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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Southampton to Cambridge
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£34
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£40
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
7 h
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
7 h 27 m
Buses on 17 Sept
3
Distance
178 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Cambridge will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £34.
Fast coaches
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 3 buses from Southampton to Cambridge, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 178 km distance in an average of 7 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 40 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.
10:057h00Southampton17:05Cambridge£341One-way0 changes- 1:057h40Southampton8:45Cambridge£381One-way0 changes
- 2:057h40Southampton9:45Cambridge£481One-way0 changes
- 10:057h00Southampton17:05Cambridge£341One-way0 changes
- 2:057h40Southampton9:45Cambridge£481One-way0 changes
- 1:057h40Southampton8:45Cambridge£381One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Southampton to Cambridge
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, while a train costs an average of £45.
Distance: 178 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£25 Average Price Cheapest | £45 Average Price | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 12m Average total duration 4h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Cambridge is a coach with an average price of £48.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Cambridge:
A coach is £14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Cambridge costing on average £62.
The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Cambridge is by train with an average journey time of 2h 39m.
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 22m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Cambridge including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £48 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-12.59. The journey takes 4h 22m versus 2h 45m 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.
Live departures
Southampton to Cambridge bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Cambridge coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:05 Southampton | 7h40 | 8:45 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2:05 Southampton | 7h40 | 9:45 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:05 Southampton | 7h00 | 17:05 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Cambridge by coach or train
Compare coach 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
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18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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Why should you book Southampton to Cambridge coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Southampton to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Cambridge.
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Cambridge.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Cambridge.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Southampton to Cambridge run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 01:35, the last at 22:51. The fastest coach covers the 178 km distance in 5h 15m.
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
Distance 178 km |
Average bus duration 4h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 1:35 |
Last bus 22:51 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
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
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Southampton to CambridgeYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Cambridge with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £17. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£17
FlixBus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
£19
National Express frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Complete guide to Cambridge
Things to do in Cambridge
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.
- Recommended
Kettle's Yard
Contemporary art gallery in a former chapel, showing changing exhibitions by modern and international artists near the city centre.
- Recommended
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Museum of Earth sciences with dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and minerals. Compact, family-friendly, and useful for a rainy day.
- Must visit
The Backs
Riverside green linking college backs and open meadows. Ideal for walking, punting views, and classic Cambridge photographs.
- Must visit
Market Square
Lively square and shopping area with the market, historic streets, and buskers. A practical starting point for exploring the old centre.
- Recommended
Trinity Lane
Historic lane of colleges, chapels, and gateways. A rewarding walk for architecture, student atmosphere, and easy access to central sights.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cambridge burnt cream
A Cambridge creation: a rich dessert of vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, whipped cream and meringue, long associated with Cambridge college dining.
- Gluten-free
Cambridgeshire fidget pie
A traditional Cambridgeshire farm dish of braised beef or mutton with onions and root vegetables, reflecting the county’s rural cooking heritage.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pippin paste
An old East Anglian fruit preserve made from windfall apples slowly cooked to a dark, tangy spread, once common in Cambridgeshire households.
Midsummer House
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting just outside the city centre.
The Riverbar Steakhouse and Grill
Long-running riverside restaurant known for modern European cooking and views over the Cam in a smart but relaxed room.
The Eagle
Popular city-centre pub serving cask ales and hearty British food in a lively, historic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Cambridge is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels and dining are above average, but walking and buses help keep transport costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- /public_transport/single_ticket_price may be null if no reliable day pass exists. - Official public transport app for the city. - Official public transport website. - public_transport.day_pass_price may be null if no reliable day pass exists. - public_transport.website must be an official operator or transport authority URL, or null if no official website exists. - 1-2 essential public transport tips, each max 200 characters. - If possible, mention whether card/contactless payment works on trams, buses, or metro. - Each tip must be no longer than 2 sentences. - Use local currency format with currency symbol instead of currency code. if you mention price. For app_store_url and play_store_url, always use search URLs based on the app name, never direct app links: - App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/search?term=<app_name>&entity=software - Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=<app_name>&c=apps Replace spaces in app names with +. Also include arrival information from Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) to the city center: - station is the arrival station name. - destination is a central destination in the city, such as the main station, central bus station, or a well-known central square. - directions_url format: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin={urlencoded_station}&destination={urlencoded_destination}. Replace spaces with + and include the city in origin and destination names. - distance_to_city_center: include distance with units, for example "3 km". - travel_time_to_city_center: include time with units, for example "20 min". - best_option must include type, price, duration, and website. - best_option may be public transport, taxi, or rideshare. - best_option.type should be specific where possible, for example "S-Bahn S9" or "Taxi". - best_option.price must use local currency and use local currency format. If best_option uses metro, train, or RER, use the standard full-price metro/train/RER ticket. - best_option.duration must include units, for example "30 min". - best_option.website should be a ticketing or operator URL, or null if none is available. Use British English in the output.Never translate or alter placeholders inside {...}. Keep punctuation around placeholders natural for the target language. For attraction, landmark, and place names, use the name most commonly used in the target language: - If the place has a widely established target-language name (an exonym), use it. For example, in Spanish "Eiffel Tower" becomes "Torre Eiffel". Never leave an English name when the target language has a common name for the place. - Otherwise keep the authentic local or official name unchanged. Do not word-for-word translate proper names that have no established target-language form, for example keep "Musée d'Orsay" as is. Do not translate restaurant or other venue names, station names, URLs, app names, or currency codes.
To the city centre
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) -> Cambridge City Centre
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Adult local bus single fares in Cambridge are capped at £3; under-25s with a Tiger pass pay £1.
- Cambridge city buses are mainly Stagecoach and Whippet. Check operator acceptance before buying a multi-operator ticket.
FAQs: Southampton to Cambridge coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Southampton to Cambridge can start from as little as £17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Cambridge is £48; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Southampton to Cambridge is 3h 45m to travel the 178 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Southampton to Cambridge leaves at 1:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Cambridge leaves at 22:51.
There are 17 coaches a day from Southampton to Cambridge which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Southampton to Cambridge, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cambridge. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southampton and Cambridge and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cambridge from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Southampton to Cambridge is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Cambridge including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Cambridge:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Cambridge for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton to Cambridge depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Southampton to Cambridge.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Cambridge:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Cambridge:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Southampton to Cambridge. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Southampton to Cambridge with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Cambridge with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Cambridge with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Cambridge
Most Southampton to Cambridge buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Cambridge bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Southampton
Arrival bus stations in Cambridge
Which Southampton station do buses to Cambridge leave from?
Buses from Southampton to Cambridge leave from Southampton, Coach Station. The station is from Southampton city centre at Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, UniversityUniversity Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre
Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU2b, U2 · 11m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 25m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 29m · £2 · every ~37 min
Southampton, University bus station facilities and services
Southampton, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)University Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) from Southampton city centre
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU2b, U2 · 13m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 24m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 28m · £2 · every ~37 min
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University). ATMs are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Bus stop is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) from Cambridge city centre
BusTour · 31m · £2 · every ~6 min
Most popular bus connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cambridge and Southampton
Most popular bus connections
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