton to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southampton to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 (€42) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 181 miles (292 km) distance in 4h 14m.

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 $19 (€16)
Distance
181 miles (292 km)
Average train duration
4h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
$52 (€42)
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 14m
First train
00:04
Last train
22:15
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 $19 (€16)

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Southampton to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Southampton and Manchester from $19 (€16). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 14m
Cheapest Price
$66 (€53)
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
$134 (€108)
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 13m
Cheapest Price
$321 (€260)
Cross Country frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Trains from Southampton to Manchester

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.

FAQs
To fully experience Manchester, including its cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant nightlife, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
A day trip from Southampton to Manchester is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 14m. However, the train service runs 6 times per day.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, with its tours and museum. Discover the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art, or enjoy a captivating performance at the Manchester Opera House. For nightlife, check out Deansgate Locks' bars and clubs. Spend a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery, Science and Industry Museum, and see the stunning architecture of Manchester Cathedral. The John Rylands Library offers a look at rare manuscripts, while Castlefield invites leisurely strolls through its historic ruins and canals.
The train journey from Southampton to Manchester offers varied scenery, including glimpses of the English countryside, rolling hills, and picturesque towns, though it primarily passes through urban and industrial areas.
The distance by train from Southampton to Manchester is 181 miles (292 km).
Train ticket prices from Southampton to Manchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $52 (€42), while the average price is around $142 (€115).
The train station in Southampton that goes to Manchester is Southampton Central (SOU), which connects to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The train from Southampton to Manchester takes 4h 14m and runs 6 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Manchester is by bus, with a cost of around $19 (€16).
The first train from Southampton to Manchester leaves at 12:04 AM.
The last train from Southampton to Manchester leaves at 10:15 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Southampton to Manchester.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Southampton to Manchester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Southampton to Manchester. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Southampton to Manchester

Southampton
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Southampton is Millbrook (Hants). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Millbrook (Hants) for your trip from Southampton to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Public transit options for Millbrook (Hants)
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: From Totton / Romsey: Bus Stop outside of Station on sliproad from Waterloo Road to Mountbatten Way (A33) To Southampton: Mountbatten Way (A33) Bus Stop by Lakelands Drive
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)
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 11:00 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Step-free category B station - This station has no step-free access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Eastleigh/ London Waterloo). There is level access to Platform 2 (for trains towards Southampton Central). 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: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Swaythling
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Outside station in Wessex Lane.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 11:00 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Level access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Southampton). Steps to Platform 2 (for trains towards Portsmouth). 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: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Woolston
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Through Journeys: Bridge Road Bus Stops at bottom of Garton Road. Terminating Journeys: Station Forecourt, Garton Road

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