Southampton to Ipswich bus with National Express

Sun 13 Sept
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Southampton to Ipswich

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Sept

Cheapest price on 13 Sept

£46

Average ticket price on 13 Sept

£57

Fastest journey on 13 Sept

6 h 20 m

Average journey duration on 13 Sept

7 h 29 m

Buses on 13 Sept

8

Distance

219 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Southampton to Ipswich will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £46.

Fast coaches

To travel from Southampton to Ipswich you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • National ExpressNX032 · NXA8 · NX717
    15:457h40
    Southampton, Coach Station
    23:25Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £461One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX032 · NXA8 · NX717
    19:007h20
    Southampton, Coach Station
    2:20Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £491One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX032 · NXA8 · NX717
    12:158h15
    Southampton, Coach Station
    20:30Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £521One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX032 · NXA8 · NX717
    2:058h35
    Southampton, Coach Station
    10:40Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £551One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX032 · NXA8 · NX717
    2:058h35
    Southampton, Coach Station
    10:40Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £551One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach for Southampton to Ipswich

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £69 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 6h 35m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £69, while a coach costs an average of £69.

Distance: 219 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Driving

£69

Average Price

Cheapest

£41

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 16m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

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 Ipswich is a coach with an average price of £69.
The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 3h 2m.

Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 5m.

Yes, you can take a coach between Southampton and Ipswich.
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 £69 compared to roughly £41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-28.16. The journey takes 6h 5m versus 3h 16m 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 Ipswich bus times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Ipswich coaches for today, Saturday 12 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National Express14:45 Southampton
7h40
22:25 Ipswich0 changesdirect
Sunday 13 September
National ExpressNX032 · NXA8 · NX7172:05 Southampton, Coach Station
8h35
10:40 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 changes
National ExpressNX032 · NXA8 · NX7172:05 Southampton, Coach Station
8h35
10:40 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 changes
National ExpressNX032 · NX728 · NX7176:45 Southampton, Coach Station
6h20
13:05 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 changes
National ExpressNX032 · NX727 · NX7177:45 Southampton, Coach Station
7h50
15:35 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 changes
National ExpressNX032 · NXA8 · NX7179:15 Southampton, Coach Station
8h20
17:35 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 changes

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Ipswich by coach

Compare 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.

Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept

Why should you book Southampton to Ipswich coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Southampton to Ipswich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Ipswich.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to Ipswich

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton to Ipswich run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £69 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 02:00, the last at 21:00. The fastest coach covers the 219 km distance in 5h 50m.

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
219 km
Average bus duration
6h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£69
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
5h 50m
First bus
2:00
Last bus
21:00
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
28 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 from Southampton to IpswichYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Ipswich with National Express for as low as £69. 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 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
£69
National Express frequency
6 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.

Standard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

Complete guide to Ipswich

Things to do in Ipswich

Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.

  • Must visit

Ipswich Museum

Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.

  • Must visit

Christchurch Mansion

Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.

  • Recommended

The Hold: Ipswich Waterfront

Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a basic lunch.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Southampton to Ipswich coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Southampton to Ipswich can start from as little as £69 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Ipswich is £69; 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 Ipswich is 5h 50m to travel the 219 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 Ipswich leaves at 2:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Ipswich leaves at 21:00.
There are 9 coaches a day from Southampton to Ipswich which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Southampton to Ipswich, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ipswich. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southampton and Ipswich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
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 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Ipswich from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Southampton to Ipswich is December.
Yes, you can take a coach between Southampton and Ipswich.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Ipswich:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Ipswich for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton to Ipswich 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 Ipswich.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Ipswich:
  • 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 Ipswich:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Southampton to Ipswich.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Southampton to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Ipswich

Most Southampton to Ipswich buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Ipswich 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 Ipswich

Which Southampton station do buses to Ipswich leave from?

Buses from Southampton to Ipswich 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 KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
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.

More options for your journey from Southampton to Ipswich

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Ipswich Southampton to Ipswich bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone