- Recommended
Thomas Paine National Research Centre
Museum dedicated to Thomas Paine, with exhibits on his life, political ideas and the town he once lived in.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Southampton to Thetford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£51
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£51
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 12 m
Buses on 18 Sept
9
Distance
224 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Thetford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Thetford will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £51.
Fast coaches
To travel from Southampton to Thetford you need to make at least one change.
5:056h10Southampton11:15Thetford£511One-way1 change- 6:256h30Southampton12:55Thetford£511One-way1 change
- 7:307h15Southampton14:45Thetford£511One-way1 change
- 10:456h10Southampton16:55Thetford£511One-way1 change
- 12:156h30Southampton18:45Thetford£511One-way1 change
- 19:005h45Southampton0:45Thetford£511One-way1 change
- 5:056h10Southampton11:15Thetford£511One-way1 change
- 10:456h10Southampton16:55Thetford£511One-way1 change
- 20:306h25Southampton2:55Thetford£511One-way1 change
- 6:256h30Southampton12:55Thetford£511One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Southampton to Thetford
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Thetford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £49 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 5h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £49, while a coach costs an average of £51.
Distance: 224 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £49 Average Price Cheapest | £44 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 20m Average total duration Fastest 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Thetford is a train with an average price of £49.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Thetford:
A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Southampton to Thetford costing on average £51.
The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Thetford is by coach with an average journey time of 4h 50m.
Other travel options to Thetford take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 53m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Thetford 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 £51 compared to roughly £44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-7.66. The journey takes 4h 50m versus 3h 10m 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 Thetford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Thetford 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:15 Southampton | 6h30 | 18:45 Thetford | 1 change | |
| 15:00 Southampton | 6h20 | 21:20 Thetford | 1 change | |
| 16:30 Southampton | 6h20 | 22:50 Thetford | 1 change | |
| 18:30 Southampton | 6h15 | 0:45 Thetford | 1 change | |
| 20:30 Southampton | 6h25 | 2:55 Thetford | 1 change | |
| 5:05 Southampton | 6h10 | 11:15 Thetford | 1 change | |
| 6:25 Southampton | 6h30 | 12:55 Thetford | 1 change | |
| 7:30 Southampton | 7h15 | 14:45 Thetford | 1 change | |
| 10:45 Southampton | 6h10 | 16:55 Thetford | 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 Thetford 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
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19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
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24 Sept
Why should you book Southampton to Thetford coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Southampton to Thetford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Thetford.
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.
- 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 Thetford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Thetford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Thetford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Southampton to Thetford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £49 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:25. The fastest coach covers the 224 km distance in 5h 40m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £49
Distance 224 km |
Average bus duration 4h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 5h 40m |
First bus 0:25 |
Last bus 23:25 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £49
Bus providers: National Express from Southampton to ThetfordYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Thetford with National Express for as low as £49. 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 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£51
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 Thetford
Things to do in Thetford
Discover the best of Thetford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thetford trip today.
- Recommended
Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life
Town museum in a former court building, covering local archaeology, wildlife, industry and daily life across centuries.
Thetford Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum
Volunteer-run military museum exploring the regiment’s history through uniforms, medals and stories linked to Norfolk service.
- Must visit
Thetford Forest
Broad heathland and forest landscape near Thetford, popular for walking, cycling and experiencing the distinctive Breckland scenery.
- Recommended
Riverside Walk
Riverside green space ideal for gentle walks, wildlife spotting and views of nearby historic buildings in the heart of town.
Melford Common
Central public garden with lawns, seating and a war memorial, offering a peaceful stop close to shops and historic streets.
- Gluten-free
Norfolk Ham
A Norfolk staple of cured ham, traditionally sliced thick and served cold. It reflects the county’s long pig-rearing and curing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Norfolk Turkey
Free-range turkey reared in Norfolk, commonly roasted for Sunday lunch or festive meals. The county is strongly associated with British turkey farming.
Rabbit Pie
A rustic game dish using rabbit, often slow-cooked in pie or stew. It reflects Breckland’s historic heathland hunting and country cooking traditions.
Thetford Spice
Popular Indian restaurant and takeaway known for reliable curries and a casual atmosphere, well established with local diners in Thetford.
OMG Steakhouse
Casual steakhouse and grill serving burgers, steaks and hearty mains. A familiar choice for relaxed group meals in the town centre.
The Red Lion
Traditional riverside pub in Thetford serving British classics, roasts and drinks in a relaxed historic setting near the Little Ouse.
Pound sterling (£)
Thetford is generally cheaper than larger UK tourist cities, with lower dining and lodging costs and limited public transport spending for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-3.80 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Southampton to Thetford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Thetford 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 Thetford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Southampton to Thetford can start from as little as £51 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Thetford is £51; 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 Thetford is 5h 40m to travel the 224 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 Thetford leaves at 0:25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Thetford leaves at 23:25.
There are 8 coaches a day from Southampton to Thetford 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 Thetford, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Thetford. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southampton and Thetford 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 Thetford , you can end your route in coach stations like Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange).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 Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Thetford from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Southampton to Thetford is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Thetford including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Thetford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Thetford for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton to Thetford 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 Thetford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Thetford:
- 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 Thetford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Southampton to Thetford.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Southampton to Thetford with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Thetford with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Thetford with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Thetford
Most Southampton to Thetford buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange) station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Thetford 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 Thetford
Which Southampton station do buses to Thetford leave from?
Buses from Southampton to Thetford 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.
Which Thetford station do buses from Southampton arrive at?
Buses from Southampton to Thetford arrive at Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange). Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange) is from Thetford city centre.
Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange)London Rd, Thetford, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange) from Thetford city centre
TRUE
Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange) bus station facilities and services
Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange) 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 Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange). ATMs are available at Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Thetford, London Road (Bus Interchange): Ramps available for buses.
Most popular bus connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Thetford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Thetford and Southampton
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