Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Southampton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 38m. 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 $19, and a train costs an average of $16.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m 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 Cardiff to Southampton:
A bus is $45 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Southampton costing on average $74 (€60).
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 29m.
Travel optionsfrom Cardiff to Southampton
How to get from Cardiff to Southampton by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Cardiff to Southampton is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus · FlixBus11:45 AM6h05Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)5:50 PMSouthampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)$311One-way1 transfer
Cheapest
FlixBus · FlixBus11:45 AM6h05Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)5:50 PMSouthampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)$311One-way1 transfer
Fastest
G15045+
G0100911:18 AM2h25Cardiff Central (CDF)1:43 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$1561One-way1 transfer
Other options
G1500810:30 AM2h32Cardiff Central (CDF)1:02 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$871One-way0 transfers
G150069:28 AM2h34Cardiff Central (CDF)12:02 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$871One-way0 transfers
W349748:27 AM2h36Cardiff Central (CDF)11:03 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)$871One-way0 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus4:40 PM6h45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)11:25 PMSouthampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)$311One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus11:45 AM6h25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)6:10 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$321One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus4:40 PM7h05Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)11:45 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)$321One-way1 transfer
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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FAQs: Travel from Cardiff to Southampton
Travel to Southampton easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cardiff to Southampton.

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Southampton:
A bus is $45 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Southampton costing on average $74 (€60).
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 29m.
- Around 17 buses per day.
- Around 7 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cardiff and Southampton as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Cardiff Central (CDF) and arrive in Southampton Central (SOU).
- Buses mostly depart from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens and arrive in Southampton, Coach Station.
- Ferries mostly depart from Yarmouth and arrive in Lymington Pier.
- Travel with National Express, FlixBus to go to Southampton by bus.
- Travel with Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) to go to Southampton by train.
- 3 direct trains per day with Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Travelling from Cardiff to Southampton: related information
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