Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£19
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£46
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
5 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
5 h 17 m
Buses on 05 Sept
24
Distance
139 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Southampton will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.
To travel from Cardiff to Southampton you need to make at least one change.
NX509 · NX032
NX507 · NX032
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX509 · NX032
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX201 · NX032
NX201 · NX032
NX201 · NX032
NX201 · NX032
NX201 · NX032Omio 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 coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £50.
Distance: 139 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£19 Average Price Cheapest | £50 Average Price | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train 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 coach is £32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Southampton costing on average £50.
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 19m.
Tickets start at around £19 compared to roughly £31 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £13. The journey takes 5h 19m versus 2h 42m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Southampton coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX509 · NX032 | 8:38 Cardiff, University | 8h27 | 17:05 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX032 | 10:08 Cardiff, University | 8h17 | 18:25 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX032 | 11:38 Cardiff, University | 8h02 | 19:40 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h10 | 17:55 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 change | |
NX507 · NX032 | 12:23 Cardiff, University | 8h17 | 20:40 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX032 | 13:53 Cardiff, University | 7h57 | 21:50 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h50 | 21:40 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h45 | 23:25 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX032 | 16:55 Cardiff, University | 7h10 | 0:05 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX507 · NX032 | 18:53 Cardiff, University | 6h37 | 1:30 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX032 | 19:53 Cardiff, University | 7h07 | 3:00 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| Saturday 5 September | |||||
NX201 · NX032 | 3:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h10 | 9:50 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX032 | 3:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h10 | 9:50 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h20 | 11:00 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX032 | 5:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h40 | 11:20 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX032 | 5:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h40 | 11:20 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX032 | 7:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h20 | 12:50 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX032 | 7:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h20 | 12:50 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h25 | 13:10 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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.
Buses from Cardiff to Southampton run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:20, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 139 km distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 139 km |
Average bus duration 5h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Buses per day 17 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 2:20 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.
Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.
Historic quarter of lanes, walls and vaults near the waterfront. Best for wandering between medieval sites, museums and old pubs.
Large central park popular for walks, events and green space between the civic buildings. A practical and pleasant break from shopping streets.
Waterside promenade with marina views, cafés nearby and links to old town walks. Visit for harbour scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
A hearty Hampshire stew of beef, onions and root vegetables, slowly cooked. It is a traditional county comfort dish linked to local farmhouse cooking.
Fresh crab from the nearby Solent and south coast, often served simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour and strong coastal identity.
A classic south coast catch, grilled or fried and served in local pubs and seafood spots. It reflects Southampton’s long maritime food culture.
Lively Oxford Street seafood restaurant serving fish, shellfish and British classics in an established, bustling setting.
Well-known Italian restaurant in Ocean Village with pizzas, pasta and marina views in a relaxed modern setting.
Contemporary fine dining in a polished setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and carefully presented plates.
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Southampton by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Southampton buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Southampton, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Southampton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University). ATMs are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Bus stop is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
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