- Must visit
Tate St Ives
Major modern art museum with sea-facing setting and rotating exhibitions. A top stop for British modernism and St Ives artistic history.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$82
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$82
Fastest journey on Sep 20
6 h 32 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
6 h 32 m
Trains on Sep 20
1
Distance
299 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to St Ives is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to St Ives will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from Southampton to St Ives, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 299 km distance in an average of 6 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 32 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 6 h 32 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.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Southampton to St Ives among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $111 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $111, while a train costs an average of $187.
Distance: 185 miles (299 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$187 Average price | $111 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 0m Average total duration Fastest 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 7m Average total duration 9h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to St Ives:
A bus is $76 (€62) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to St Ives costing on average $187 (€153).
Other travel options to St Ives take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 37m.
Tickets start at around $187 (€153) compared to roughly $78 (€64) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-108.66 (€-88.81). The journey takes 5h 30m versus 4h 24m 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 St Ives trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L78745 · L79316+ C42212 · Y15580 | Delayed 5:00 AM 5:57 AMSouthampton Central (SOU) | 9h37 | 3:34 PM St Ives station (SIV) | 3 transfers | |
G00850+ C42206 · Y15540+ L78745 | Delayed 5:49 AM 5:57 AMSouthampton Central (SOU) | 7h36 | 1:33 PM St Ives station (SIV) | 3 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 St Ives run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $112 (€92) but you can travel from only $86 (€71) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 17:33. The fastest train covers the 185 miles (299 km) distance in 5h 15m.
Distance 185 miles (299 km) |
Average train duration 5h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $112 (€92) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 15m |
First train 5:15 AM |
Last train 5:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of St Ives — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Ives trip today.
Major modern art museum with sea-facing setting and rotating exhibitions. A top stop for British modernism and St Ives artistic history.
Barbara Hepworth’s preserved studio and garden display her sculptures in the place she lived and worked. Essential for art lovers.
Compact museum covering fishing, mining, maritime, and social history. It gives valuable context to the town beyond its beaches and galleries.
Golden crescent beach backed by Tate St Ives and surfing waves. One of the town’s most famous and scenic places to walk and linger.
Long sandy beach east of the center with broad bay views. Popular for swimming, walks, and a quieter atmosphere than the harbour.
Historic maze of narrow lanes and cottages near the harbour. It captures the old fishing-town character that gives St Ives its charm.
A rich Cornish fish stew of mixed local seafood in a saffron broth. It is a classic coastal dish linked closely with Cornwall’s fishing heritage.
Cornwall’s famous baked pastry with beef, potato, swede and onion. Traditionally made as a portable meal for miners and still widely loved locally.
A split bread roll filled with local pilchards or sardines. It reflects St Ives fishing traditions and is a simple, classic Cornish seaside lunch.
A Celebrated beachside restaurant with refined Cornish seafood, tasting menus and sea views. Ideal for a special meal in St Ives.
A Popular seafood restaurant and fishmonger near the harbour, known for very fresh Cornish fish in a relaxed modern setting.
A Long-established bakery and cafe famous for Cornish pasties, saffron cake and other regional bakes. Good for a traditional quick bite.
Moderate for UK seaside resorts. Summer stays cost more, but dining and local buses are similar to other Cornwall tourist towns.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
St Ives Railway Station -> St Ives Harbour
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to St Ives 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 St Ives, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Southampton to St Ives trains use the Southampton Central to St Ives station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and St Ives 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.
St Ives has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at St Ives.
Wi-Fi is available at St Ives.
Ticket office support is available at St Ives.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St Ives: Parking, Taxis.
Available at St Ives: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at St Ives: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free acccess to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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