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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Southampton to Margate
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£50
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£50
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 49 m
Buses on 18 Sept
5
Distance
202 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Margate will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £50.
Fast coaches
To travel from Southampton to Margate you need to make at least one change.
4:156h10Southampton10:25Margate£501One-way1 change- 7:306h45Southampton14:15Margate£501One-way1 change
- 10:457h20Southampton18:05Margate£501One-way1 change
- 14:306h45Southampton21:15Margate£501One-way1 change
- 17:207h05Southampton0:25Margate£501One-way1 change
- 4:156h10Southampton10:25Margate£501One-way1 change
- 7:306h45Southampton14:15Margate£501One-way1 change
- 14:306h45Southampton21:15Margate£501One-way1 change
- 17:207h05Southampton0:25Margate£501One-way1 change
- 10:457h20Southampton18:05Margate£501One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Southampton to Margate
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 202 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration Fastest 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Margate is a coach with an average price of £23.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Margate:
A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Margate costing on average £31.
The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Margate is by train with an average journey time of 5h 19m.
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 38m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Margate 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 £23 compared to roughly £40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £17. The journey takes 5h 38m versus 2h 55m 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 Margate bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Margate coaches for today, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 Southampton | 7h45 | 14:45 Margate | 1 change | |
 | 7:15 Southampton | 7h30 | 14:45 Margate | 2 changes | |
| 12:15 Southampton | 7h45 | 20:00 Margate | 1 change | |
| 16:30 Southampton | 7h00 | 23:30 Margate | 1 change | |
| 17:00 Southampton | 6h30 | 23:30 Margate | 2 changes | |
| 4:15 Southampton | 6h10 | 10:25 Margate | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Margate 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Southampton to Margate coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Southampton to Margate.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Margate.
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 Margate.
- 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 Margate.
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 Margate.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Margate.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Southampton to Margate run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:20, the last at 19:15. The fastest coach covers the 202 km distance in 7h 0m.
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 |
Average bus duration 5h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 2:20 |
Last bus 19:15 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 MargateYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Margate with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £23. 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
6h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£36
FlixBus frequency
2 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
7h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£23
National Express frequency
4 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 Margate
Things to do in Margate
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
- Recommended
The Crab Museum
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
- Recommended
Tracey Karloff
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
- Must visit
Margate Main Sands
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
- Recommended
Margate Harbour Arm
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
- Recommended
Margate Old Town
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
Fish And Chips
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Or Pickled Herring
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Barletta
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Angela's
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
The Greedy Cow
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up small taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but spare change is welcome.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Margate, Marine Terrace -> Margate Town Centre, Cecil Square
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach operates most local buses in Margate, including the Loop linking Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses.
- If you plan several bus journeys in Thanet, a DayRider may be better value than separate single fares. Buy tickets on board or in the Stagecoach Bus app.
FAQs: Southampton to Margate coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Southampton to Margate can start from as little as £23 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Margate is £23; 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 Margate is 7h 0m to travel the 202 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 Margate leaves at 2:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Margate leaves at 19:15.
There are 4 coaches a day from Southampton to Margate 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 Margate, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Margate. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southampton and Margate 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, University . When arriving in Margate , you can end your route in coach stations like Margate, Marine Terrace, Cliftonville, Northdown Road, Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court.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 Margate, Marine Terrace, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Margate from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Southampton to Margate is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Margate including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Margate:
- 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 Margate for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton to Margate 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 Margate.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Margate:
- 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 Margate:
- 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 Margate. 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 Margate with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Margate with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Margate with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Margate
Most Southampton to Margate buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair, with some services arriving at Cliftonville, Northdown Road. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Margate 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 Margate
Which Southampton station do buses to Margate leave from?
Buses from Southampton to Margate 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.
Which Margate station do buses from Southampton arrive at?
Buses from Southampton to Margate most often arrive at Margate, Marine Terrace. Some services arrive at Cliftonville, Northdown Road, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Margate arrival station.
Margate, Marine TerraceMargate, Station Approach, Margate CT9 5AD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Marine Terrace from Margate city centre
Bus35 · 7m
944, 8 · 10m · £3 · every ~4 min
Margate, Marine Terrace bus station facilities and services
Margate, Marine Terrace 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 Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Cliftonville, Northdown RoadNorthdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cliftonville, Northdown Road from Margate city centre
Cliftonville, Northdown Road is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8A, 960 · 14m · £3 · every ~5 min
Cliftonville, Northdown Road bus station facilities and services
Cliftonville, Northdown Road 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 Cliftonville, Northdown Road. ATMs are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Accessible for persons with mobility impairments.
Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court from Margate city centre
Bus69 · 9m · £3 · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Margate
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Margate and Southampton
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