- Recommended
Ely Museum
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Southampton to Ely
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct
Cheapest price on 09 Oct
£0.00
Average ticket price on 09 Oct
£26
Fastest journey on 09 Oct
5 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 09 Oct
6 h 48 m
Buses on 09 Oct
6
Distance
202 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Ely is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
Fast coaches
To travel from Southampton to Ely you need to make at least 2 changes.
5:056h05Southampton11:10ElyFind prices2 changes- 10:455h50Southampton16:35ElyFind prices2 changes
- 12:156h20Southampton18:35ElyFind prices2 changes
- 6:257h26Southampton13:51Ely£521One-way2 changes
- 7:308h21Southampton15:51Ely£521One-way2 changes
- 10:455h50Southampton16:35ElyFind prices2 changes
- 5:056h05Southampton11:10ElyFind prices2 changes
- 12:156h20Southampton18:35ElyFind prices2 changes
- 6:257h26Southampton13:51Ely£521One-way2 changes
- 7:308h21Southampton15:51Ely£521One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Ely
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Southampton to Ely and enjoy the approximately 202 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 20:30.
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 202 km |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 20:30 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Live departures
Southampton to Ely bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Ely coaches for today, Thursday 8 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:30 Southampton | 10h03 | 6:33 Ely | 2 changes | |
| Friday 9 October | |||||
| 5:05 Southampton | 6h05 | 11:10 Ely | 2 changes | |
| 6:25 Southampton | 7h26 | 13:51 Ely | 2 changes | |
| 7:30 Southampton | 8h21 | 15:51 Ely | 2 changes | |
| 10:45 Southampton | 5h50 | 16:35 Ely | 2 changes | |
| 12:15 Southampton | 6h20 | 18:35 Ely | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Bus providers: National Express from Southampton to ElyYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Ely with National Express. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
5h 35m
Cheapest National Express Price
£52
National Express frequency
8 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.
Complete guide to Ely
Things to do in Ely
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
- Recommended
The Stained Glass Museum
Displays historic stained glass from Britain and Europe inside Ely Cathedral. It is an unusual collection that adds depth to a cathedral visit.
- Recommended
Oliver Cromwell's House
A focused museum on Oliver Cromwell’s life in Ely, set in his former family home. Good for Civil War context and period interiors.
- Recommended
Ely Riverside
A pleasant riverfront area with boats, open views and paths. It is ideal for a relaxed walk, photography and watching life on the Great Ouse.
- Recommended
Cathedral Green
The green around the cathedral offers classic views of Ely’s skyline. It is a peaceful place to walk, rest and appreciate the setting of the church.
- Recommended
Market Square
The central square hosts the regular market and many civic events. It is a useful starting point for exploring the compact historic centre.
- Gluten-free
Eel Stew
Eel stew is tied to the Fens and Ely’s marsh history. Freshwater eel was long a staple food here, slowly cooked into a rich, traditional dish.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are a classic East Anglian and London-area eel dish. They reflect the region’s historic eel trade and wetland fishing culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Smoked eel is a prized Fenland speciality. Oily local eel is cured and smoked, giving a rich flavour linked to Ely’s waterside heritage.
Poets House
Established city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking and seasonal menus in a smart but welcoming setting.
The Fountain
Popular traditional pub known for hearty British food, cask ales and a friendly atmosphere close to Ely Cathedral.
Riverside Bar and Kitchen
Well-known waterside venue for British pub meals, drinks and outdoor seating overlooking the river and marina.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a small UK city. Accommodation and dining cost more than many towns, but local transport needs are low and day-to-day spending is manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually just small change.
Best day trips from Ely by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Ely are Cambridge, Peterborough, Bury Saint Edmunds and Newmarket. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Ely on Omio.
Day trip from Ely to Cambridge by bus
Why visit Cambridge for the day?
Cambridge is a historic university city on the River Cam, known for its colleges and punting. Its compact centre, museums and green spaces give it an academic yet lively feel.
How to get from Ely to Cambridge by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:51.
Day trip from Ely to Peterborough by bus
Why visit Peterborough for the day?
Peterborough is known for its magnificent Norman cathedral, Roman heritage and broad modern city centre. It balances historic character with a practical, multicultural feel, while Ferry Meadows and the nearby Fens bring welcome open space.
How to get from Ely to Peterborough by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 05:20, the last at 22:25.
Day trip from Ely to Bury Saint Edmunds by bus
Why visit Bury Saint Edmunds for the day?
Bury Saint Edmunds is a historic Suffolk market town known for its abbey ruins, cathedral and Georgian centre. It has a compact feel, with Abbey Gardens, independent shops and a long brewing heritage giving it character.
How to get from Ely to Bury Saint Edmunds by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 05:38, the last at 21:59.
Day trip from Ely to Newmarket by bus
Why visit Newmarket for the day?
Newmarket is best known as the historic heart of British horse racing, with training yards and studs central to its identity. The town blends racing heritage with a compact Suffolk market-town character.
FAQs: Southampton to Ely coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Ely 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 Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The earliest coach from Southampton to Ely leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Ely leaves at 20:30.
When taking a coach from Southampton to Ely, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ely. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southampton and Ely and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Southampton , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) . When arriving in Ely , you can end your route in coach stations like Mildenhall, King Street, Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece), Cambridge, Trumpington Park and Ride.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Southampton, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Mildenhall, King Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Ely including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Ely:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Ely for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton to Ely 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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 Ely.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Ely:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Ely:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Southampton to Ely.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Southampton to Ely with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Ely with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Ely with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Ely
Most Southampton to Ely buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Mildenhall, King Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Ely 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 Ely
Which Southampton station do buses to Ely leave from?
Buses from Southampton to Ely 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, 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.
Most popular bus connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Ely
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ely and Southampton
Most popular bus connections
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