- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
Cheapest price
£30
Average price
£36
Fastest journey
4 h 55 m
Average duration
5 h 2 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Stansted to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stansted to Southampton will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £30.
Of the 3 buses that leave Stansted for Southampton every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 158 km distance in an average of 5 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 5 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stansted to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a train costs an average of £20.
Distance: 158 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £34 Average Price |
4h 18m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Stansted to Southampton coaches for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 19:35 Stansted | 4h55 | 0:30 Southampton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 20:35 Stansted | 4h55 | 1:30 Southampton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 23:50 Stansted | 9h40 | 9:30 Southampton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Stansted to Southampton run on average 22 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £20 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 158 km distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 158 km |
Average bus duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Buses per day 22 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.
Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.
Historic quarter of lanes, walls and vaults near the waterfront. Best for wandering between medieval sites, museums and old pubs.
Large central park popular for walks, events and green space between the civic buildings. A practical and pleasant break from shopping streets.
Waterside promenade with marina views, cafés nearby and links to old town walks. Visit for harbour scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
A hearty Hampshire stew of beef, onions and root vegetables, slowly cooked. It is a traditional county comfort dish linked to local farmhouse cooking.
Fresh crab from the nearby Solent and south coast, often served simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour and strong coastal identity.
A classic south coast catch, grilled or fried and served in local pubs and seafood spots. It reflects Southampton’s long maritime food culture.
Lively Oxford Street seafood restaurant serving fish, shellfish and British classics in an established, bustling setting.
Well-known Italian restaurant in Ocean Village with pizzas, pasta and marina views in a relaxed modern setting.
Contemporary fine dining in a polished setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and carefully presented plates.
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Southampton Coach Station -> Southampton Central Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stansted to Southampton 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 Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Stansted to Southampton buses use the Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station to Southampton, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton, University. Use this guide to compare Stansted and Southampton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need